Course Overview
The Medieval studies part of the programme can offer a range of modules which cover broad sweeps of time (Medieval Europe, 1066-1452, the Medieval Castle in Context:) allowing students to consider how societies alter and change, the long term impact of war, economic upheaval and political radicalism, and the rise and fall of great powers. In addition the programme offers modules based upon depth, drilling down into events and moments of seminal change (the Wars of the Roses, Chaucer's comic tales, the Cistercians). This combination of breadth and depth provides students with an extensive knowledge of the past. Around this core of subject knowledge we root our teaching in documentary source materials, field trips, visits to archives and record offices, in addition to the tutor's own research experiences. This all provides for a fully rounded programme of study which grounds students in the requisite methodologies and practices of the discipline of history.
The Chinese Studies part of the programme will offer students a variety of modules that examine China's economic development, its history, media, politics, philosophy and religions, both in ancient and in modern times. As part of this degree scheme, you will also have the opportunity to visit China and experience Chinese culture first-hand. You will have the opportunity to spend one year in China, generally at Beijing Union University, one of our Chinese partner institutions. All students have a further chance to apply for short-term language courses in China and scholarships administered by the Centre for Chinese Studies and the Confucius Institute.
Key Features
- Small classes with interactive learning
- Workshops with original medieval manuscripts
- Study for a year/ semester in China
- Opportunity to take part in a three week archaeological dig on a ruined Medieval Abbey
- Opportunity to construct your own degree scheme based on your favourite subjects
- Training in historical research methods
- Use of local record office and museum resources
- Wide range of modules
- Taught by tutors who research and publish in their chosen fields
- Field trips and visits to archives and record offices
- Interdisciplinary approaches to study and understanding of the past
Modules
- The Middle Ages
- Medieval Europe: from Charlemagne to the hundred years War
- Medieval Castles in context
- Knights and Castles
- Medieval Documentary Source materials
- Wars of the Roses
- Medieval Monasticism: the Cistercians
- Anglo-Saxon Heroic Literature
- Chaucer's comic tales
- Excavation and fieldwork of a Medieval Abbey
- Contemporary Writing
- Introduction to Contemporary China
- Basic, Advanced and Classical Chinese
- Confucianism and Taoism
- Ancient and Modern Chinese History
- Chinese Religion and PhilosophyChinese Cinema
- Chinese Religion and Culture
Course Tutor(s)
- Prof Janet Burton
- Dr Jeremy Smith
- Dr Lester Mason
- Dr William Marx
- Associate Prof Thomas Jansen
Assessment
The programme is assessed in a variety of ways and will include several of the following type of assessment: essays of 1000 to 4000 words in length, document analysis, book/ journal reviews, short reports and reflective journals, time tests, seen and unseen exams, field journals, posters, group and individual presentations, dissertations of 10,000 words, wiki's, commentaries and film evaluations.
Career Opportunities
You will develop powers of analysis, logical thought and argument within a supportive and encouraging environment. It will be these skills of communication, understanding, analysis and self-management that provide you with a passport into employment. Types of employment could include museum and archive work, journalism, law, banking, local politics, all types of administrative work, marketing and advertising, and teaching.
- Teaching/ education officer
- Local Government, community, local politics
- Journalism
- Law and advocacy
- Business
- Tourism and travel
- Translation work
- Volunteering
- Social work
- Publishing
- Heritage (library, archives, museum, tourism)
- Postgraduate research
- Politics
- General administrative and management posts; civil service
Related Courses
- BA Ancient and Medieval History
- BA English and Chinese Studies
- BA Philosophy and Chinese Studies
- BA Ancient Civilisations
- BA Classical Civilisation
Tuition Fees
Annual tuition fees for entry in the academic year 2017/18 are as follows:
UK/EU: £9,000
International: £14,900
Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3% for International students and at the capped fee rate as set by the UK Government for UK/EU students.
You can find further information on fees and how to pay on our Student Finance pages.
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's Bursaries and Scholarships page
Additional Costs
There is an optional two-day residential for our students studying degree combinations which include Medieval Studies and/or History. It is the annual student-led Conference in Gregynog, where students can visit local historical sites of interest and attend themed guest lectures from visiting academics. This residential costs £110.
