The Medieval and Renaissance pathway draws on our considerable medieval and early modern expertise across history, literature and languages. Using a multidisciplinary approach, we delve into the literature, art, philosophy, religion, politics, and society of these periods, analysing their evolution and influence on modern society.
Introduction
Throughout the duration of this course, you will have the opportunity to explore a range of fascinating and relevant issues related to the medieval and early modern periods. You will study the notions and exercise of secular and spiritual authority, delving into the ways in which power operated within these societies.
This will involve analyzing the development of conceptions of gender, as well as the construction of identities, in order to gain a nuanced understanding of the cultural and social contexts of the time.
Students will also develop advanced research skills, read and interpret original sources, and receive training in languages and palaeography. Through primary source analysis, students gain a deep understanding of the cultural landscapes of these periods and how they shape our contemporary world.
Please note: when applying for this course, please choose ‘MA History’ on the online application form. You should specify the specific pathway which you wish to study in your personal statement.
Who is this course for?
This programme will appeal to a wide range of students, including those who’ve recently graduated in History or a related discipline or have decided to return to university later in life. The structure of the course provides a good grounding for those intending to proceed to doctoral research.
It will appeal particularly to those with a keen interest in the renaissance and early modern eras, specifically in the areas of religion, gender, and culture.
What you'll learn
During the programme you will examine issues such as:
the notions and exercise of secular and spiritual authority
the operation of power in medieval and early modern societies
the development of conceptions of and attitudes to gender
the construction of identities.
In addition, taking the Medieval and Renaissance Studies MA will:
give you the chance to work closely with a dynamic group of scholars who have considerable medieval and early modern expertise across history, literature and languages.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
Students take HIST585 (30 credits), HIST527 (15 credits) and CLAH641 (15 credits).
Compulsory modules
HISTORY AND HISTORY-WRITING IN THE MIDDLE AGES AND RENAISSANCE (HIST585)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 1
How can we gain access to the Middle Ages and Renaissance? One of our main types of evidence for those periods has always been the histories written at the time: literary works, that is, that themselves looked back at past events and personalities, whether recent or at greater distance in time, and usually conscious of their own retrospection. This module looks both at the ways that history was written in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and at the ways in which the past was used to construct the present of medieval and renaissance history-writers. In small groups, we will look in detail at some of these original texts (in translation) and students will have the opportunity for one-on-one input from tutors in order through the semester to develop a long essay on a particular theme, text or group of texts.
HISTORICAL RESEARCH (HIST527)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Historians draw many of their theoretical frameworks from the social sciences, including sociology,economics, and political science, and from literary and gender studies. This module investigates the role of theory in historical inquiry, both in framing research questions and in informing historians’ approaches to primary sources. It explores some of the major theoretical influences on historical research in recent decades, including Marxism, feminism, and postmodernism, and encourages students to reflect upon the theoretical and conceptual foundations of current research relating to their potential dissertation topics.
LATIN IA (CLAH641)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Introduction to basics of Latin morphology, syntax, and translation.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
Students take CLAH642 (15 credits), HIST504 (15 credits), HIST587 (15 credits) and either HIST560 (15 credits) or HIST540 (15 credits).
Compulsory modules
FEASIBILITY STUDY (HIST504)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The Feasibility Study is an extended research proposal for the subsequent MA Dissertation. The study should therefore be focused on the topic that the student proposes to address in their dissertation. The Feasibility Study is designed to ensure that students are able to undertake their dissertation project successfully. It will ensure that they are well prepared when they start writing thier dissertation over the summer.
LATIN IB (CLAH642)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
Continuation of Introduction to basics of Latin morphology, syntax, and translation.
LITERATURE, ART AND ARCHITECTURE IN THE MIDDLE AGES AND RENAISSANCE (HIST587)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module introduces students to the literature, art and architecture of the middle ages and renaissance. It will present some of the themes and issues in the study of texts, artworks, artefacts and buildings of those periods. Through small-group discussion, involving the scrutiny of primary sources, and with a field trip to a major monument, students will be encouraged to develop an essay exploring a particular theme, text or architectural feature.
