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Email academic.registry@tcd.ieTrinity’s interdisciplinary Medieval Studies programme equips students with the critical skills needed for in-depth research on medieval texts, sources, and artefacts while allowing students to specialise in an approach aligned with their interests. The teaching takes full advantage of Trinity’s world-leading holdings of medieval manuscripts and other artefacts, as well as those of other Dublin institutions and opportunities available for students to explore the built remains of medieval Ireland. The course offers students the choice of three strands: History, Language and Literature, and Culture and Civilisation.
This course is aimed at students interested in learning about the history, culture, and literature of the Middle Ages. This includes people who are interested in the art, architecture, philosophy, religion, literature, history, and other aspects of the medieval period. People who are interested in the history of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa will find Medieval Studies an interesting field to study.
The M.Phil. helps prepare graduates for a variety of careers including in the museum and heritage sectors, libraries and archives, publishing, law, public policy and administration, archaeology, teaching, media. It also provides invaluable training in research for those planning to pursue a doctorate and/or career in research.
Taken as a full-time course, the M.Phil. programme lasts for 12 months. Teaching will be spread over two terms beginning in September and concluding the following April. EU/ UK/EEA students can also take the course on a part-time basis over two years.
An M.Phil. degree within the School of Histories and Humanities consists of 90 ECTS.
The course offers students the choice of three core modules: History; Language and Literature; and Culture and Civilisation. All students take three core modules: Sources for Medieval Studies I and II: and introduction to Medieval Books and Documents.
Further requirements depend on the choice of strand:
History students take a further core module in Palaeography and study Latin at an appropriate level, then choose optional study of Latin at an appropriate level, then choose optional modules, including, if they wish, another, more advanced, Latin module.
Language and Literature students take a further core module in Reading Medieval Books and Documents, study a medieval language, then choose optional modules, including, if they wish, a second medieval language.
Culture and Civilisation students take a further core module in Reading Medieval Books and Documents, then choose optional modules, including, if they wish, a medieval language.
The final requirement for all students is the dissertation of 15,000 words, supervised by a member of staff.
Click here for further information on modules/subjects.
Introduction to the Medieval Studies postgraduate programme at Trinity College Dublin.
September 2025
Co-ordinator of History Strand: Dr Immo Warntjes
Co-ordinator of Language and Literature Strand: Dr Alice Jorgensen
Co-ordinator of Culture and Civilisation Strand: Dr Peter Crooks
30th June 2025
Applicants should normally have at least an upper second class (2.1) Honours Bachelor's degree or equivalent (for example, GPA of 3.3) in a relevant area. Since places on the course are limited, applicants may be interviewed or asked to submit a writing sample for assessment.
All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band B, see the English Language Requirements page here.
Click here for a full list of postgraduate fees.
To apply, click on the relevant Apply Link below
Dr Peter Crooks +353 (0)1 896 1790
Dr Peter Crooks (Course director and Coordinator of Culture and Civilisation Strand): pcrooks@tcd.ie
Dr Immo Warntjes (Co-ordinator of History Strand): IWARNTJE@tcd.ie
Dr. Alice Jorgensen (Co-ordinator of Language and Literature Strand): JORGENA@tcd.ie
www.histories-humanities.tcd.ie/postgraduate/mphil/medieval-studies
Register your interest in studying at Ireland’s leading university, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin.
Coming from a theological background the History strand of the M.Phil in Medieval Studies has given me the confidence and tools to fully delve into historical discourse. With friendly lecturers expert in their field and are invested in your progress, means I felt utterly supported throughout my studies. Already I have experienced immense personal and professional growth.
Graduate, History Strand
The M.Phil. in Medieval Studies illuminated many facets of medieval culture and history often dulled by the passage of time or traditional preference of academic inquiry. Studying Medieval Irish art history at Trinity under the guidance of professors who lead their fields was a privilege that felt equally comfortable and challenging due to the sincere interest that faculty members took in my studies.
Graduate, Culture and Civilisation Strand
I really enjoyed the course and would definitely recommend it. The lecturers are all informed, engaging, and generous. We covered a variety of topics spanning different approaches and periods, and I’ll never forget the hours spent playing with manuscripts from Trinity’s collection.
Graduate, Language and Literature Strand
