Medieval History (with Foundation Year)
UCAS code: V15X
COURSE OVERVIEW
*Subject to revalidation
- Set yourself up to flourish in your degree and beyond with our Foundation Year
- Survey a wide range of periods while zooming in on landmark medieval events such as the Norman Conquest, the Black Death and the Wars of the Roses
- Secure work placements at leading historic and cultural venues such as the Mary Rose and the British Museum
- Learn from expert tutors and their cutting-edge research
- Join a student-led history society on trips to sites of historical interest and talks by major historians
- Study in a beautiful city steeped in medieval history
In Britain, we love our crumbling castles, noble cathedrals and bloody representations of the medieval age in popular culture. If you have a passion for history with a special interest in the Middle Ages, then this course is perfect for you.
On our Medieval History (with Foundation Year) programme, you study the great sweep of history in Britain and around the world, from the transformation of the Roman Empire to Renaissance court politics.
Studying how people lived in the medieval world is highly instructive. The word medieval has become synonymous with lawlessness and brutality, but this was not always the case. Some populations had the vote, trade happened over long distances, and witch hunts were restricted to certain periods. Learning more about the medieval world and why it exerts such a strong hold over our imaginations can help you to better understand the contemporary world.
A Foundation Year is the perfect way to boost your academic skills, build your confidence and develop your wider subject knowledge so you can succeed at Winchester. This course offers an extra year of study at the start (Year 0) which leads onto a full degree programme (Years 1, 2 and 3).
A Foundation Year is ideal if you are returning to education after a break; haven’t quite achieved the entry qualifications required; are wanting more support during the transition to studying at university; or are unsure about which subject you wish to pursue.
In Year 0, you will study a set of modules from across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences which are designed to develop your academic and practical skills. This broader focus in your first year introduces you to studying at university level and provides you with a better understanding of Medieval History and related subjects.
You will experience a variety of teaching methods including lectures, discussion-based seminars and independent study. You will also receive support to boost your academic skills to prepare you for the rest of your time at Winchester. Find out more and hear from our Foundation Year students at winchester.ac.uk/foundation
In Year 1 (second year of study), you take core modules that explore the nature of history as a discipline. You look at the changing assumptions, methods and definitions of history and explore the current concerns of historians. You also select from a range of possible optional modules, including Early Medieval Britain 400-1066 and Europe 1300-1500.
Having acquired research skills and knowledge in Year 1, your studies in Years 2 and 3 (third and fourth year of study) are more specialised. You take core modules that deepen your understanding of the study of history, including Past Historians and Current Practice, and optional modules focused primarily on the Medieval World. You either concentrate on how to use original documents (in translated ad printed form where appropriate) or explore, through thematic approaches, social continuity and change over long periods.
In Year 3 (fourth year of study), you produce your dissertation and take core modules in Writing History, and History and the Public Sphere. Optional modules take the form of Depth Studies, using primary and secondary sources as evidence, and Comparative Studies, where more than one country and culture is examined. Depth Studies options may include The Hundred Years' War 1337-1453, Alfred the Great, and The Pax Romana. The Possible Comparative Studies options include Gender and Authority in Early Medieval Europe, Greek and Roman Comedy Theatre, and The Black Death in Europe.
By studying Medieval History you develop transferable skills in written and oral communication, both as part of a group and individually, and critical analysis of evidence and large bodies of material.
Our graduates enter a wide spectrum of careers. Many work in museums and heritage sites. Others work within teaching, retail, the arts, marketing and local, regional and national Government.
Careers
Graduates work in museums and heritage sites. Others work within teaching, retailing, the arts, marketing and local, regional and national Government.
The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021, HESA.
*Subject to revalidation
This course is subject to revalidation. 'Revalidation' is the process by which the University refreshes its existing provision. Revalidation assesses the quality and standards of the programme to ensure it continues to provide a distinct, high quality academic experience for students, enabling them to acquire the necessary academic knowledge, understanding, general and subject-specific skills required to pursue a graduate level career.