Optional modules
MEDIEVAL PALAEOGRAPHY (GENERAL) (HIST560)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module introduces students to the history of Western scripts and various forms of writing in the Latin alphabet as they evolved between the Roman period and the end of the Middle Ages. Students will gain a good understanding of the important factors in the development of different script types and the chronology of the main developments. The module also introduces students to the practical study of medieval manuscript sources, in particular codices and charters. Students who have completed this module should be able to read the main types of written medieval sources in the original and interpret correctly their external characteristics.
MEDIEVAL PALAEOGRAPHY (MARM) (HIST540)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
Students enrolling on this module will be expected to already have a good understanding of Latin grammar and syntax. The classes will focus on developing palaeographical skills through extensive practice in reading and transcribing documents, although through this students will have the opportunity to revise points of Latin grammar, to discuss medieval usage, and to familiarize themselves with the use of medieval wordlists and textbooks. The documents will provide an introduction to the forms and formulae of medieval records with particular reference to legal, financial and administrative organisations operating in England between 1100 and 1500.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Final project
HIST550, Dissertation, is undertaken and completed during the summer term.
Compulsory modules
DISSERTATION (HIST550)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
Sessions on research skills and methodologies will be held as part of the core modules offered by History. MA students will discuss the feasibility of their chosen topic and the implementation of the research with a member of staff with the appropriate knowledge and understanding of the proposed topic during the period June to September. MARM students will have tutorial sessions and produce a feasibility study as part of the preparation for the dissertation before formal supervision begins in the period June to September.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
Most modules, except HIST504, take the form of small seminar groups, supplemented by independent study. Most seminars are weekly two-hour sessions, and all are taught in small groups. We consider small group teaching essential to the learning and teaching experience at postgraduate level. Students lead discussions in class, and receive guidance on further reading from the module tutor.
The Feasibility Study (HIST504) and Dissertation (HIST550) demands a higher degree of independence, with guidance and advice from a dedicated supervisor through up to five 45 minute meetings.
How you're assessed
Ongoing assessment is linked to work done primarily in seminars and through individual tutorials and supervisions.
Written assessments will vary according to the nature of the modules, research project and the needs of the student, but may include source analyses, written reports, critical reviews, feasibility studies, annotated bibliographies, historiographical review essays and formal research proposals.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Your experience
The Department of History is based in the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures, an ornate Georgian property located on historic Abercromby Square. Students have access to extensive library facilities, special collections, and Liverpool’s renowned museums, libraries, and galleries, including the University’s own Special Collections and Archives.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Why History at University of Liverpool?
we have a breath of expertise and knowledge that spans the medieval, early modern and modern periods and research across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas. We are here to support you in your specific research interests.
We have active seminar programmes, linked to our research centres and MA programmes, enabling staff and postgraduates to present their work and listen to eminent visiting speakers.
Dedicated small group teaching in seminars or workshops and through one-to-one tutorials, we believe this leads to the best collaboration between students and staff
Students have a voice here and are represented on the School Postgraduate Committee. There is also a dedicated staff – student liaison committee to oversee our MA and PhD programmes.
Our History taught programmes are designed to meet the training requirements of the AHRC and the ESRC so equip you for further study towards an MPhil/PhD.
However, our MA students go into a wide range of professions, including media, public sector management, business consultancy, the civil service, NGO and development work, as well as academia.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£11,700
Part-time place, per year
£5,850
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£24,100
Part-time place, per year
£12,050
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in History (or a closely related subject e.g. Ancient History, English Literature, Modern Languages, Art History, Classics).
A Personal Statement which clearly demonstrates an interest in the programme and an understanding of the context of the programme is also required.
Applicants may be called to interview and, if so, will be asked to submit a sample of their historical analysis (between 1500 and 2500 words) written in English for discussion during the interview. Please note that being asked to interview is no guarantee of an offer of a place.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MA, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test
120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic
61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic
70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English
B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII
National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC
C6 or above
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
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