Masters Degrees in Byzantine History, United Kingdom

Byzantine Studies at Royal Holloway, University of London have a long tradition. It was Professor Joan M. Hussey who first introduced and devised the study of Byzantine History in the University of London in 1950; throughout her long academic career she instilled ‘the principles of scholarship and demonstrated the perfect balance between historical detail and the wider implication of the subject’.

Her legacy was continued by Julian Chrysostomides, who taught the next generations of undergraduate and postgraduate students, and in 1987, together with Professor Jonathan Riley-Smith and Dr Athanasios Angelou, established the taught MA degree course in Byzantine Studies at Royal Holloway. This programme centred on the middle and later period of Byzantine history, placing particular emphasis on Byzantine sources and Greek Palaeography. This initiative was joined by King’s College London (KCL) under Professor Averil Cameron and Professor Charlotte Roueché, whose interests centred in Late Antiquity and early Byzantium; thus, the University of London federal MA course in Late Antique and Byzantine Studies (MA LABS) took its original form.

Since October 2009 the MA LABS has been offered as part of the intercollegiate arrangements among Royal Holloway, King's College London and University College London (UCL). In choosing where to register, students should note that they will normally be expected to undertake their MA dissertation at their home College; they should therefore aim to register at the College where staff interests are closest to their own. The MA LABS at Royal Holloway is taught by members of staff of the Hellenic Institute, a research centre for the diachronic and interdisciplinary study of Hellenism, based in the History Department.

Since its establishment a large number of students have successfully pursued this MA course, the majority of whom continued their research on a doctoral level. Today graduates of the programme hold research and teaching posts in universities in Britain and abroad, testifying to its success in meeting its aims.

See the website https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/history/coursefinder/malateantiquebyzantinestudies.aspx

Why choose this course?

- The Hellenic Institute, established in 1993, brings together two areas of teaching and research in which Royal Holloway has long excelled: the study of the language, literature and history of Ancient Greece, based largely in the Department of Classics and Philosophy, but also in the Department of Drama and Theatre; and Byzantine Studies, which have always found a home in the Department of History. It aims to consolidate existing strengths and to extend them by promoting the study of the Hellenic tradition across the centuries from archaic and classical Greece, through the Byzantine and Post-Byzantine period, to the modern world.

- We collaborate closely with other Colleges and research centres in the University of London, including the Institute of Classical Studies, the Institute of Historical Research and the Warburg Institute, as well as the British Library, Lambeth Palace Library and The Hellenic Centre, a cultural meeting place for the Greek community in London.

- We maintain links with universities overseas, especially in Greece and Cyprus. Scholars from the Universities of Athens, Ioannina and Cyprus regularly visit the Institute as part of collaborative research, offering their expertise to our students and members of staff.

- The Institute organises a range of lectures, seminars, conferences, workshops and other events for students, scholars and the wider public, giving the opportunity to engage with experts in the field.

- We receive funding in support of our activities from the Ministries of Culture and Education of the Hellenic Republic, the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Cyprus, the A.G. Leventis Foundation, the Hellenic Foundation, the Orthodox Cultural Association (Athens), The Friends of the Hellenic Institute and private donors.

- The Institute offers a number of annual fees-only studentships, bursaries and other awards in support of its students.

Department research and industry highlights

Collaborative research includes:
- Thomas de Aquino Byzantinus
- Seminar on Editing Byzantine Texts
- Byzantine Autographs
- A Catalogue of the Greek Manuscript Collection of Lambeth Palace Library
- The Porphyrogenitus Project: Lexicon of Abbreviations and Ligatures in Greek
- Minuscule Hands, c.800-c.1600
- Lexicon of Terms used in Palaeography, Codicology and Diplomatics
- Triadic Monarchy: The Concept of Monarchy in the Triadology of the Greek Fathers -
- Ecclesiological Repercussions and the Monastic Model
- The Greek Population of Rhodes under Hospitaller Rule
- The Greek Community in London, 1500-1945.