ABOUT THIS COURSE
Suitable for Applicants from:
UK, EU, World
Field Trips
Previous students have secured placements at The Mary Rose and the British Museum. Students also have the opportunity to take part in trips to France, Spain or Poland to visit sites of former concentration camps in Krakow and Oswiecim.
Study Abroad
This course provides an opportunity for you to study abroad in the United States of America (USA) and Europe via Erasmus.
For more information see our Study Abroad section.
Learning and Teaching
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc., you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Independent learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.
Year 0 (Level 3): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 228 hours
- Independent learning: 972 hours
Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 216 hours
- Independent learning: 984 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 216 hours
- Independent learning: 984 hours
Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 168 hours
- Independent learning: 1032 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.
Teaching hours
All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
Year 0 (Level 3)*
- 95% coursework
- 0% written exams
- 5% practical exams
Year 1 (Level 4)*
- 71% coursework
- 25% written exams
- 4% practical exams
Year 2 (Level 5)*
- 71% coursework
- 19% written exams
- 10% practical exams
Year 3 (Level 6)*
- 71% coursework
- 23% written exams
- 6% practical exams
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.
Feedback
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
Further information
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures.
Entry requirements
2023 Entry: 48 UCAS tariff points
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
- A-Levels: EEE from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations
- BTEC/CTEC: PPP from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 1 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
In addition to the above, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:
- GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT.
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.
Course Enquiries and Applications
Telephone: +44 (0) 1962 827234
International Students
International students seeking additional information about this programme can send an email to International@winchester.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1962 827023
Visit us
Explore our campus and find out more about studying at Winchester by coming to one of our Open Days.
Year 0 (Level 3)
Modules Credits
| Succeeding at University | 15 | |
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Succeeding at University introduces you to learning in higher education and provides you with a framework for reflection and understanding of your own personal learning identity as well as tools for continuing educational success. |
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| Succeeding in the Workplace | 15 | |
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Succeeding in the Workplace will equip you with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to help you to develop their employability skills. You will be introduced to the workplace through a short observation and will work independently and in groups to understand and recognise work-related success and build your own potential. |
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| Being the Difference | 30 | |
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Being the Difference is a placement double module, based on the University Volunteering module, that ensures you will make a positive and personally rewarding contribution to the community whilst also reflecting critically upon your experience and developing skills which will enhance your employability and personal development. The placement is in a voluntary sector body locally that will be relevant and appropriate to your future undergraduate subject choice. |
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| From Charlemagne to the Berlin Wall | 15 | |
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This module introduces you to the key themes and issues in European History between 800 and 2000, providing the key background knowledge required to succeed in a History, Medieval History and Modern History degree. The module examines five core themes over two semesters: states and empires; war and society; religious power and religious life; gender and history; society and culture. |
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| Optional Modules | ||
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Optional Credits
| Succeeding at University | 15 | |
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Succeeding at University introduces you to learning in higher education and provides you with a framework for reflection and understanding of your own personal learning identity as well as tools for continuing educational success. |
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| Succeeding in the Workplace | 15 | |
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Succeeding in the Workplace will equip you with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to help you to develop their employability skills. You will be introduced to the workplace through a short observation and will work independently and in groups to understand and recognise work-related success and build your own potential. |
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| Being the Difference | 30 | |
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Being the Difference is a placement double module, based on the University Volunteering module, that ensures you will make a positive and personally rewarding contribution to the community whilst also reflecting critically upon your experience and developing skills which will enhance your employability and personal development. The placement is in a voluntary sector body locally that will be relevant and appropriate to your future undergraduate subject choice. |
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| From Charlemagne to the Berlin Wall | 15 | |
