MA Medieval History

Why Study Medieval History at UEA?

The MA in Medieval History provides in-depth training in the study of the high and late middle ages in England and northern France. The broad chronological range of the course, running from the 11th through to the 15th centuries, represents the extensive expertise of the School’s medieval historians.

We introduce you to high-level debates in specialist research fields, featuring cultural, political, social, economic and ecclesiastical perspectives. Lively seminars, led by experienced scholars, are based on key sources for the period. You will also have the opportunity to specialise when producing assessed work, guided by our team. The culmination of our MA course is the dissertation, a unique and rewarding exercise undertaken in the second half of the degree. This independent study will be completed under the supervision of one or more members of the School.

UEA’s location in the medieval city of Norwich gives students access to the unparalleled medieval archives housed in the Norfolk Record Office, the extensive collections in the Castle Museum and the Norfolk Archaeological Unit, and the material remains of numerous medieval buildings.

Content and Structure of the Course

The MA in Medieval History is a one-year full-time programme or a two-year part-time programme. The course provides students with the skills and knowledge to undertake independent research at an advanced level. In the first instance, students practice these skills on the dissertation, but the course is also designed to prepare students for doctoral study, should this prove desirable and feasible. Training is given in Latin and Latin palaeography over the course of two semesters. The 60-credit core module, England and the Continent in the High Middle Ages, also runs over two semesters. In this module the following themes and topics may be covered, according to the needs and interests of participants: Society, 970-1066; Domesday Book; Letter Collections; Historical Writing; Charters; the Royal Household; Royal Record Keeping; Urban Communities 1200-1500; Rural Communities 1200-1500; Monasticism; the Church; Canon Law; Magna Carta.

Teaching is carried out mainly a weekly seminar, preparation for which is a requirement of the course. The MA is assessed through coursework and the dissertation, which constitutes half the credits for the degree.

Course Tutors and Research Interests

Prof. Mark Bailey – estate, manorial and urban sources 1200 to 1500; the organisation and economy of towns; the decline of serfdom
Prof. David Bates – Normandy; biography; charters; Anglo-Norman realm.
Prof. Stephen Church – twelfth-century kingship; the royal household; King John; royal records; the twelfth-century Exchequer
Dr Tom Licence – monasticism; historical writing; saints’ cults; the Church
Dr Lucy Marten – Domesday Book; East Anglian History; late Anglo-Saxon society and politics.
Prof. Carole Rawcliffe – medical history; late-medieval political history
Mrs Elizabeth Rutledge – urban communities, espec. Norwich before the Black Death; the law and the law courts
Prof. Nicholas Vincent – charters of Henry II; Magna Carta; Angevin continental lands; royal record keeping

There are many reasons to choose us. 77% of research in the School of History was rated 4* (world leading) or 3* (internationally excellent) according to the Research Excellence Framework (REF2014), a major Government analysis of university research quality. An MA in the School of History combines breadth of choice with depth of study. Students can choose from five excellent courses: Medieval, Early Modern, Modern British, Modern European and Landscape History, all carefully constructed and taught by specialists with relevant research interests and reputations. Unlike some MA courses, which ‘mix-and-match’ large numbers of small modules, within each course option students take a year-long 60-credit module, which allows them really to explore the subject in detail. Research skills are taught in a packed training programme, which provides everything our students need to further their historical ambitions. In the Spring Semester, they also make short presentations on their dissertation subjects, which, because the audience is mostly made up of their peers, makes for an event more like an informal symposium than a viva voce examination (which it isn’t anyway). Everyone finds this event helpful and enjoyable. UEA is extremely proud of its lively research community, which includes not just MA students but PhD students and teaching staff. We all benefit greatly from this intellectually stimulating environment and would like you to as well!

Disclaimer

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.

Entry Requirements

• Degree Subject: History or a related subject
• Degree Classification: UK BA (Hons) 2.1 or equivalent
• Special Entry Requirements: Applicants must submit a sample of written work (in English). This should be a typed essay on a historical subject, 2-3,000 words long, preferably a photocopy of an assessment marked by a tutor, complete with critical comments and a percentage or grade. The essay should address a specific question, and must demonstrate an ability to construct a historical argument, familiarity with the conventions of academic writing, and competence in English. This should be uploaded to your online application.

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:

• IELTS: 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all components)
• PTE (Pearson): 62 (minimum 55 in all components)

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.

Other tests, including Cambridge English exams and the Trinity Integrated Skills in English are also accepted by the university. The full list of accepted tests can be found here: Accepted English Language Tests

INTO UEA also run pre-sessional courses which can be taken prior to the start of your course. For further information and to see if you qualify please contact intopre-sessional@uea.ac.uk

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

If you have alternative qualifications that have not been mentioned above then please contact university directly for further information.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees

Tuition fees for the academic year 2016/17 are:

• UK/EU Students: £7,150
• International Students: £14,500

If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for UK/EU students).

We estimate living expenses at £820 per month.

Scholarships and Awards:

There are a variety of scholarships and studentships available to postgraduate applicants in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. For further information relevant to the School of History, please click here.

Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.

You can apply online.

Further Information

To request further information & to be kept up to date with news & events please use our online enquiry form.

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying please do contact us:

Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk

International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.