On completion of the course graduates will have:

- a detailed knowledge and understanding of the methodologies of Late Antique and Byzantine Studies, and their limitations

- an understanding of advanced, current research issues relevant to the discipline

- an awareness of the multiplicity of material available and the strengths and weaknesses of the various forms of historical information

- a general appreciation of the varied and interlinked methodologies for understanding antiquity and the medieval age

- the reading and understanding of ancient and medieval texts, both in print and in manuscript

- a grasp of literary criticism necessary for understanding and appreciating the style of ancient and medieval authors

- an awareness of the main forms of material available to those studying classical antiquity and the Byzantine world.

Assessment

Assessment is carried out by a variety of methods including coursework, written examinations and a dissertation.

Employability & career opportunities

Our graduates are highly employable and, in recent years, have entered many different areas, including careers as researchers and university lecturers, teachers in secondary education, librarians, archivists, book conservators, and editors of history journals. A number of our graduates hold teaching posts and research fellowships at the Universities of London, Cyprus, Patras and the Peloponnese, the Institute for Byzantine Research of the Hellenic National Research Foundation, and are employed by the Library of the Greek Parliament and the Department of Book Conservation of the Cultural Foundation of the National Bank of Greece.

The majority of our graduates pursue MPhil/PhD studies in the field of Byzantine Literature and History, and Greek Palaeography at the Hellenic Institute of Royal Holloway and at other universities in Britain and abroad.

How to apply

Applications for entry to all our full-time postgraduate degrees can be made online https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studyhere/postgraduate/applying/howtoapply.aspx .

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This programme is intended for students who have a background in Byzantine Studies and, normally, some knowledge of Greek.

It comprises a major individual research project, supervised by a specialist in the field of study, and taught elements which provide the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of Byzantium through a range of modules in archaeology, art, history, literature and numismatics.

The course can be pursued in the following pathways:

Byzantine Art
Byzantine Gender
Byzantine History
Late Roman and Byzantine Archaeology

Each pathway consists of 60 credits of coursework and 120 credits achieved through a 20,000 word supervised research project on a topic of your choice in Byzantine Studies. We recommend that you discuss your proposed research project with a potential supervisor before applying.

The Byzantine Studies MRes forms part of the Centre for Byzantine, Ottoman and Modern Greek Studies (CBOMGS) which is the only centre in the UK to bring all of these subjects together within a single unit. CBOMGS aims to provide a stimulating environment for cross-disciplinary research and inter-cultural dialogue for the wider research community. You will benefit from the insight of academic staff and peers from across the College of Arts and Law.

The Centre for Byzantine, Ottoman and Modern Greek Studies has a large postgraduate community which has its own forum (GEM, Gateway to the Eastern Mediterranean) and programme of meetings. The postgraduates organise an annual international postgraduate colloquium. They also participate in the bi-weekly General Seminar of the Centre and in the Spring Symposium of Byzantine Studies.

The Centre for Byzantine, Ottoman and Modern Greek Studies has a historical focus, and History at the University of Birmingham was ranked first in the country in the Research Excellence Framework 2014: 45% of research at the University of Birmingham for History was top 4* rated ‘world-leading’. A further 42% was rated 3* ‘internationally excellent’.

About the School of History and Culture

The programmes in the School of History and Cultures offer students enquiry based learning within a rich and diverse environment to stimulate debate and challenge conventional thinking.
The programmes derive from departments which are all excellently rated by the QAA both in teaching and research terms (Medieval History 5, Modern History 5 and African Studies 5*). Our staff publish widely, and we are developing and consolidating a strong, supportive research culture in the School.
We are extremely proud to announce in June 2016, that History at Birmingham was ranked the top research department in the country by the Research Excellence Framework (REF). The national REF exercise assessed research publications and the public impact of research carried out in all universities in the UK between 2008-2014. Our department had an impressive 45% of its research judged to be ‘world-leading’.

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

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The aim of this course is to give you the opportunity to have an overall view and appreciation of Greek history and culture, from the Homeric and Classical age, through the Hellenistic and Roman times, the Byzantine and Post-Byzantine period to the modern world. Its diachronic and interdisciplinary nature enables you to examine the elements which characterise Hellenic culture through the centuries, at the same time helping you to acquire a deeper knowledge of a certain period and discipline; including philosophy, history, law, religion, theatre, language, literature, papyrology and palaeography.

