History of the Crusades

History of the Crusades (MA)

The MA in the History of the Crusades offers students the opportunity to study the crusading expeditions to the Holy Land and within Europe during the period 1090–1450. The scheme draws together a wide range of expertise in the history of the Crusades from across the School to provide a flexible programme of study.

Admissions requirements

Applicants should normally possess a first degree in History (or related field) with a first or upper second class Honours.You should note that as part of the application process, you must include a statement (around 500 words) outlining areas of interest and the topic upon which they hope to write their dissertation. This replaces the 'personal statement'.

Overview

Please note that some modules are subject to review and may change prior to academic year 2013-2014.

In Part One (September to May), the programme comprises three core elements to provide essential research and historiographical skills training combined with options which equip you with subject knowledge in the history of the Crusades tailored to the interests of individual students, including language training and training in palaeographical skills. Part Two (May to September) comprises a dissertation , which provides an opportunity to build on one or more of the modules undertaken by doing research on a selected topic or question. The dissertation encourages you to demonstrate your understanding coupled with an ability to apply appropriately the knowledge and experience gained during the MA and course of research. Much of the work is undertaken independently in consultation with your dissertation supervisor who will provide guidance and assistance.

By the end of the Cardiff MA in the History of the Crusades you will be able to critically assess the work of others and of your own, to engage effectively in debate at an advanced level, to plan, design and carry out a coherent research strategy, and to produce detailed and coherent reports and presentations.

For a full list of modules available please visit our History Postgraduate Module page.

Length of the Course

The MA may be taken as a one-year full-time or a two-year part-time degree.

How the MA will be delivered

You will attend lectures, participate in small-group classes, tutorials and research seminars, and take part in skills related workshops and seminars. The taught modules are structured around compulsory skills and historiographical training, and and options that allow you to develop particular historical interests. More advanced knowledge and understanding is acquired by independent study and through individual supervision of the dissertation element.

How the MA will be assessed

You will be assessed through a combination of coursework assignments, such as written reports; extended essays; historiographical essays; research skill portfolios; oral presentations; and the dissertation (not more than 20,000 words). You will receive oral and written feedback on all written formative and summative assessments, and oral feedback on assessed presentations.You must complete 120 credits in Part One in order to progress to the dissertation stage, for which you will be allocated a supervisor with particular research expertise relevant to your dissertation.

Distinctive features of the programme

the opportunity for students to learn in a research-led teaching;
flexible programme of study geared to student’s interests to provide a self-regulated year of further research, and a preparatory year for PhD candidates, giving a thorough grounding in research skills and methods, theoretical concepts and the techniques of conducting and writing up an independent research project;
a stimulating and supportive learning environment, with a wide range of chronological, geographical and historiographic expertise in the history of the Crusades, providing a tailor-made MA programme;
a variety of specialist modules on the Crusades on offer;
opportunity to learn specific research skills, such as language skills (Latin and Old French) and palaeography;
closely involved with a number of interdisciplinary research groups, including the Centre for the Study of Medieval Society and Culture and the Cardiff Centre for the Crusades;
an open and engaging culture between students and staff, with student representatives as full members on School committees.

Career Progression

A particular strength of the MA in the History of the Crusades is the preparation it provides for students wishing to pursue non-historical careers. Thus, in addition to helping you obtain a detailed and critical historical knowledge, the Cardiff MA offers you the chance to acquire and perfect valuable skills critical to careers in many different fields. Often referred to as transferable skills, these skills expand your individual capabilities and make it easier for you to obtain employment and enter careers with abilities that are widely considered essential for professional success.

Funding Opportunities

History is one of the subject areas covered by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Block Grant Partnership award to Cardiff for study at Masters level and the School has a number of MA scholarships available. Further details on how to apply for these postgraduate studentships and on other scholarships and funding opportunities are available on our postgraduate funding page.

For more information contact: