Medieval and Early Modern Studies, MLitt

In this section
Medieval and Early Modern Studies, MLitt

Introduction

Explore the historical and cultural connections between the North-East of Scotland, Pre-Modern Europe, and the global world. Examine the Medieval and Early Modern periods to understand the fundamental changes that connect the modern world with its past. Tailor your degree through diverse topics delivered by experts across specialisms and access historical archives dating back to the 15th century to advance your learning or career aspirations.

Study Information

At a Glance

Learning Mode
On Campus Learning
Degree Qualification
MLitt
Duration
12 months or 24 months
Study Mode
Full Time or Part Time
Start Month
September

The MLitt enables an interdisciplinary approach to exploring medieval, renaissance, and early modern periods to discover the historical developments in art, literature, the built environment, technologies, practices, belief systems, music, society and more.

We deliver diverse topics from specialisms in art history, Celtic culture, church history and theology, languages, legal history, philosophy, and Scottish and Irish studies, giving the flexibility to tailor the degree to your learning or career aspirations. Our world-class academics teaching the programme offer unrivalled expertise and knowledge, with links to researchers and specialists abroad. We also provide personal reading courses and supervisors with varied specialisms to support your research interests.

At Aberdeen, a lively research community welcomes you. We host an annual postgraduate training weekend for students to collaborate and engage in research at the 18th-century estate in the Scottish countryside, The Burn. You can also participate in student seminars and projects through our various research centres, such as the Centre for Early Modern Studies (CEMS), the Research Institute of Irish and Scottish Studies or the Centre for History and Philosophy of Science, Technology and Medicine.

You have access to the Museum and Special Archives Collections dating back to the 15th Century, giving you excellent opportunities to exercise your research skills by analysing and interpreting art, objects, and unedited literary and archival sources. These historical treasures include the specialist collections on the early modern history of science and medicine, the MacBean Stuart and Jacobite Collection, the UNESCO UK recognised Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Archives, the Scottish Catholic Archives, and private estate papers from the early modern period in North-East Scotland and its networks in the North Sea and Baltic world, offering a broad insights into the historical and cultural changes.

What You'll Study

You can choose to study for a:

  • Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) based on undertaking 60 credit points; 40 credits must be at level 5.
  • Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) based on 120 credit points; 90 credits must be at level 5.
  • Master of Letters (MLitt) based on 180 credit points.
Degree Content

Compulsory Courses

Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)

This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.

Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.

Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.

Dissertation in Historical Studies (HI5917)

60 Credit Points

An individually supervised project with a 15,000-word dissertation for students to complete their MLitt qualification

Optional Courses

Independent Reading In Historical Studies (HI502G)

15 Credit Points

This course allows you to pursue a specific, tailored line of study related to your postgraduate degree programme. Expert, one-on-one supervisory support will guide your project as you develop independent research skills and specialist knowledge, culminating in a concise research essay in your chosen area.

Special Subject (HI502K)

30 Credit Points

This course allows you to participate in lectures and seminars for a specialist upper-level undergraduate (Honours) course in History or a neighbouring discipline, with tailored postgraduate-level research and assessment methods. The course is open to students on any of the campus-based PGT programmes in History, and you are able to choose the option that best suits your interests and programme, in consultation with your programme coordinator.

Example courses, from a wide range available each year, include: History of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict; The Scottish Wars of Independence, 1286-1328; Britain and Revolutionary Russia 1917-1924; The Black Radical Tradition; Myths of the North; Enlightenment Compared: Ireland, Scotland, Central Europe.

Interdisciplinary Approaches to the Renaissance (HI502V)

30 Credit Points

This core course is aimed at providing an introduction for students who have chosen the MLitt in Medieval and Early Modern Studies and want to study the Renaissance and early modern period from around 1450 to 1750 through a variety of interdisciplinary approaches.

Directed Reading in History (HI503A)

30 Credit Points

This course allows you to define and explore a specialised research topic of your choosing. You will work one-on-one with an expert supervisor to develop a sustained line of inquiry and tailored bibliography. Regular meetings with your supervisor allow for in-depth discussion of your reading, culminating in an extended research essay in your chosen area.

