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Medieval Studies

MA (NFQ Level 9)
Sustainable Development Goals

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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This MA in Medieval Studies is for students who are interested in any aspect of the medieval world and who wish to take those interests further. Whether those interests lie in Irish or European history, literature or archaeology, art history or music, languages and manuscript studies or modern interpretations of the medieval, this programme offers students the opportunity to choose modules from such areas and combine them as they wish. While emphasizing choice and drawing on the wide range of expertise in medieval disciplines across the University, the MA also ensures that students gain a strong training in scholarly approaches to the medieval past and its people, as well as an opportunity to pursue in-depth research on a specialist dissertation topic. 

Our students come from different academic backgrounds and choose a range of career paths. What they have in common is an interest in the medieval world, and an eagerness to explore different ways of investigating and understanding that world. We value an interdisciplinary approach to the Middle Ages: students are allowed to choose from relevant subjects in History, English, Irish, Archaeology, Languages, Classics and Music, from Ireland to Byzantium and from the fall of the Roman Empire to the dawn of the Renaissance. 

UCD is a university with real depth and breadth of expertise in medieval studies, while UCD’s archives hold some of Ireland’s most important medieval manuscripts. Students are able to take advantage of UCD’s location in Dublin, a city founded by the Vikings, and may avail of resources nearby, including the National Library, other library collections and regular research seminars across the city. Dublin is an ideal base from which to explore Ireland’s medieval sites.

 

 

  • Interdisciplinary approach to the Middle Ages
  • Small group work
  • Opportunity to pursue individual research interests

 

About This Course

Students are introduced to research methods and skills in small groups, working with their peers; they attend classes on specialist subjects of their choice; and are allowed to develop their own areas of interest and research skills to produce a dissertation. They are taught by specialists in their field and are encouraged to participate in the community of medieval scholars at UCD through seminars and reading groups. As such, it is a suitable preparation for intending to go on to a research degree or a professional career, or for those who simply want to extend their understanding of the medieval period. 

Programme Outcomes include:

  • Familiarity with the major research methodologies in the field of Medieval Studies.
  • Knowledge of technical skills required for research in the field of Medieval Studies (e.g. languages, palaeography).
  • Knowledge of various disciplinary approaches to the Middle Ages.
  • Thorough knowledge of selected areas of Medieval Studies depending on their choice of modules.
  • Advanced ability to think and reason critically, to evaluate evidence and argumentation, and to form a critical judgement of one's own work as well as the work of others.
  • The ability to write a coherent, analytically rigorous and original research-based thesis on a selected area of Medieval Studies.

Our graduates progress to a wide range of interesting careers as students take the Medieval Studies MA for different reasons. Some aim to go on to further advanced graduate research, such as a PhD degree; others simply want to deepen their understanding of a subject that fascinates them. But many choose this MA because of the opportunities it affords for careers and employability beyond academia. Many of our alumni work in international business, foreign affairs and Dublin's vibrant tech sector, where a background in the humanities is particularly valued. Other graduates work in senior positions across a diverse range of industries including the media and NGOs, while the MA is an especially strong foundation for work in such areas as the Arts, heritage, tourism, and education. The skills learned in this programme - mastery of complex information, critical thinking, verbal and written expression, and group work - are those especially valued by employers.  

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 HIS41840 Approaches to the Middle Ages Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 HIS41850 Approaches to the MiddleAges II Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GSAC40260 Dissertation (Medieval Studies) Year-long (12 months)  30
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 ARCV41330 Introduction to Palaeography: Medieval and Early Modern Scripts Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 CCIV20100 Intro to Medieval Welsh Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 CCIV30070 Introduction to Early Irish 1 Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 CCIV30110 Early Irish Myths & Sagas Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 ENG20230 Reading Old English I Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 ENG31960 Apocalypse Then: Old Eng. Lit. Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 ENG32070 Medieval Celluloid Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 ENG32740 King Arthur: History & Romance Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 GRC40010 Warfare and Society in the Ancient World Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 HIS32430 Florence 1200 - 1400 Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 HIS32730 The Digital Humanities Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 HIS32880 Sexuality and Society Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 HIS33200 The 'Papal Revolution': Religion, Power, and the Transformation of Medieval Europe, c.1049-c.1123 Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 LAT10090 Beginners' Latin I Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 LAT20140 Intermediate Latin Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 MUS20400 Early European Music Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 PHIL31160 Medieval Metaphysics: John Scotus Eriugena Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 AH30600 From Constantinople to Istanbul: Art, Faith, Politics Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 ARCH20610 Historical Archaeology Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 ARCH30530 Early Medieval Ireland and Beyond: Social Identity and Belonging AD 400-1100 Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 ARCH30830 Medieval Buildings: An Arch Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 ARCH40850 Practical Experimental Archaeology Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 CCIV30100 Introduction to Early Irish 2 Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 EDF40060 Digital Methods Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 ENG20770 Advanced Old & Middle English Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 GRC40330 Exploring New Worlds Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 HIS31500 Past, Present and Future in Medieval England Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 HIS32720 Frontiers of Empire Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 HIS33010 Global History before AD 1000 Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 HIS33260 Conquest: 1066, 1169: The Norman Invasions of England and Ireland Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 HIS42020 Disseminating History Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 LAT10100 Beginners' Latin II Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 MUS31490 Music and Sexuality in Early European Musical Cultures Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Students select modules worth a total of 40 credits. It is recommended that students balance their workload between the first and second trimester.
 MUS41300 Creating the Musical Self in Medieval Europe Spring  5