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This module introduces you to the key themes and issues in European History between 800 and 2000, providing the key background knowledge required to succeed in a History, Medieval History and Modern History degree. The module examines five core themes over two semesters: states and empires; war and society; religious power and religious life; gender and history; society and culture. |
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| Optional Modules | ||
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Year 1 (Level 4)
Modules Credits
| Case Studies 1: Sources and Approaches in History | 15 | |
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This module introduces you to the core skills required to study history successfully at degree level. History makes sense of the past by analysing surviving evidence. Such evidence is either secondary, which requires in-depth critical reading, or primary or original, which demands critical contextualisation and analysis. All such evidence has uses to the historian, not necessarily obvious, and all contains partiality, which historians are trained to overcome. Working in small groups with one staff member per group, there will be a balance between developing awareness of these overarching core skills (such as conducting research and mastering referencing conventions) and a case study where you work on academic reading connected to a particular topic. |
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| Perspectives on the Past, Part 1 | 15 | |
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This module, and its co-requisite, Perspectives on the Past II, introduces you to different perceptions of history. Over the course of the modules, you are asked to critically engage with micro- and macro-historical viewpoints through the lens of local, national and global history or in terms of the significance of particular turning points versus the longue durée approach of change over time. The modules are divided into three-week studies of a particular theme (for example, Empire Religion or War) with overviews at the macro- and micro- historical level. The final week of each theme concentrates upon a seminar which explores primary source material related to that theme and acts as a progress update for the presentations which groups will ultimately put together. |
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| Case Studies 2: Independent Study project | 15 | |
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This module builds upon Sources & Approaches in History, further developing your skills as independent researchers, and giving you an opportunity to do research of a critical nature, using both primary and secondary sources. Continuing to work in the same Case Study groups as, and on a related topic to, Sources & Approaches, you will undertake an individual research project, on a topic negotiated with a tutor. In addition, there will be an element of group work as you combine your individual findings, presenting on a subtopic of the module’s overarching theme. |
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| Perspectives on the Past, Part II | 15 | |
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This module, and its pre-requisite, Perspectives on the Past I, introduces you to different perceptions of history. Over the course of the modules, you are asked to critically engage with micro- and macro-historical viewpoints through the lens of local, national and global history or in terms of the significance of particular turning points versus the longue durée approach of change over time. The modules are divided into three-week studies of a particular theme (for example, Trade & Economy, Ecology, Disease & Famine or Migration) with overviews at the macro- and micro- historical level. The final week of each theme concentrates upon a seminar which explores primary source material related to that theme. |
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| Optional modules | ||
Classics modules:
Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing, for full-time students entering the programme in Year 1. Optional modules are listed where applicable. Please note the University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. For further information please refer to the terms and conditions at www.winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed above. |
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Year 2 (Level 5)
Modules Credits
| Reading History | 15 | |
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Reading History provides an overview of ‘doing History’ from the Classical period onwards. It examines the ideas that have underpinned historical research and writing, from Herodotus to Post-Modernity, as well as recent theories of history (many of which have been drawn from other disciplines and including post-colonialism, gender and identity, spatial theory) as they have been used by historians. It will prodive you with an opportunity to think reflexively about the nature of the historical enterprise. You are encouraged to link your studies in Reading History with your other second-year modules. This module principally examines the ways in which British historians have worked from the early medieval period to c.2000. It investigates the influences which shaped their approaches (including, e.g., the work of foreign scholars such as Leopold von Ranke and the historians of the French Annales School). It also investigates theories of history – e.g. Marxist ideas. It emphasizes the expansion of historical interests and the methodologies which have permitted fresh areas of study in the last thirty years and looks at the current practice of history. |
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| Practising History | 15 | |
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This module considers the planning and preparation of research and the methods and skills used, with particular reference to – but not sole consideration of – the dissertation. A wide range of historical approaches and methods are assessed, including use of local and national archives, databases and online sources, media and newspapers, visual images, standing remains, landscape and the material environment, public history, oral sources and scientific data. Ethics in historical research are also examined. |
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| Optional modules | ||
