Medieval Studies

Research groups

The university's designated research theme Medieval Cultures concerns all aspects of the literature, art, history and thought of western European civilisation between c.500 and c.1500. Culture denotes not only higher-end artistic productions - the theatre, opera, art exhibitions and so on - but the whole complex of ways in which a society functions, thinks about itself and expresses its identity.

Cultures, the theme's signature term, is an elastic and open-ended word which invites discussion and collaboration among experts in different academic domains - literature, history, art, architecture, social history, folklore, religion and many others.

The medievalist community at Bristol is widely recognised as having effected truly interdisciplinary methods of working in integrated ways, engaging in vigorous cross-disciplinary dialogues that permeate many aspects of research and postgraduate teaching.

The activities of the centre are varied and build on this track record of interdisciplinary academic exchange and networking. They include interdisciplinary research and collaborative projects. Members of the centre are active in major international networks, such as CARMEN (Co-operative for the Advancement of Research through a Medieval European Network).

Through the postgraduate conference and student-led activities, such as reading groups, you are also encouraged to participate in developing your own networks.

Careers

A significant number of graduates from this programme develop careers as academics in higher education. Others move into academic-related jobs in archives, libraries or academic administration, with many maintaining the capacity to undertake new and innovative research in the field of medieval studies. Some come to medieval studies as mature students in retirement and go on to become independent researchers.