Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.
Medieval Studies MA
Key information
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, September to September, two years part-time
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
King’s contains one of the largest concentration 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 languages 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 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 which 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 concentration of medievalists in the UK, spread across eight departments
- International centre of excellence for the study of history, literature and languages.
- Provides key training in research skills while also adopting an outward-looking approach to the medieval past, engaging in its diverse representations and meanings across the world today.
- 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.
- Vibrant research culture, including seminars and conferences at which students are encouraged to participate and give papers.
This MA in Medieval Studies offers disciplinary training in medieval history and literatures while also offering students the benefit of an interdisciplinary environment to explore their research interests. It is divided into three components: (1) a 'core' programme, where students are introduced to the methods and theories of studying the medieval past, as well as key research techniques; (2) a 'skills' programme, in which students can choose from modules on medieval language, palaeography and manuscripts studies, as well as a hands-on approach to medieval London; (3) an 'optional module' programme, in which students choose modules based on their research interests (such as gender and sexuality; pre-modern global history; the environment; the Arthurian tradition; political thought and thinking); and (4) a dissertation, in which students pursue an original research project, which often is the foundation for future doctoral studies. In this way, through its emphasis on key skills and contemporary application, the programme prepares students for doctoral work and working in other cultural sectors and also provides a range of transferable skills suitable for the workplace. The MA in Medieval Studies is based in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at King's College London. The faculty is a thriving research hub for medieval studies, hosting the Centre for Late Antique and Medieval Studies (CLAMS), which brings together medieval scholars from across the faculty (staff and students) in reading groups, seminar series, and an annual lecture. CLAMS is particularly concerned with understanding modern (mis)representations of the medieval past and provides a vibrant forum for broad discussion about these issues. In addition, staff members of CLAMS host their own research projects, funded by the European Research Council (Economic and cultural connections within Mediterranean ecosystems c.1250-c.1550; Musical Lives: Towards an Historical Anthropology of French Song, 1100-1300; The Values of French), the UK's Arts and Humanities Research Council (The community of the realm in Scotland, 1249-1424; Exon Domesday; The Magna Carta Project), or the Leverhulme Trust (Bees in the Medieval World). Staff are also very engaged in public history, with staff members appearing regularly on BBC Radio 4 programmes, such as In Our Time and even producing their own podcasts (such as Medieval History for Fun and Profit). Institute of Historical Research (IHR) and Institute of English Studies (IES) We will encourage you to make full use of the opportunities available through the Institute of Historical Research (IHR) and the Institute of English Studies. Many members of the Department prepare and deliver their advanced seminars, and we encourage students to attend their workshops and specialist training days for graduate students.
Base campus
Strand Campus
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Bachelor's degree with 2:1 honours in an arts subject.
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
C
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal.
A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
Your application will be assessed by at least two academics.
We aim to process all applications within four to six weeks although this may take longer in February and March, and over holiday periods.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes |
Please provide a personal statement of around 500 words, answering the following questions: Briefly explain why you are applying for this specific programme and how it fits with your future plans? (max 250 words) How does your experience and education make you a suitable candidate for this programme? (max 250 words) Please write these questions as separate answers, with a clear title for your answer to each question. Documents where your answers are not clearly titled and separated will not be accepted. |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | One academic reference is required. Professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. |
| Writing Sample | Yes | You are required to provide a 2,000 to 4,000 word essay related to Medieval Studies. |
| Other | Optional | Applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application. |
Teaching methods - what to expect
Location
This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand Campus. Our central London location offers you unrivalled access to world-class museums, collections, archives and libraries, as well as easy access to resources in Europe. You will benefit from our own facilities and the huge number of cultural and social opportunities of one of the world’s most vibrant and dynamic cities.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
Teaching
If you are a full-time student, we will give you seven to nine hours of teaching each week through seminars, where you will contribute to the discussion and prepare presentations. We will expect you to undertake 31-33 hours of independent study alongside this.
