MA Medieval Studies

Year 1

(Award available for year: Master of Arts)

Learning outcomes

On completion of the programme students should have shown:

- reading knowledge of one of the languages read or spoken internationally in medieval Europe (Latin, Greek or Hebrew);
- competence in one or more specialist skills or methodologies for working with a category of materials for medieval studies;
- detailed knowledge of one or more thematic topics in medieval studies that demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of concepts, information and techniques at the forefront of the field;
- ability to conduct independent, supervised original research on a specific medieval topic that demonstrates
- understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship;
- ability to proactively formulate ideas and hypotheses and to develop, implement and execute plans by which to evaluate these;
- expertise in making critical and practically-based assessments of primary sources from the medieval period; and
- skills in bibliographic research methodologies and presentation of written work.

Transferable (key) skills

Masters students will have had the opportunity to acquire the following abilities as defined in the modules specified for the programme:

- the skills necessary to undertake a higher research degree;
- self direction and effective decision making in complex and unpredictable situations;
- independent learning and the ability to work in a way which ensures continuing professional development;
- critical engagement in the development of the boundaries and norms of the field.

Assessment

Achievement for the degree of Master (taught programme) will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for the programme and will involve the achievement of the students in:

- evidencing an ability to conduct independent in-depth enquiry within the discipline;
- demonstrating the ability to apply breadth and/or depth of knowledge to a complex specialist area;
- drawing on a range of perspectives on an area of study;
- evaluating and criticising received opinion;
- making reasoned judgements whilst understanding the limitations on judgements made in the absence of complete data.