Medieval Studies
In this program, you’ll study the medieval period. You’ll explore a range of artistic, intellectual and social achievements.
Potential careers
What can you do with a medieval studies degree? Here are a few jobs that relate to the program:
- librarian
- archivist
- collections manager
- curator
- interpretive assistant
- volunteer coordinator
- program manager
- communications coordinator
- creative writer
- technical writer
- event planner
- trade officer
- auctioneer
- fund development
- student services
- teacher or instructor
- entrepreneur
Some of these roles may require post-graduate studies or training.
Find a career that fits you
- Explore your career options at an appointment with a career educator.
- Attend career development workshops as you search for work.
- Take part in the Career Clarity program to generate career ideas and plan your next steps.
Experience & connections
Opportunities in the medieval studies program
- With the Co-op Program you can alternate study with paid work.
Opportunities outside your program
- With a work study position you can develop skills during your study term.
- Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community while you build skills.
Networks you can connect to
Here are a few professional associations related to medieval studies:
Hands-on learning opportunities
These courses in the medieval studies program offer extensive hands-on learning.
Co-op
Co-op work terms
Alternate academic study with paid work terms to gain workplace experience
Course-based
MEDI 451 - Reading, Writing and the Book in the Medieval World
MEDI 452 - Special Topics in Medieval Manuscript Studies
(variable course topics)
Study archival materials and work directly with medieval books and manuscripts
Field school
MEDI 495 - Field School in Medieval Studies
(international experience)
Explore medieval studies topics at sites in France
Publication, conference or presentation
MEDI 452 - Special Topics in Medieval Manuscript Studies
(variable course topics)
Prepare a research paper; accepted papers are presented at a student conference
Research project
MEDI 200 - Myths and Legends of the Middle Ages
Compile medieval resources for a publicly accessible database
MEDI 303 - The Medieval World
Conduct research for projects that will be available to the public online
MEDI 499 - Honours Graduating Essay
Research, write and orally defend a graduating honours essay
Work experience
Work experience work terms
Take part in a modified co-op program requiring one or two work experiences
These courses are not always offered as described.
What you'll learn
Every student at UVic builds skills all employers look for. At UVic Co-op & Career we call these "competencies". This is what you’ll learn in the medieval studies program.
Critical thinking
- analyze a wide variety of written, visual and archaeological sources
- understand the importance of historical and cultural context in the interpretation of texts and artifacts
- identify the critical questions to be asked of a text or artifact
- present original arguments in writing or speech
Historical awareness
- understand the major civilizations of the medieval period via primary texts, art, architecture and archaeology
- describe issues or events in the medieval period in historical terms
- understand the fundamental works of literature in medieval Europe and the Islamic Middle East
- understand the history of the relationship between Islam and Christianity
- understand the continuing relevance of aspects of medieval culture in the contemporary world
Historical method
- use a systematic method of inquiry to interpret the medieval period
- use textual and physical evidence in the reconstruction of medieval history and culture
- compare the viewpoints of medieval writers from different regions or religious communities
- appreciate the importance of gender in the study of medieval culture
- understand the principal historiographic traditions of the medieval world
- assess viewpoints presented by modern scholars of the medieval period
Social and cultural perspective
- understand texts, visual culture and material culture in their social and cultural contexts.
- understand how knowledge was generated and transmitted in medieval cultures
- assess the importance of classical scholarship on the intellectual and artistic traditions of the medieval world
- assess the role of religious belief in the formation of medieval societies
- analyze the origins, development and cultural significance of myths in medieval societies
- appreciate the cultural interactions between different communities during the medieval period