If you are a part-time student, we will provide you with two to four hours a week of teaching through seminars in your first year, and two to four hours in your second year. Alongside this we will expect you to undertake 14-18 hours a week of independent study.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Assessment
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment typically include essays, exams and a dissertation. Coursework
contributes approximately 90% and examinations approximately 10% to your final mark.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Required modules
Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits. You are required to take:
Dissertation (60 credits)
Optional modules
In addition, you are required to take two out of a selection of skills modules, which may typically include:
Ages of Medieval London (15 credits)
Skills for Medievalists: Palaeography (15 credits)
Medieval Latin Literature (advanced language teaching plus training in textual criticism and editing techniques: (15 credits)
Another language option (taken through King's Language Centre)
And optional modules to a value of 45 credits, from a list which may typically include:
Gender and Sexuality in Medieval Europe (15 credits)
Official and Unofficial Religion (15 credits)
The Arthurian Tradition in Literature and History (15 credits)
Palaeography across the sea: Britain and Ireland, 600-1200 CE (15 credits)
Archives of Old English Poetry (15 credits)
The Environment and the Economy in Late Medieval Europe (15 credits)
Part-time students.
If you are a part-time student, you will take one of your skills modules and two of your optional modules in Year 1. You will take your other skills module and your final optional module in Year 2
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
Our graduates continue to further research or transfer their skills and knowledge to careers in teaching, archives, the media, finance, politics and heritage industries.
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £13,500 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £6,750 per year (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £30,000 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £15,000 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
- If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
Scholarships
A Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships Programme: Knowledge Orders before Modernity 2025-26 funds up to three MA candidates who will progress to a doctorate connected with the programme.
King’s College London offers King’s Bridge Scholarships, covering full-time or part-time tuition fees for selected Arts & Humanities master’s programmes. Open to home students from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds. Learn more.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- books if you choose to buy your own copies
- library fees and fines
- personal photocopies
- printing course handouts
- society membership fees
- stationery
- travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
- graduation costs
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
This MA in Medieval Studies offers disciplinary training in medieval history and literatures while also offering students the benefit of an interdisciplinary environment to explore their research interests. It is divided into three components: (1) a 'core' programme, where students are introduced to the methods and theories of studying the medieval past, as well as key research techniques; (2) a 'skills' programme, in which students can choose from modules on medieval language, palaeography and manuscripts studies, as well as a hands-on approach to medieval London; (3) an 'optional module' programme, in which students choose modules based on their research interests (such as gender and sexuality; pre-modern global history; the environment; the Arthurian tradition; political thought and thinking); and (4) a dissertation, in which students pursue an original research project, which often is the foundation for future doctoral studies. In this way, through its emphasis on key skills and contemporary application, the programme prepares students for doctoral work and working in other cultural sectors and also provides a range of transferable skills suitable for the workplace. The MA in Medieval Studies is based in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at King's College London. The faculty is a thriving research hub for medieval studies, hosting the Centre for Late Antique and Medieval Studies (CLAMS), which brings together medieval scholars from across the faculty (staff and students) in reading groups, seminar series, and an annual lecture. CLAMS is particularly concerned with understanding modern (mis)representations of the medieval past and provides a vibrant forum for broad discussion about these issues. In addition, staff members of CLAMS host their own research projects, funded by the European Research Council (Economic and cultural connections within Mediterranean ecosystems c.1250-c.1550; Musical Lives: Towards an Historical Anthropology of French Song, 1100-1300; The Values of French), the UK's Arts and Humanities Research Council (The community of the realm in Scotland, 1249-1424; Exon Domesday; The Magna Carta Project), or the Leverhulme Trust (Bees in the Medieval World). Staff are also very engaged in public history, with staff members appearing regularly on BBC Radio 4 programmes, such as In Our Time and even producing their own podcasts (such as Medieval History for Fun and Profit). Institute of Historical Research (IHR) and Institute of English Studies (IES) We will encourage you to make full use of the opportunities available through the Institute of Historical Research (IHR) and the Institute of English Studies. Many members of the Department prepare and deliver their advanced seminars, and we encourage students to attend their workshops and specialist training days for graduate students.
