Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (Medieval Studies)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree PhD
Next Intake TBA

Course Overview

Embark on a transformative PhD in Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (Medieval Studies) at the University of Galway, designed for aspiring scholars passionate about uncovering the complexities of the medieval world. This interdisciplinary research programme delves into the period from Late Antiquity to c. 1500, encouraging a multidimensional view of Europe and Ireland through rigorous academic inquiry. You will develop essential research methodologies, focusing on textual analysis, palaeography, and manuscript studies, preparing you to engage deeply with primary sources and contribute original scholarship to this fascinating field.

This full-time, on-campus PhD is structured over four years, providing a comprehensive research journey. You will engage with core modules in research skills and potentially advanced language studies, including Latin and other medieval vernaculars, alongside optional topical modules in areas such as history, literature, and archaeology. Throughout your studies, you will work closely with dedicated supervisors and a Graduate Research Committee, culminating in an 80,000-word thesis. You will graduate with advanced research expertise and a strong foundation for academic careers or research-focused roles in cultural heritage and beyond.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program offers a comprehensive exploration of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences with a focus on Medieval Studies. Across multiple years, students engage with foundational research methodologies, delve into diverse historical periods and cultural contexts, and develop advanced language and analytical skills. The curriculum includes specialized modules in areas such as Irish history, philosophy, drama, and various foreign languages, culminating in research projects and placements.

1 Year 1 (90 Credits)

Research Component Optional
Educational Research Methodology and Development Optional
Education Optional
Theoretical Foundations of Education Optional

2 Year 2 (90 Credits)

Foundations of Health Promotion Optional
Health Promotion Practice Optional
Determinants of Health Optional
Research Methods Optional
Aistriúchán Téacsanna Reachtaíochta Optional
Drama and Theatre Studies Optional
Seminar Programme Optional
Gaeilge Optional
Old & Middle Irish Optional
Journal Club Programme Optional
Graduate Research Skills Optional
Formulating a Research Project Proposal Optional
SPHeRE Perspectives on Population Health and Health Services Research Optional
SPHERE Health Systems, Policy and Management Optional
SPHERE Systematic Reviewing and Protocol Development Optional
Readings & Research in Twentieth-century Ireland Optional
Philosophy Optional
Readings & Research in Early Irish History Optional
Political Science Optional
Readings & Research in Early Modern Europe Optional

3 Year 3 (90 Credits)

Work Based Placement 2 Optional
Work Based Placement 1 Optional
Teanga na Gaeilge Optional
Intermediate Latin 1 Optional
Modheolaíochtaí Tionscadail agus Taighde Optional
Aistriúchán Téacsanna I Optional
Próiseas na Pleanála Teanga I Optional
Buntús na hAteangaireachta Leantaí/ Introduction to Consecutive Interpreting Optional
Seminar Programme Optional
Journal Club Programme Optional
Graduate Research Skills Optional
Formulating a Research Project Proposal Optional
Participation in Workshops/Courses Optional
Research Placement 1 Optional
Research Placement 2 Optional

4 Year 4 (90 Credits)

Language & Intercultural Communication (French) Optional
German Language I Optional
Film Studies (Huston School) Optional
Italian Language 1 Optional
A Visual Culture Optional
Creative Documentary Optional
Young Ireland to the Free State: Writing in English, 1849-1922 Optional
Ceart na Gaeilge 1 Optional
Readings & Research in Gender and History Optional
Aspects of medieval Archaeology 1 Optional
Athbheochan na Gaeilge Optional
Celtic Studies Optional
Journal Club Programme Optional
Language & Intercultural Communication (Italian) Optional
Interpreting Literature: Theories & Methods Optional
English Optional
Readings & Research in Early Irish History Optional
Buntús na hAteangaireachta Leantaí/ Introduction to Consecutive Interpreting Optional
Latin American Studies Optional
Irish Language Studies Optional
Cruinnscríobh na Gaeilge I Optional
Beginning Latin Part 1 Optional
Theatre and Drama for Young Audience Optional
French Language IX Optional
Film and Media Practice Optional
Advanced Language Skills I (German) Optional
Research Paper Publication Optional
Italian Optional
Mathematics Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 17,057.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 17,057.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 17,057.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 17,057.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 68,229.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 864.00 - USD 1,085.00
Food & Groceries USD 2,807.00 - USD 4,491.00
Transport USD 702.00 - USD 1,684.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,404.00 - USD 2,105.00
Estimated Total USD 4,913.00 - USD 8,280.00

Living cost estimates are based on Galway Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

96%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accounting & AuditingAccreditation & Assessment ServicesBrokerage & Trading & SecuritiesCorporate Training & DevelopmentEducational Support ServicesEnergy Trading & MarketsOil & Gas Exploration & ProductionPower Generation & UtilitiesRefining & PetrochemicalsTax & Legal Compliance

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Atlantic Technological University

Department of Education and Youth

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ireland

Dublin City University

Natural Resources Canada

Trinity College Dublin

Why Study Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (Medieval Studies) at University of Galway

What makes this program stand out

Top 20 in UK For Computer Science

Exeter's Computer Science department consistently ranks among the top 20 in the UK for both teaching quality and research output.

Fast Offers Quick turnaround

Exeter typically responds to applications within 2-3 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Flexible Intakes September start

Primary intake in September with January start available for some pathways through the INTO foundation program.

Accredited Industry recognized

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, meeting requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status.

Life at University of Galway in Ireland

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (Medieval Studies) at University of Galway

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours per week during breaks. No separate work permit is required, but students must be enrolled full-time in a program of at least one year.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For TOEFL, an overall score of 88 is required with specific scores in listening, reading, speaking, and writing. For IELTS, a minimum overall score of 6.5 is necessary, along with designated scores in each component.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates may pursue careers as Medieval Historians, Archivists, Curators, Researchers, or University Lecturers.

What will I actually study in this course?

The program covers a broad range of topics, including Palaeography and Manuscript Studies, and emphasizes interdisciplinary research methods. Students develop linguistic skills and engage in practical research using primary texts and other materials from the medieval period.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The intake month for the PhD in Medieval Studies is September. Prospective students should ensure they apply ahead of this date to secure their place.
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