Medieval History MRes

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Designed to develop your understanding of medieval history, or introduce you to it if you have not studied it before, this is a research degree with some provision for taught modules. It provides an exciting opportunity to research a medieval topic of your own choice and helps you to develop your research and related skills, as well as allowing you to study broader historical subjects with other postgraduates.

Course fact file

Type of Course: Combined research and taught

Study Options: Full time, part time

Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

Start date: September 2013

Details

The degree consists of three elements which make a total of 180 credits:

The courses are assessed in various ways – by examination, coursework and attendance.

 

Why study this course

“What I’m really interested in is what was being used as money before coins came into common use in England. Being part-time I have limited time at the university, but the events that I’ve attended, and more especially the people that I’ve met, have more than made up for the limited opportunities to talk and socialise. The conferences, occasional lectures and presentations and the field trips that I’ve attended have helped me to view my own research differently, suggesting new avenues of research and reinforcement of what I’ve been doing. That the approach has been cross-disciplinary has been very useful, as it’s far too easy to compartmentalise when involved in a specialist field. When I started out, what I really required was some mental stimulation, and this I’ve found in the company of people who also really enjoy learning and who are friendly, constructive and open-minded about their subjects.”

[Mark Errington (part-time), who is researching money and money-equivalents in seventh- and eighth-century England.]

 “I chose Birmingham and this course for two reasons. First and foremost there was the option to study part-time, which was essential for me with my family commitments and not being resident in Birmingham. Secondly, once I began making enquiries it became apparent that the staff members I was dealing with were interested in my background as a mature student, and seemed willing to tailor their input to suit my needs. This has continued to be the case: I came to Birmingham with clear ideas about what I wanted to research, and although they have been modified as I’ve learnt more about the medieval period, I’ve never felt that I was being pushed into a mould. In my experience the programme is about learning how to do your own research, in an encouraging and stimulating environment. Everyone I’ve met, both staff and fellow postgraduates, has been willing to share expertise - as often over coffee in the Common Room as in the weekly Research Seminars.”

[Katherine Lack (part-time), who is researching the life of Duke Robert Curthose and the impact of 'political propaganda' in the eleventh-century Anglo-Norman succession disputes.]

Fees and funding

We charge an annual fee. Fees for 2013/14 are currently as follows:

  • Home / EU: full-time - £3,900; part-time - £1,950
  • Overseas: full-time - £12,140

Learn more about fees and funding.

Scholarships and studentships

Scholarships to cover fees and/or maintenance costs may be available.
For further information, visit the College of Arts and Law scholarships page or email financialsupport@bham.ac.uk

International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.

 

Entry requirements

 

Learn more about entry requirements

International students

Academic requirements

We accept a range of qualifications, our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.

English language requirements

You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:

How to apply

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

Apply now

Learning and teaching

The Medieval History MRes forms part of the Centre for the Study of the Middle Ages (CeSMA) which facilitates academic research into the Middle Ages, from c.300 to c.1500 AD. CeSMA cuts across traditional disciplinary boundaries and unites historians, archaeologists, literary scholars, linguists and students who study medieval societies and cultures, meaning that as well as the support you’ll get from the History Department, you’ll be able to gain insight from a whole host of academics from across the university and have the opportunity to discuss research into medieval history in the regular conferences held by the Centre.

As a student on this MRes programme, you’ll also become part of – and contribute to – the vibrant international community of the College of Arts and Law Graduate School, which offers dedicated research resources and a supportive working environment. Our team of academic and operational staff are on hand to offer support and advice to all postgraduate students within the College.

Employability

The University of Birmingham has been ranked 9th in the UK and 55th in the world, for post-qualification employability in a global survey of universities commissioned by the International Herald Tribune.

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for employment and this will be further enhanced by the employability skills training offered through the College of Arts and Law Graduate School.

Over the last five years 96.4% of History postgraduates have been in work and/or further study six months after graduation using the transferable skills gained in their postgraduate degree. They have made their mark in a wide range of careers - a significant proportion enter graduate training schemes in the private and public sectors whilst others use their studies directly, for example in heritage, museum or archivist work.