Base campus
Strand Campus
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Bachelor's degree with 2:1 honours in an arts subject.
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
C
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal.
A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
Your application will be assessed by at least two academics.
We aim to process all applications within four to six weeks although this may take longer in February and March, and over holiday periods.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes |
Please provide a personal statement of around 500 words, answering the following questions: Briefly explain why you are applying for this specific programme and how it fits with your future plans? (max 250 words) How does your experience and education make you a suitable candidate for this programme? (max 250 words) Please write these questions as separate answers, with a clear title for your answer to each question. Documents where your answers are not clearly titled and separated will not be accepted. |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | One academic reference is required. Professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. |
| Writing Sample | Yes | You are required to provide a 2,000 to 4,000 word essay related to Medieval Studies. |
| Other | Optional | Applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application. |
Teaching methods - what to expect
Location
This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand Campus. Our central London location offers you unrivalled access to world-class museums, collections, archives and libraries, as well as easy access to resources in Europe. You will benefit from our own facilities and the huge number of cultural and social opportunities of one of the world’s most vibrant and dynamic cities.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
Teaching
If you are a full-time student, we will give you seven to nine hours of teaching each week through seminars, where you will contribute to the discussion and prepare presentations. We will expect you to undertake 31-33 hours of independent study alongside this.
If you are a part-time student, we will provide you with two to four hours a week of teaching through seminars in your first year, and two to four hours in your second year. Alongside this we will expect you to undertake 14-18 hours a week of independent study.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Assessment
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment typically include essays, exams and a dissertation. Coursework
contributes approximately 90% and examinations approximately 10% to your final mark.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Required modules
Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits. You are required to take:
Dissertation (60 credits)
Optional modules
In addition, you are required to take two out of a selection of skills modules, which may typically include:
Ages of Medieval London (15 credits)
Skills for Medievalists: Palaeography (15 credits)
Medieval Latin Literature (advanced language teaching plus training in textual criticism and editing techniques: (15 credits)
Another language option (taken through King's Language Centre)
And optional modules to a value of 45 credits, from a list which may typically include:
Gender and Sexuality in Medieval Europe (15 credits)
Official and Unofficial Religion (15 credits)
The Arthurian Tradition in Literature and History (15 credits)
Palaeography across the sea: Britain and Ireland, 600-1200 CE (15 credits)
Archives of Old English Poetry (15 credits)
The Environment and the Economy in Late Medieval Europe (15 credits)
Part-time students.
If you are a part-time student, you will take one of your skills modules and two of your optional modules in Year 1. You will take your other skills module and your final optional module in Year 2
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
Our graduates continue to further research or transfer their skills and knowledge to careers in teaching, archives, the media, finance, politics and heritage industries.
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £13,500 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £6,750 per year (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £30,000 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £15,000 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
- If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
Scholarships
A Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships Programme: Knowledge Orders before Modernity 2025-26 funds up to three MA candidates who will progress to a doctorate connected with the programme.
King’s College London offers King’s Bridge Scholarships, covering full-time or part-time tuition fees for selected Arts & Humanities master’s programmes. Open to home students from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds. Learn more.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- books if you choose to buy your own copies
- library fees and fines
- personal photocopies
- printing course handouts
- society membership fees
- stationery
- travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
- graduation costs
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Application closing date guidance
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed and we may need to request further information from you during the application process.
The final application deadlines for this programme are:
· Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)
· Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)
If the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications. Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.
Key information
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, September to September, two years part-time
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
Contact us
For more information regarding this MA, please contact the course convenor using the details below:
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