The Hellenic Institute, established in 1993, brings together two areas of teaching and research in which Royall Holloway has long excelled: the study of the language, literature and history of Ancient Greece, based largely in the Department of Classics and Philosophy, but also in the Department of Drama and Theatre, and Byzantine Studies, which have always found a home in the Department of History.

It aims to consolidate existing strengths and to extend them by promoting the study of the Hellenic traditional across the centuries from archaic and classical Greece, through the Byzantine period, to the modern world.

See the website https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/history/coursefinder/mahistoryhellenicstudies.aspx

Why choose this course?

- The Hellenic Institute seeks to bring together at a national and international level all those who share its interests. We collaborate closely with other Colleges and research centres in the University of London, including the Institute of Classical Studies, the Institute of Historical Research and the Warburg Institute, as well as the British Library, Lambeth Palace Library and The Hellenic Centre, a cultural meeting place for the Greek community in London.

- We maintain links with universities overseas, especially in Greece and Cyprus. Scholars from the Universities of Athens, Ioannina and Cyprus regularly visit the Institute as part of collaborative research, offering their expertise to our students and members of staff.

- The Institute organises a range of lectures, seminars, conferences, workshops and other events for students, scholars and the wider public, giving the opportunity to engage with experts in the field.

- We receive funding in support of our activities from the Ministries of Culture and Education of the Hellenic Republic, the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Cyprus, the A.G. Leventis Foundation, the Hellenic Foundation, the Orthodox Cultural Association (Athens), The Friends of the Hellenic Institute and private donors.

- The Institute offers a number of annual fees-only studentships, bursaries and other awards in support of its students.

Department research and industry highlights

Collaborative research includes:
- Thomas de Aquino Byzantinus
- Seminar on Editing Byzantine Texts
- Byzantine Autographs
- A Catalogue of the Greek Manuscript Collection of Lambeth Palace Library
- The Porphyrogenitus Project: Lexicon of Abbreviations and Ligatures in Greek
- Minuscule Hands, c.800-c.1600
- Lexicon of Terms used in Palaeography, Codicology and Diplomatics
- Triadic Monarchy: The Concept of Monarchy in the Triadology of the Greek Fathers -
- Ecclesiological Repercussions and the Monastic Model
- The Greek Population of Rhodes under Hospitaller Rule
- The Greek Community in London, 1500-1945.

On completion of the course graduates will have:

- a detailed knowledge and understanding of the methodologies of Hellenic Studies and their limitations

- an understanding of advanced, current research issues relevant to the discipline

- an awareness of the multiplicity of material available and the strengths and weaknesses of the various forms of historical information

- a general appreciation of the varied and interlinked methodologies for understanding Greek antiquity, Byzantium, the post-Byzantine period and the Modern Greek world

- the reading and understanding of ancient, medieval and modern Greek texts, both in print and in manuscript

- a grasp of literary criticism necessary for understanding and appreciating the style of ancient, medieval and modern Greek authors

- an awareness of the main forms of material available to those studying Classical antiquity, the Byzantine, Post-Byzantine and Modern Greek world.

Assessment

Assessment is carried out by a variety of methods including coursework, written examinations and a dissertation.

Employability & career opportunities

Our graduates are highly employable and, in recent years, have entered many different areas, including careers as researchers, museum staff and teachers in secondary education. A considerable number of our graduates pursue MPhil/PhD studies in the field of Greek History and Culture at the Hellenic Institute of Royal Holloway and at other universities in Britain and abroad.

How to apply

Applications for entry to all our full-time postgraduate degrees can be made online https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studyhere/postgraduate/applying/howtoapply.aspx .

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This MA offers students the opportunity to specialise in an exciting and multi-faceted field of study that covers the history and culture of the Mediterranean world during the long millennium from the foundation of Constantinople (modern Istanbul) in 324 to the fall of the Byzantine empire in 1453.