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Year 3 (Level 6)
Modules Credits
| Dissertation in History | 30 | |
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The Dissertation (Extended Independent Study) is an 8,000 -10,000 thesis on a subject of your choice. It makes an original contribution to historical knowledge and understanding. It demonstrates an advanced capacity to work as a historian and to employ the conventions of a historian. |
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| Writing History | 15 | |
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This module is taught through small seminar groups only. In these groups, you will be able to explore the nature of historical research and historical debate through reflection on their own dissertation and the sharing of best practice with other students. It will allow a more supportive learning environment whilst ensuring a more active engagement with individual research |
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| History and the Public Sphere | 15 | |
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History in the Public Sphere asks students to engage with the process of accessing the past both through History as an academic discipline and alternatively in public history. Through the study of a variety of uses of the past in areas such as politics, journalism and popular media, you will engage with the methodological problems and nuances in studying History at degree level. This module will allow you to develop a more nuanced understanding of both popular and academic approaches to the past and to consider the applicability of academic history in more popular arenas. |
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| Optional modules | ||
Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing, for full-time students entering the programme in Year 1. Optional modules are listed where applicable. Please note the University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. For further information please refer to the terms and conditions at www.winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed above. |
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Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing, for full-time students entering the programme in Year 1. Optional modules are listed where applicable. Please note the University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. For further information please refer to the terms and conditions at www.winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions.
The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed above.
Progression from one level of the programme to the next is subject to meeting the University’s academic regulations.
2023 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International | |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
| Year 2 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
| Year 3 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
| Year 4 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
| Total | £37,000 | £58,800 |
| Optional Sandwich Year* | £1,385 | £1,440 |
| Total with Sandwich Year | £38,385 | £60,240 |
If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2023, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a four-year degree would be £37,000 for UK students.
Remember, you don't have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year. If finance is a worry for you, we are here to help. Take a look at the range of support we have on offer. This is a great investment you are making in your future, so make sure you know what is on offer to support you.
UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £122.50 and a 15 credit module is £1,837.
* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year. To find out whether this course offers a sandwich year, please contact the programme leader for further information.
Additional Costs
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:
Optional
Dissertation work:
Students working on dissertations in Year 3 may incur costs (mainly travel) of visiting archives, dependent upon the specific nature of the dissertation and availability of online resources for a specific subject. This would typically involve either travel to a local archive (e.g. Southampton, Portsmouth or further afield if the student chooses to study a locality away from Winchester) or a national archive, usually in London (TNA, British Library, Women's Library, etc.). If the dissertation work is based in Winchester, then costs will be far less.
Field Trip:
Optional week long History fieldtrip in Year 2 - costs vary depending on location and number of students going on the trip. Indicative cost is £300-£700.
Placement:
If students decide to complete an optional History work/volunteering placement it may incur travel costs, which are dependent upon where the student undertakes the placement (if local it may be zero, but costs go up when public transport is used to travel). Students will have a say in where their placement is located. Indicative cost is £0 - £300, dependent on location of placement and number of visits required.
Mandatory
Books:
Some modules require students to have access to books. Indicative cost is £100 if bought new over the course of a year (but texts can often be purchased at considerably reduced rates second hand). Mandatory modules might also require some core texts. Indicative cost £150 per year.
Printing and binding:
The University is pleased to offer our students a printing allowance of £5 each academic year. This will print around 125 A4 (black and white) pages. If students wish to print more, printer credit can be topped up by the student. The University and Student Union are champions of sustainability and we ask all our students to consider the environmental impact before printing.
Volunteering and placements:
Students will incur travel costs on a mandatory volunteering placement in their Foundation Year (Year 0). Indicative cost: £5 - £30 per day
Scholarships, bursaries and awards
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards page.
Key course details
- UCAS code
- V15X
- Duration
- 4 years full-time
- Typical offer
- 48 points
- Location
- On campus, Winchester
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