MA in Medieval Studies

King’s contains one of the largest concentrations of medievalists in the UK, bringing together scholars in medieval history, languages, literature and culture, with expertise across Europe and Asia. Our MA in Medieval Studies not only offers specialist training in crucial research skills—in particular, medieval Latin and palaeography—but also is outward-looking, exploring and critiquing the place of medieval history and perceptions of the medieval past in the world today.

The programme takes full advantage of its place in central London, home to some of the largest collections of medieval manuscripts as well as material and visual culture in the British Library, the British Museum and other institutions. The course caters for history students, literature students and language students and introduces them to interdisciplinary techniques and challenges. We take pride in our 'hands-on' approach to the medieval past, which effectively prepares students for future doctoral work by providing them with the skills to engage in some of the medieval period's most hidden aspects—through teaching students how (literally) to read the script and how to see how images of the distant past soak through contemporary life in different ways across the world. The programme aims to enable students to take the in-depth analytical skills and understanding of the past that they have gained by studying at this level both into many careers and into the further study of the disciplines which make up medieval studies, whether privately or professionally.

Key benefits

• Learn from one of the largest concentrations of medievalists in the UK, spread across eight departments including the only specialist professor in the UK in Palaeography and Manuscript Studies and specialisms in the contemporary medieval.
• Provides key training in research skills including palaeography - all whilst adopting an outward-looking approach to the medieval past, engaging in its diverse representations and meanings across the world today.
• The special “Ages of Medieval London” module takes students out of the classroom into a real-world environment in which they will apply their knowledge and problem-solving.
• Access to expert talks and resources on medieval literature, history and culture including the V&A, Lambeth Palace and the British Museum.
• Opportunity for hands-on access to medieval manuscripts- including at The National Archives, Lambeth Palace Library and more.
• Vibrant research culture, including seminars and conferences at which students are encouraged to participate and give papers.
• International Centre of excellence for the study of history, literature and languages.
• The central London location offers students unrivalled access to world-class museums, collections, archives and libraries as well as easy access to resources in Europe.

Meeting the challenges of today conceptually, historically and imaginatively.

One of the most prestigious arts and humanities faculties in the country, A&H is based in the heart of London and boasts close ties to many of the city’s most renowned cultural institutions, such as the British Museum, Shakespeare’s Globe and the National Portrait Gallery. Formed in 1989 when the former Faculties of Arts, Music and Theology were amalgamated, the following three decades have seen A&H grow to one of the broadest, most diverse faculties of its kind.

We offer undergraduate degrees, postgraduate master’s courses and extensive research opportunities in all aspects of human culture and history, from ancient languages to contemporary film studies. A commitment to interdisciplinarity is central to what we do and the successes we have achieved – borne out in our collaborations, our joint-events and our combined reached/teaching with other departments.

Recent successes include:

• Numerous A&H departments being ranked in worldwide ‘Top 20s’ – for example Philosophy (9th), Classics (12th), English (16th) and History (17th) - QS World University Rankings 2022
• 95 % of Faculty research judged to have made a ‘world leading’ (4) or ‘internationally excellent’ (3) impact [REF 2021]

Our Faculty's vision

To be one of the world’s leading arts and humanities faculties, recognised for the quality, impact and integration of our research and education, and for the exceptional student experience we offer.

Key statistics in the Faculty of Arts & Humanities

• One of the largest faculties in the university (c.a. 5000+ students)
• Around 24 % of our current students are International and 16% are EU
• C.a. 900 academic and professional services staff members
• Host to over 1000 Study Abroad students every year