[Degree information]]
Students gain a thorough grounding in key aspects of and approaches to late antique and Byzantine studies. They acquire necessary research skills (ancient languages, palaeography, epigraphy, papyrology) and develop their critical and conceptual understanding of the field through a variety of disciplines (history, literature, material culture, philosophy).

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of one core language or research skills module (40 credits), optional modules (80 credits), and a research disssertation (60 credits).

Core modules
Either one language acquisition module, or a research skills module (40 credits). These include:
-Beginners Ancient Greek for Research
-Intermediate Ancient Greek for Research
-Beginners Latin for Research
-Intermediate Latin
-Sources and Methods in Ancient History
-Greek Epigraphy
-Greek Papyrology
-Latin Epigraphy
-Medieval Latin Literature

Optional modules - options may include the following:
-Byzantium and the First Crusade
-Byzantium and the Fourth Crusade
-Byzantium & the West, A. D. 800-1000
-Cities of God: making the Late Antique City
-Codes and Practice: The World of Roman Law
-Cyprus from Late Antiquity to the Renaissance
-The Empire of Constantinople
-Homer's Legacy
-Identity and Power in Medieval Europe, AD 500-1300
-The Late Roman and Early Byzantine City
-Living in Byzantium: Material Culture and Built Environment
-The Making of the Christian Empire, AD 284-425
-Medieval Papacy
-Philosophy under the Roman Empire
-The Reign of Constantine I

Dissertation/report
All students attend the Introduction to Byzantium seminar, leading to an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of up to 12,000 words.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of seminars, lectures, workshops and library visits. Assessment is through unseen examinations, coursework essays and the dissertation.

Careers

Graduates of the programme are equipped with the skills necessary for further doctoral study in this field. The programme also leads to careers in research or teaching, cultural management, general management, civil service and banking. Debates, small group seminars and tutorials help students to acquire strong presentation and negotiation skills for their future career. Likewise the analytical and research skills gained by students on this programme are highly valued by employers from a range of industries. There are many additional activities available, both within the department and the wider UCL community, to help students focus on employability skills whilst they are here, for example, departmental careers talks and networking opportunities with history alumni.

Why study this degree at UCL?

UCL History enjoys an outstanding international reputation for its research and teaching.

This intercollegiate programme is taught jointly with King's College London and Royal Holloway, University of London, and students benefit from the international expertise and wealth of resources that the three colleges have to offer.

Located in Bloomsbury, UCL History is just a few minutes' walk to the British Library, the British Museum and the research institutes of the University of London, including the Warburg Institute and the Institute of Historical Research. UCL is ideally located at the heart of various historical societies and academic communities.

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The end of classical antiquity in the Mediterranean and the Middle East witnessed the formation of polities, institutions and ideologies which define and continue to influence our world today. By combining a diverse, yet related range of research interests, our programme offers an exceptional selection of linguistic and disciplinary expertise in the study of late antique, early Islamic and Byzantine worlds, embracing Arabic, archaeology, art history, classical languages and literature, history, Persian and theology.

Linguistic training is a vital part of the programme,with courses available in four relevant languages. You will have access to the expertise of academics who are all passionate about their area of study.

Teaching on this programme comes from subject areas brought together in the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies. It is one of the largest communities of Medieval and early modern specialists internationally, with more than 70 members actively pursuing research in this field. This MSc offers you the opportunity for regional and disciplinary specialisation depending on your own research interests.

Programme structure

The MSc comprises seminars, language classes and tutorials, which will include seminar discussion and debate, presentation to peers, directed and independent reading, as well as interactive language teaching.

The compulsory course is: Approaches to the Long Late Antiquity. This course provides specialist methodological, theoretical, and cross-disciplinary training. There will also be a language option in Classical Greek, Latin, Arabic or Persian.

