Postgraduate degrees in medieval studies

Join a thriving interdisciplinary community and develop a nuanced perspective on the medieval world.

Why study Medieval Studies at York?

York is a unique and inspiring place to study. Its surviving historic architecture — from the medieval city walls to York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe — offer a direct connection to our medieval past.

You can shape your studies through our diverse research specialisms, ranging from Viking studies and social history to art, stained glass, multilingualism and beyond. We also provide tuition in diplomatic and medieval languages, and specialised practical skills in palaeography. Our partnerships with local museums and heritage organisations offer unique opportunities for work experience and professional insight.

You'll have access to a range of libraries and archives, including the Borthwick Institute for Archives — one of the largest archives in the UK outside London — on campus. The York Minster Library and Archives is the biggest cathedral library in the UK.

Taught Masters degrees

Medieval Studies (MA)

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Research degrees

Medieval Studies (PhD)

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Scholarships and funding

Find out about scholarships and studentships that are available to students in the Centre for Medieval Studies.

Visiting students

If you're studying at a university outside the UK, you may be able to spend up to a year in York as a visiting student.

Access rich resources

Our campus is home to the Borthwick Institute for Archives. The city of York's beautiful medieval architecture — including the iconic York Minster — museums, galleries and archives make it the ideal place to study the Middle Ages.

Work with leading researchers

You'll learn from expert academics from highly-ranked subjects across York's Faculty of Arts and Humanities.

Research excellence

The Departments of Archaeology, History, History of Arts and Language and Linguistic Science are ranked in the UK top 10 for their research, according to the Times Higher Education's ranking of the latest REF results, 2021.

A vibrant events programme

We have an exciting range of events from guest lectures to study and research groups and even amateur dramatics.

Careers

Our postgraduate courses enhance critical thinking and research capabilities to shed light on the rich history of the Middle Ages. You'll learn to communicate this knowledge to others, gaining skills in communication, data analysis, archival research and collaboration. Our students also develop practical skills training in palaeography, and diplomatic and medieval languages.

Our graduates go on to work in a wide range of professions, including academic teaching and research, archives, libraries, museums, galleries, publishing companies and the heritage sector.