MA Folklore Studies

About the course

The University of Hertfordshire’s MA Folklore Studies explores legend, ritual, belief and tradition in British society, providing students with a thorough grounding in the history of the discipline of Folklore Studies and examining current work in the field. This distinctive MA, which will run for the first time in 2019-2020, is the only such programme offered in England. Aimed at recent graduates in related subjects such as literature, history, archaeology, anthropology or religion, who have perhaps touched on folklore in their dissertations and want to develop this further, this MA also offers opportunities for mature students looking to turn their interest in local folklore into an academic qualification. Drawing on the research specialisms of academics in the University’s History Group, the MA will offer modules on contemporary customs and rituals, the lore of the British landscape, and migratory beliefs and traditions. You will also explore folklore in comparative international contexts and consider its global importance as an aspect of UNESCO’s definition of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Under expert supervision, you’ll also write a 15,000-word dissertation, giving you the opportunity to research your own area of interest, from witchcraft and magic to local folklore.

Why choose this course?

We give you: The only MA in Folklore Studies offered in England Automatic membership of the world-renowned Folklore Society and use of their library in London An exceptional academic team of lecturers and supervisors, conducting world-leading folklore research The opportunity to write a dissertation on a folklore topic about which you are passionate

What will I study?

Teaching will be in small group workshops on weekday early evenings, led by members of the Folklore Studies team in the History Group. Discussions and group work will encourage students to share their experience and knowledge of aspects of folklore and learn from each other. We may also offer some Saturday sessions for the Folklorist’s Craft methodology module. The MA Folklore Studies has the full support of the world-renowned Folklore Society, which is offering membership and use of its library to our MA Folklore students during their course. MA Folklore students will have the opportunity to form part of a student panel at the Society’s annual conference and will also be eligible for the Folklore Society’s annual President’s Prize for Young Scholars. As one of our MA students you will benefit from being part of a diverse and active academic community. We see our postgraduate students as fellow researchers, and we place a great deal of importance on sharing and developing skills. Our ‘History café’ offers an informal get together with other Humanities postgraduates before classes, while each year the History Group arranges an off-campus staff-student weekend conference.

Careers

Our postgraduates are equipped for a wide range of jobs, including careers in heritage and culture industries such as material archivists or education officers, in libraries, museums, tourism, arts organisations, the publishing industry, and funding agencies. Through the University’s Heritage Hub and the Professional Doctorate in Heritage, we also have established connections with heritage organisations and employers such as John Lewis.Postgraduates in Folklore Studies are equipped for a wide range of jobs, including careers in libraries, museums, tourism, arts organisations, the publishing industry, and funding agencies.