Option courses previously offered include:

• Archaeology of the Roman Economy
• Byzantine Archaeology: The Archaeology of the Byzantine Empire and its Neighbours AD 600–1000
• Constantinople: The History of a Medieval Megalopolis from Constantine the Great to Suleyman the Magnificent
• Late Antique Visual Culture
• Palaces and Gardens in the Golden Age of Islam
• Persian Painting
• Rome Across Time and Space: Visual Culture and Cultural Exchange AD 300–1300
• The Seven Ecumenical Councils AD 325–787
• The Umayyad Empire: The Islamic World in its Late Antique Context
• Topics in Byzantine Literary History
• Centre and Periphery in the Age of Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos
• Greek, Latin, Byzantine and Medieval Latin Text Seminars

Learning outcomes

The programme emphasises acquisition of essential language skills for original research and close work with key historical and/or literary sources of evidence and grounding in the issues surrounding them.

You will gain an appreciation of the associated material cultures, including issues surrounding its recovery, survival and curation, which will prepare you for future academic research and prospective careers in aspects of museums and heritage management.

Career opportunities

Our students view the programme and a graduate degree from Edinburgh as an advanced qualification valued and respected by many employers. Those interested in long-term academic careers consider the MSc as preparation for a PhD.

The MSc provides a toolkit of transferable skills in organisation, research and analysis that will be highly prized in any field of work. It can form a stepping stone to many careers, such as further academic research, museum and art curation, literary translation or analysis, education or public heritage. Graduates of related programmes are putting their skills to use as tutors, archivists, writers and conference coordinators for employers including the RSPB.

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Advanced study of the history and culture of the Eastern Mediterranean world, from the foundation of Constantinople in 330 to the fall of the Byzantine empire in 1453. Wide range of modules in research skills (languages, palaeography, epigraphy, papyrology) and history, literature, culture, philosophy and theology. Leads to further research or careers in education, journalism, finance, politics and cultural sectors.

Key benefits

- One of the world's largest and most distinguished departments of Classics.

- Unrivalled location for the study of the ancient world thanks to London's unique range of specialist libraries, museums and galleries.

- Extraordinarily wide choice of modules, drawing on the resources of the whole of the University of London.

- King's graduates enjoy one of the best employment rates and starting salaries in the UK. Ranked 6th in the UK for graduate employment (Times and Sunday Times Good Universities Guide 2016)


Visit the website: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught-courses/late-antique-and-byzantine-studies-ma.aspx

Course detail

- Description -

The MA in Late Antique and Byzantine Studies offers the opportunity to specialize in an exciting and multi-faceted field of study that covers the history and culture of the Eastern Mediterranean world during the long millennium from the foundation of Constantinople (modern Istanbul) in 330 to the fall of the Byzantine empire in 1453. The degree allows students, through the numerous modules on offer, to acquire expertise in the necessary research skills (ancient languages, palaeography, epigraphy, papyrology) and in a variety of disciplines (history, literature, material culture, philosophy, theology).

- Course purpose -

For students whose previous training has been in a related subject in the humanities. To give a grounding in the subject, normally with a language-training element in medieval Greek or Latin.

- Course format and assessment -

Full-time study: 6-8 hours of taught classes per week. Part-time study: 2-6 hours of taught classes per week. Modules are assessed by coursework and/or examinations. The 12,000 word dissertation enables students to research a topic of their choice, working one-to-one with an academic supervisor.

Career Prospects:

Research in our department and elsewhere in the UK, EU and US; teaching, cultural management, general management, civil service, banking.

How to apply: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/taught-courses.aspx

About Postgraduate Study at King’s College London:

To study for a postgraduate degree at King’s College London is to study at the city’s most central university and at one of the top 21 universities worldwide (2016/17 QS World University Rankings). Graduates will benefit from close connections with the UK’s professional, political, legal, commercial, scientific and cultural life, while the excellent reputation of our MA and MRes programmes ensures our postgraduate alumni are highly sought after by some of the world’s most prestigious employers. We provide graduates with skills that are highly valued in business, government, academia and the professions.

Scholarships & Funding:

All current PGT offer-holders and new PGT applicants are welcome to apply for the scholarships. For more information and to learn how to apply visit: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/pg/funding/sources

Free language tuition with the Modern Language Centre:

If you are studying for any postgraduate taught degree at King’s you can take a module from a choice of over 25 languages without any additional cost. Visit: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/mlc

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Ideal as a bridge to study at MA level or beyond if you are new to the field of Late Antique & Byzantine Studies. Compulsory modules: The Byzantine Empire, 600-1453 and an ancient language (Greek or Latin). Optional modules include Medicine in Western Civilization I and Constantinople: Imperial Capital - Medieval Metropolis. Leads to MA study or careers in education, journalism, finance, politics and cultural sectors.

