Crusader Studies

Entry requirements

2:2

UK Lower Class Honours degree (2:2) or equivalent in History or a related subject in the Humanities or Social Sciences.

Relevant professional qualifications and work experience in an associated area will be considered.

While a background in medieval history is helpful, it is by no means essential. The primary factors required are considerable motivation and a willingness to read widely and to engage with diverse cultures and ideologies from the perspective of the medieval world.

We make decisions based on achieved or predicted grades, personal statements and references. We occasionally invite candidates to interview, usually in cases where we would like more information on which to base a decision. Applicants unable to attend, such as overseas students, will be interviewed by telephone.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The Royal Holloway MA in Crusader Studies offers a unique and fascinating examination of the ideas, impact and personalities of this compelling subject from the medieval age to the present day. You will be taught, inspired and challenged by internationally recognised experts in this field.

Royal Holloway has a long tradition of studying the History of the Crusades and in conjunction with the libraries and research seminars of central London, offers unparalleled expertise and resources. This is an ideal MA if you are pursuing an advanced interest in crusading history and will provide you with a further set of skills and a qualification that can lead to an impressive range of career paths. It also has a highly successful track record as a springboard to doctoral research.

The programme offers students an understanding of the context of the crusades, and the ideology that underpinned the movement as well as a consideration of its modern-day resonances. You will gain an unparalleled insight into the ideas, events and people of crusading history while engaging with a full array of source materials in this compelling field. The course will also consider the impact of the crusades on the Muslim world, as well as exploring western Europe’s first contacts with the terrifying Mongols.

We are one of the largest and liveliest History departments in the UK yet you will receive our individual attention and become part of our close-knit post graduate community.

We offer a wide range of postgraduate scholarships to help with funding your studies. We especially encourage eligible applicants to apply for one of the following:

Brian Harris scholarship – full tuition fee reduction plus £14,800 research, living and travel costs for UK students with, or expected to achieve, a First Class degree.

Dinah and Jessica Nichols scholarship – £12,000 scholarship for Home/EU or international students with, or expected to achieve, a First Class degree or equivalent.

We also have two awards specifically for the MA in Crusader Studies:

The Peter Le Grys Prize. Awarded annually in the memory of this former student of the College, and to the value of £1500.

The St John Historical Society Award, given annually and to the value of £500.

Please contact the MA Course Director for further details.

Information for international students

IELTS score of 6.5 with 7.0 in writing and no subscore below 5.5 for non-native English speaking applicants.

See our International pages for more information.

Fees and funding

www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/fees-and-funding/