Latin 1 (LT1009)

15 Credit Points

Latin 1 is an introductory, intensive course for those with little or no previous exposure to Latin. Students completing this course should have a Latin vocabulary of about 400 words and a basic understanding of Latin grammar and syntax. Students successfully completing this course will be adequately prepared to attend Latin 2. Students will very likely discover that their knowledge of English vocabulary and grammar/syntax is improved by their study of Latin. The etymological roots of many English words can be traced to the Latin language.

Independent Reading In Historical Studies (HI552G)

15 Credit Points

This course allows you to pursue a specific, tailored line of study related to your postgraduate degree programme. Expert, one-on-one supervisory support will guide your project as you develop independent research skills and specialist knowledge, culminating in a concise research essay in your chosen area.

Approaching Archives (HI552L)

15 Credit Points

What is an archive and how can it be used? Students are introduced to some archives in Aberdeen and learn how to make best use of these important resources for research. Seminars investigate the history and philosophy of archival collections, and how they relate to museums, libraries and galleries; approaches to the evaluation of contents of archives and qualitative analyses of specific collections. Assessment is based on a 5000-word essay in which students are asked to identify and analyse material from a specific archive which may be in Aberdeen, or elsewhere in Scotland, the UK, or abroad.

Directed Reading in History (HI553A)

30 Credit Points

This course allows you to define and explore a specialised research topic of your choosing. You will work one-on-one with an expert supervisor to develop a sustained line of inquiry and tailored bibliography. Regular meetings with your supervisor allow for in-depth discussion of your reading, culminating in an extended research essay in your chosen area.

History and the Media (HI553C)

15 Credit Points

History has long had a high profile in literature, film and television; its presence has expanded exponentially in the digital age, with a vast range of new historically-based websites, computer games, and blogs. This course will consider the use of history and historical themes in literature, film, and television. In an age claimed to be post Truth, it will consider the dividing-line between fiction and history, the problems of historical authenticity and artistic licence, and the use and misuse of history by politicians and other public figures.

Research Preparation in Historical Studies (HI5594)

15 Credit Points

This course consists of a mixture of two-hour group seminars and shorter supervision meetings with the member of staff best equipped to advise you on your dissertation topic. It will involve detailed discussion of your research ideas and planning with the aim of providing the fullest preparation for researching and writing the dissertation in the summer and research beyond. Fundamental to the success of the course are mutual feedback and support within the student group.

Latin 2 (LT1507)

15 Credit Points

Latin 2 picks up where Latin 1 finished in first term. By the end of this course students should have a more or less comprehensive understanding of Latin syntax and grammar, a Latin vocabulary of 700-800 words, and should be capable of translating simple Latin texts into idiomatic English. Students will very likely discover that their knowledge of English vocabulary and grammar/syntax is improved by their study of Latin.

We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.

Fee information
Fee category Cost
UK
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year £10,000
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) £7,000

University of Aberdeen graduates are eligible for the Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship, reducing tuition fees to £7,000 - matching the current SAAS tuition loan - See full terms and conditions

EU / International students
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year £22,000
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) £14,000

The above fee includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.

Fee Information

Scholarships

All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.

To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

  • E-learning
  • Field Trips
  • Group Projects
  • Individual Projects
  • Lectures
  • Research
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops

Assessment Methods

You must acquire 180 credits over the year (120 for courses + 60 for the dissertation) to obtain the master's degree qualification. Courses usually should total 45-60 credit points in each half-session. Assessment is based on written work and moderated according to university standards. You are assigned a dissertation supervisor based on your research interests.

Why Study Medieval and Early Modern Studies?

  • Flexibility to tailor the degree to suit your interests through diverse courses.
  • Analyse and interpret culturally significant historical archives and artefacts to appreciate the medieval, Renaissance, and early modern periods.
  • Acquire research training and skills to examine the historical and cultural transformations that have shaped societies and broaden your awareness of the pre-modern past.
  • Join a dynamic research community with opportunities to engage with peers, researchers, and scholars in student seminars and collaborative projects.

What Our Students Say

Jared Thomley, Minnesota United States of America

Jared Thomley, Minnesota <small><i>United States of America</i></small>

Jared Thomley, Minnesota United States of America

The greatest feature of the this MLitt programme is the faculty. Not only does the department boast a compliment of world-renown scholars, it is also full of the nicest, most supportive people you meet. They are why I am here.