Key benefits

- One of the world's largest and most distinguished departments of Classics.

- Unrivalled location for the study of the ancient world thanks to London's unique range of specialist libraries, museums and galleries.

- Extraordinarily wide choice of modules, drawing on the resources of the whole of the University of London.

- We were ranked 6th in the UK for graduate employment (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2016)


Visit the website: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught-courses/late-antique-and-byzantine-studies-grad-dip.aspx

Course detail

- Description -

This Graduate Diploma comprises of:

- Two compulsory modules: at least one in a classical language (normally Greek, but, if you have a good knowledge of Greek, then Latin) and one in Byzantine history.

- A supporting module chosen to suit your interests and needs, which can be taken from options offered in the Department of Classics or the Department of Theology & Religious Studies. Students may choose to study a further language.

- A compulsory dissertation.

- Course purpose -

The Graduate Diploma is ideal for graduates in unrelated disciplines wishing to pursue graduate-level work in the field of Late Antique & Byzantine Studies. Though it may be taken as a free-standing qualification in its own right, most students take the Graduate Diploma as a preliminary to the MA in Late Antique & Byzantine Studies at King's.

- Course format and assessment -

Taught core and optional modules assessed by coursework and/or examination plus a compulsory dissertation which accounts for 25 per cent of the total mark. Part-time students complete two taught modules in the first year and one taught module plus the dissertation in the second year.

Student Destinations:

Most students go on to take our MA in Late Antique and Byzantine Studies, or related courses at other UK universities.

How to apply: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/taught-courses.aspx

About Postgraduate Study at King’s College London:

To study for a postgraduate degree at King’s College London is to study at the city’s most central university and at one of the top 21 universities worldwide (2016/17 QS World University Rankings). Graduates will benefit from close connections with the UK’s professional, political, legal, commercial, scientific and cultural life, while the excellent reputation of our MA and MRes programmes ensures our postgraduate alumni are highly sought after by some of the world’s most prestigious employers. We provide graduates with skills that are highly valued in business, government, academia and the professions.

Scholarships & Funding:

All current PGT offer-holders and new PGT applicants are welcome to apply for the scholarships. For more information and to learn how to apply visit: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/pg/funding/sources

Free language tuition with the Modern Language Centre:

If you are studying for any postgraduate taught degree at King’s you can take a module from a choice of over 25 languages without any additional cost. Visit: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/mlc

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We offer promising candidates the opportunity to carry out research in Eastern Mediterranean and Balkan history and culture from the Byzantine to the modern period, whether your interests are historical, art historical, archaeological or literature-based.

The MA by Research programme requires you to prepare a dissertation of up to 40,000 words on a topic of your choice, for which an academic staff member will provide expert supervision.

The PhD – the most advanced research degree – leads to a dissertation of up to 80,000 words on a subject of your choice and under the expert supervision of an academic member of staff.

Distance learning

You can study an MA by Research or PhD programme on campus or by distance learning. Please note that if you are studying with us by distance learning, the programme includes a fully-funded annual visit to campus for each full year of your programme (every two years for part-time students).

For more information on distance learning including answers to frequently asked questions, student experiences and funding opportunities, please see our distance learning website.

These degrees have no taught components, but relevant taught modules may be attended by arrangement to develop appropriate research skills, including the study of ancient and modern languages.

We encourage you to attend conferences on subjects related to your research interests and to participate in our lively interdisciplinary seminar series (some of which are run by our postgraduates).

You are able to broaden your skills through appropriate training in teaching skills and, where possible, have the chance to gain experience in teaching. In addition, our annual postgraduate colloquia provide training in oral presentation skills and the professional dissemination of research within an interdisciplinary environment.

