Step back in time and deepen your understanding of the past by discovering the complexity and diversity of Medieval and Early Modern History.
Immerse yourself in the rich and varied medieval and early modern histories and explore how discoveries and ways of living from these periods still impact the world today. Study across the medieval period (c.300 to c.1500) and early modern period (c.1500 to c.1800), with opportunities to focus on the areas you find most fascinating.
Open to UK and international students for our full-time campus-based MA programmes in the School of History and Cultures. Candidates applying to study MA International Heritage Management are especially encouraged to apply. Applications close 30 June 2025.
The course runs over 12 months full-time. You can also study this programme on a part-time basis.
September - December (11 weeks)
Full-time students normally take three modules per term in the first two terms.
There are two hours of seminar time per module per week, and an emphasis on guided independent learning.
One-third of your degree is your dissertation. You begin planning and submit a proposal for your dissertation during term one.
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You don’t need to have studied Medieval or Early Modern History before. We welcome students looking to explore an interest in these historical periods.
You can choose from a range of special modules like Gunpowder, Treason and Plot, or select modules from other subject areas such as English literature or art history, or even study Latin texts.
Benefit from the expertise of Birmingham’s research centres dedicated to medieval or early modern history. Our research centres include: the Centre for the Study of the Middle Ages (CeSMA), the Centre for Reformation and Early Modern Studies (CREMS), and the Birmingham Eighteenth-Century Centre.
Learn alongside tutors with specialist historical knowledge.
Choose from interdisciplinary modules.
Join an active and friendly department with regular events.
Don’t miss out on the option to take your learning from the classroom to the real world with our optional Public History placement module. Work with museums, archives or historic houses on a public history project and gain valuable industry experience. Whether you're following your passion for history to gain transferable skills or focusing on a career in the field, your future begins at Birmingham.
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in History and Heritage.
The programme comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation. Modules run for one term, and each module involves a two-hour weekly seminar which you’ll need to attend.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| History Dissertation | 60 |
| LM Approaches to Medieval Studies | 20 |
| LM Historical Approaches | 20 |
| LM Research Preparation | 20 |
Students must take 20 credits of optional modules from the Medieval Studies list.
Any remaining credits can be taken from the list of generic History options.
Students must also write their dissertation on a topic within the pathway area of specialism.
Medieval and Early Modern History Pathway Options. This may include up to 40 credits of appropriate level language modules. This list is indicative; not all modules will run each year depending on staff availability:
Medieval Studies Special Subjects
(Students must take TWO co-requisite modules, 20 credits in each Semester). This list is indicative; not all modules will run each year depending on staff availability.
List D: General History Pathway
Students may take any remaining credits from the following list:
This list is indicative; not all modules will run each year depending on staff availability.
General History Special Subjects
(Students must take TWO co-requisite modules, 20 credits in each Semester). This list is indicative; not all modules will run each year depending on staff availability.
Students may take 20 – 40 credits of module outside the department such as a foreign language, or a relevant module from another department (such as Classics, Art History, English, etc).
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
in a relevant subject
You'll need an Honours degree, normally in any humanities or social science discipline such as History, Politics, Cultural Studies, or Literature, and normally of an upper second-class standard. Relevant equivalent study or professional experience can also be considered for entry.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
Full-time
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
The Fran D'Alcorn Scholarship is funded from a bequest by the late Fran D'Alcorn and offers a prestigious £5,000 scholarship to a UK or international student commencing a full-time campus Masters programme in the School of History and Cultures in September 2025. This will be offered as a fee discount.
To celebrate the significant work of our International Centre for Heritage (ICH), candidates applying to study MA International Heritage Management are especially encouraged to apply.
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
To study this pathway, you'll need to apply for MA History, and you can choose to take the pathway when you begin your studies.
By studying a postgraduate degree in History at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include the ability to collate together information, strong written and verbal communication skills, and analytical skills.
Our History postgraduate students have gone on to work in careers such as 'Archivist', 'Senior Policy Advisor' and 'Civil Servant' in organisations such as the National Trust, the UK Government and English Heritage.
The University has commissioned Cturtle as our data partner for tracking our alumni destinations. The data above is a subset from 43,666 alumni who completed their course up to 31 July 2024.
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report.
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