UCD is strongly committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), embedding sustainability in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement. Sustainability principles are integrated into this programme, ensuring students graduate equipped to address global challenges. UCD’s leadership in this area is internationally recognised, ranking 49th globally and 1st in Ireland in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2024. UCD also leads impactful research in areas such as climate action, clean energy, and social equity, supported by a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy focused on reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering a sustainable campus culture.

Here are the SDGs which align more visibly with this programme:

SDG4 SDG5 SDG10 SDG 16

Graduate Profile

Marie Gallagher, part-time, Graduate

As a mature student, I came to the MA in Medieval Studies after completing the UCD Higher Diploma in Arts which had allowed me to add History to a much earlier BA degree. With a life-long interest in all things medieval, this Masters programme was ideal, allowing me to pursue post-graduate studies on a part-time basis over two years, and to read broadly and deeply enough to confirm what I already knew: that the ‘Dark Ages’ were anything but dark. As I discovered through dissertation research and a range of modules taught by leading medievalists, the historical record is vast and reveals people who are very different from us, yet just like us: grappling with upheavals, migrations and pandemics, but led onwards in a spirit of optimism and daring. With the expertise and unfailing support of the academic staff, this programme has given me a rigorous grounding in historical research, analysis, interpretation, writing, and presenting, all skills which are highly valued, whether in academic or professional settings. As I approach the completion of my studies, I intend to put those skills to work through further post-graduate research.


Shannon Lewis, Canada,Graduate
I chose to pursue my graduate education at UCD because it is one of the top universities in Ireland. Naturally, as a prospective history student I was drawn to Ireland because of the rich culture and long-standing history it has to offer. The MA in Medieval Studies offers modules in a wide variety of subjects within the confines of the medieval period, and as an interdisciplinary programme also allows students to branch out of the history department, giving me a truly unique and well-rounded learning experience. UCD is a modern university with hi-tech facilities and outstanding resources, yet the campus can only be described as a spacious green oasis hidden away from the hustle and bustle of city life, which I especially liked. The friendly and engaging university atmosphere makes it easy to feel part of the school community. It is a University that truly cares about its students and wants them to get the most out of their degree.

Krystal Carmichael, from Maine, USA, subsquently completed a PhD at UCD:

I knew very little about UCD before applying for a masters. What drew me here was the Medieval Studies MA, especially the interdisciplinary nature of the program. This gave me  the opportunity to pick and choose modules according to my own interests, in subjects such as art history, palaeography, languages, and of course history. Having this all-around approach allowed me to develop a better understand of the Middle Ages, as well as providing essential skills for future research. On top of the academic advantages of this masters, I fully enjoyed the atmosphere and friendliness of everyone at UCD as a whole, but especially within the School of History, so much so that I decided to stay at UCD to complete a PhD.

 

Medieval Studies (Z182) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 9330
nonEU    fee per year - € 22600

Medieval Studies (Z183) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 4660
nonEU    fee per year - € 11300

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.

  • An upper second class honours degree (NFQ Level 8), or the overseas equivalent, in an Arts or Humanities discipline is required.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6 in each element), or equivalent.
  • Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information: https://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/int%20pmp/

These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes 

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: Yes


This programme is suitable for those who have an interest in the medieval world and wish to extend their knowledge and understanding. It appeals to those who wish to gain the necessary scholarly skills in the field while still having flexibility in subject matter. If your interests in the medieval world cross the boundaries of traditional disciplines, this is the ideal way of pursuing those interests.
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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Medieval Studies:

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Medieval Studies
Master of Arts

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Commencing September 2025
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Z183
Medieval Studies
Master of Arts

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Commencing September 2025
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