At Birmingham you also have the option of studying languages, free of charge. Almost no other UK University offers you the opportunity to learn the intense graduate academic language skills which you may need to pursue your research.

About the School of History and Culture

The programmes in the School of History and Cultures offer students enquiry based learning within a rich and diverse environment to stimulate debate and challenge conventional thinking.
The programmes derive from departments which are all excellently rated by the QAA both in teaching and research terms (Medieval History 5, Modern History 5 and African Studies 5*). Our staff publish widely, and we are developing and consolidating a strong, supportive research culture in the School.
We are extremely proud to announce in June 2016, that History at Birmingham was ranked the top research department in the country by the Research Excellence Framework (REF). The national REF exercise assessed research publications and the public impact of research carried out in all universities in the UK between 2008-2014. Our department had an impressive 45% of its research judged to be ‘world-leading’.

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

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Analyse the Late Antiquity and the Byzantine empire, choosing to specialise in one sphere or explore both.

This course is designed to provide you with the advanced knowledge, understanding and skills needed to carry out independent research into the history and culture of Late Antiquity and Byzantium.

Distinctive features:

• This course is designed to be flexible, enabling you to pursue your own interests whilst gaining a solid foundation of research skills.

• Your experience will be enriched by our expertise across history, culture and religion, informed by the latest research of our Centre for Late Antique Religion and Culture.

Structure

The taught element of the course combines research training modules, study of an ancient language, and a choice of specialised options. You will study 120 credits at this taught stage.

During the taught stage of the MA, you will lay the foundations for the second part of the course, which is an individual research project leading up to a dissertation of 20,000 words. You will only progress to the dissertation stage following successful completion of the taught stage. You will agree your dissertation topic with your academic supervisor.

Core modules:

Skills and Methods for Postgraduate Study
Themes in Late Antique and Byzantine Studies
Late Antique and Byzantine Studies Dissertation

Teaching

You will be taught through a mix of seminars, lectures, tutorials and language classes (depending on modules chosen).

As part of the programme, you will be encouraged to deliver presentations to your fellow MA students within our supportive community.

On successful completion of the taught elements of the programme you will progress to a dissertation of up to 20,000 words on a topic or theme of your choice (subject to the approval of your supervisor).

Assessment

Taught stage assessment is via essays, other assignments (such as book reviews and presentations), and written examinations (for ancient or modern languages).

Career prospects

This course can serve as a basis for doctoral research, but it also provides transferable skills, which will be valuable for a career in any field.

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Taught by internationally recognised experts in the field, this course draws on London's status as an outstanding centre of crusader research.

You will gain an unparalleled insight into the ideas, events and people (both men and women) of crusading history while engaging with a full array of source materials in this compelling field. The course will also consider the impact of the crusades on the Muslim world, as well as exploring western Europe’s first contacts with the terrifying Mongols.

This is an ideal MA if you are pursuing an advanced interest in crusading history, whether or not you are planning to take a PhD in the discipline. You will have access to the world’s premier library collections and can participate in the renowned research seminar, The Crusades and the Eastern Mediterranean, at the Institute of Historical Research.

See the website https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/history/coursefinder/macrusaderstudies.aspx

Why choose this course?

- You will be taught by leading academics in this highly specialised field.

- Royal Holloway's History Department, one of the largest in the country, is home to a lively community of postgraduates with 60% of its research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.

- You will have access to The Institute of Historical Research which hosts numerous seminars every night of the week..

- The Department benefits from the University of London libraries and seminar research programmes.

- You will develop the skills and knowledge necessary for the study of the Crusades, whether as preparation for further research or for personal intellectual development.

Department research and industry highlights

The History Department at Royal Holloway has a vibrant postgraduate community numbering around 70 Master’s degree students and over 120 doctoral students. The MA in Crusader Studies has produced seven doctoral students over the last five years, three of whom secured full AHRC funding.

Course content and structure

You will study five core course units, one elective unit and complete a dissertation.