Entry Requirements

For more information about the application process, including details about which supporting documents you will be asked to provide, please click here.

Qualifications

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.

You must normally have an Honours degree to at least 2:2 standard in an appropriate discipline or equivalent qualifications and experience.

Please enter your country or territory to view relevant entry requirements.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Eligibility details and further information are available on our dedicated page.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

English Language Requirements

To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:

OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Read more about specific English Language requirements here.

Document Requirements

You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.

Degree Certificate
a degree certificate showing your qualifications
Degree Transcript
a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
Personal Statement
a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme

Careers

What can I do with a history degree?

A degree in history can open a range of career paths to complement your skills and build your confidence in the workplace. These roles include and are not limited to:

  • Archaeologists
  • Archivists
  • Academic Researchers
  • Curators
  • Digital industries and media
  • Heritage Managers or Officers
  • Historians
  • Journalists or Writers
  • Librarians
  • Public Office
  • Teachers or Lecturers

You develop core skills in research, critical reasoning, interpersonal communication, problem-solving and analytical thinking, offering you opportunities to work across different industries or pursue doctoral studies.

Our degree provides ideal preparation for doctoral studies and equips you with applied skills for work in museums, archives, education, and media. Graduates have also progressed onto roles in teaching, the government, public services, journalism, business, and academia.

The Aberdeen Bestiary

The University is home to the Aberdeen Bestiary, one of the best examples of medieval illuminated manuscripts. Its text and appearance are closely related to the Ashmole Bestiary in Oxford. 

The Library of Duncan Liddell (1561-1613)

Liddell was a mathematician, physician and scholar of natural philosophy who bequeathed his library (a treasure for historians of early modern science and medicine) to the University of Aberdeen.

Aberdeen Burgh Records

The database enables people worldwide to freely access Aberdeen’s earliest Burgh records and uncover extraordinary archives relating to political, social, and cultural life in Medieval Aberdeen.

Special Collections

Home to over 230,000 archival collections, providing insight into the history and culture of North-East Scotland, records of families, churches, organisations, and businesses.

What our Alumni Say

Corryn Kosik

Corryn Kosik

Corryn Kosik

Job Details
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Graduated 2016

I really enjoyed all of my courses, and it was great to study on the campus of such an old university.

Our Experts

Our academic staff have diverse specialisms across disciplines in literature, philosophy, art history, medicine, history, music, and law, offering you the flexibility to study topics that interest your vocation.

Programme Coordinator
Professor Karin Friedrich
Other Experts
Professor Andrew Gordon
Dr Aaron McGregor
Dr Alastair Macdonald
Dr Bruno Tribout
Dr Clare Loughlin
Dr Helen Pierce
Dr Jackson Armstrong
Dr Joanne Anderson
Professor Michael Brown
Professor Robert Frost
Dr Thomas Rist
Professor William Naphy

Information About Staff Changes

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

Facilities

We have a range of research centres led by academic experts and researchers in their respective fields. The centres support collaborations between scholars across other disciplines within and outside the university.

Image for The Centre for Early Modern Studies (CEMS)
The Centre for Early Modern Studies (CEMS)

The Centre for Early Modern Studies (CEMS)

The Centre for Early Modern Studies specialises in exploring late medieval and early modern culture, offering a collaborative space for scholars and students to engage in research events, seminars, workshops, and conferences to understand the era.

Find out more
Image for The Centre for the History and Philosophy of Science, Technology and Medicine
The Centre for the History and Philosophy of Science, Technology and Medicine

The Centre for the History and Philosophy of Science, Technology and Medicine

The Centre focuses on teaching, engaging, and researching the history, philosophy and ethics, literature and museology of science, technology, and medicine.

Find out more
Image for The Research Institute of Irish and Scottish Studies
The Research Institute of Irish and Scottish Studies

The Research Institute of Irish and Scottish Studies

The Centre focuses on teaching, engaging, and researching the history, philosophy and ethics, literature and museology of science, technology, and medicine.

Find out more

Get in Touch

Contact Details

Address
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX