MA Medieval Studies: The University of Manchester

Course description

This interdisciplinary 180 credit programme offers you the opportunity to pursue your interest in the literatures, histories and cultures of Late Antiquity and the European Middle Ages (c. 350-1550 CE). Research in this fascinating area has a long and distinguished history at the University of Manchester, and we have a lively research culture, with talks, seminars and conferences that you will be able to attend in addition to your taught courses.

The John Rylands Library houses exceptional medieval treasures (which are currently being digitised) and offers many exciting research and study opportunities. Staff teaching on this MA represent the disciplines of History, Art History, English and American Studies, Religions and Theology and European Languages.

Programme Director: Dr Anke Bernau

Module details

The Course consists of:

• The core course (30 credits), entitled The History of the Book. This course is taught in the magnificent surroundings of the John Rylands Library with the support of specialist library staff. It will allow you to view rare books and manuscripts from across the entire period and the aim is to consider all aspects of book production, from the roll to the codex, as well as the uses (practical and symbolic) of texts in medieval culture. It will familiarise you with the generic range of medieval sources and introduce you to recent theoretical approaches to archival research.
• Research training for medieval studies (30 credits)
• A -choice of two option modules. (each,30 credits) You can choose to specialise in particular disciplines, or select your courses across disciplinary boundaries.

Career opportunities

Graduates go on to research and teaching posts in universities, to library work and to a wide range of other professions.