Core course units:
- The Crusades: Louis IX of France and the recovery of the Holy Land
- The Mongols: 'A Journey Through the Gates of Hell'
- Research Development Course
- Latin (Beginners or Advanced, as appropriate)
- Core Course: Recording the Crusades
- Dissertation: A piece of original work of 15,000 words

Elective course units:
You will study one of the following elective course units:
- Women, the Crusades and the Frontier Societies of Medieval Christendom, 1100-1300
- Byzantium and the Crusades: From the Origins of the Fourth Crusade to the Fall of Constantinople

On completion of the course graduates will have:
- have gained an advanced understanding of research in Crusader Studies
- know how to find, organise, deploy and assess the primary and secondary sources (both literary and visual) necessary for their research
- be able to apply specific skills relevant to the study of the Crusades (languages, palaeography, archaeology, etc)
- comprehend a wide variety of materials and approaches related to the Crusades
- be able to analyse, assess and formulate arguments related to specific crusading topics
- be able to conduct independent research.

Assessment

Assessment is carried out by a variety of methods including coursework, examinations and a dissertation.

Employability & career opportunities

Our graduates are highly employable and, in recent years, have progressed to many stimulating and rewarding careers, including: doctoral research, school teaching, management-level banking, management-level business, local government, the Metropolitan Police, and the National Trust.

How to apply

Applications for entry to all our full-time postgraduate degrees can be made online https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studyhere/postgraduate/applying/howtoapply.aspx .

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This MA provides a unique range of options from the early modern period to the present, covering lands where mighty empires and many nations have interacted and competed over the centuries: the Russian Empire, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Ottoman Empire, the German Empire, and their successor states.

Degree information

Students are encouraged to choose from modules which are as diverse in geography as they are varied in approach. The programme is especially rich in courses exploring the relationship between power and culture. Several methods modules are available, including Methods of Area Studies Research (MASR).

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme consists of one core module (30 credits), a choice from a range of optional modules (90 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).

Core module
-Historical Methods and Approaches

Optional modules
-Qualitative Methods
-Contemporary Cultural Studies: Between Post-Communism and Post-Modernism
-Beyond Stereotypes: The Jews in Polish Culture
-Cities in Eastern Europe
-The Crisis Zone: Central Europe 1900-1990
-Empires, Nationalism and Communism: States and Societies of South-East Europe
-Religion in South-Eastern Europe: From the Age of Empires to Post-Communism
-Little Hitlers?: Right Radicalism in Central and Eastern Europe 1900-1945
-The Making of Modern Ukraine
-'Metropolis': History of Berlin, 1871-1990
-The Self and the World: Theoretical Approaches to Travel Writing
-The Soviet Cultural Experiment I, 1917-1945

Dissertation/report
All MA students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of approximately 10,000-12,000 words.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, presentations, and self study. Student performance is assessed through examinations, essays, a portfolio of work (which includes annotated bibliography, bullet-point presentation, encyclopaedia-style entry, and book review), oral presentation, document analysis, and the dissertation.

Careers

With their specialist knowledge and language skills, SSEES Masters graduates can be found in business, finance, the media, international agencies, charities, diplomacy, international security organisations, the law, and academe.

Some graduates advise the Russian, Polish, American, and other governments, and the European Commission.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Intern, Houses of Parliament
-Equity Analyst, Charlemagne Capital
-Press and Public Information Office Intern, OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe)
-PhD Russian History, University College London (UCL)

Employability
Students who have successfully completed this programme have moved into further academic research and doctoral studies, careers in teaching and careers in government, NGOs or the European Parliament. The regional specialism of this MA along with the opportunity to learn a language is attractive to employers. Networking is facilitated by two major collaborations led by SSEES: CEELBAS and the International Master's (IMESS). Scholarships, internship opportunities and excellent links with other universities in the region provide further benefits.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The UCL School of Slavonic & East European Studies (SSEES) is a world-leading specialist institution, and the largest national centre in the UK, for the study of central, Eastern and south-east Europe and Russia.

Located in Bloomsbury, SSEES offers an ideal location for scholars. The British Library, British Museum, University of London Library and other similar research centres are all close by.

The SSEES Library is unequalled in Britain for the depth and breadth of its collections, the majority of which are on open access in the SSEES building.

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