PhD Medieval Studies

Why apply for a PhD at the CMS?

York's Centre for Medieval Studies is the oldest interdisciplinary centre for postgraduate study of the Middle Ages in Great Britain, and it is also one of the most respected centres in the world. It is one of the few institutions in the world where postgraduate students undertake interdisciplinary research in Medieval Studies. The faculty are world experts in their fields, the whole atmosphere is friendly and supportive, and a PhD from York is well regarded throughout the world when you move on to seek academic employment.

What can I study?

Students studying toward the PhD in Medieval Studies work on research projects that span or blur traditional disciplinary boundaries, and are supervised jointly by staff specializing in two different subject areas. Subject areas include Archaeology, Art and Architectural History, History (social, economic, political, cultural, ecclesiastical, intellectual and gender) and Literature (including Old and Middle English, Old Norse, Latin, Italian, French), Viking studies, codicology and palaeography.

What skills can I learn?

Tuition can be offered in medieval languages (Medieval Latin, Old English, Old French, Old Norse). Palaeography and Diplomatic are taught by specialists in the early, high and late Middle Ages. Modern language teaching can be provided by the university's Languages for All centre.Many PhD students take the opportunity in the second or third year to gain some undergraduate teaching experience in their area of interest.

What if I want to specialize in one discipline?

Students who prefer to specialize in only one discipline are very much part of life at the Centre (and their supervisors are often based there). They will be registered with one of the departments whose staff make up the CMS, so they will need to apply directly to the Archaeology, English, History, or History of Art departments themselves.

What's research life like at the CMS?

PhD students at the CMS are active contributors to the research life of one of the most vibrant communities of medievalists in the world, whether they are registered at the CMS itself or in one of the individual departments, whose medieval students participate in the academic and social life of the Centre as well as in their own Departments.

They convene research groups where they share their research in the company of teaching staff and fellow students, they participate in the regular research seminars, and they frequently attend talks given by visiting speakers.

Besides supervisions, research groups and seminars, research students have frequent and informal contact with members of staff and fellow students to discuss areas of mutual interest.

PhD students are provided with a dedicated workroom, with desks, wi-fi, and printing facilities. Many students appreciate the supportive environment it provides while working on their projects.