Faculty of Arts

The Master of Medieval and Early Modern Studies (MEMS) is a multidiscipline coursework degree which explores key texts and themes in the history and culture of Europe from the fifth to the eighteenth centuries.

The skills you will learn in researching and understanding this period will assist you to improve your career opportunities in many different areas.

You will:

• learn how to read medieval manuscripts
• understand the worlds of St. Augustine, Marguerite of Navarre and the Renaissance humanists
• write your own research topic on pre-modern history, literature or art.

The Master of Medieval and Early Modern Studies prepares students for advanced research in medieval and early modern studies by:

• providing or upgrading key skills (bibliographical, archival, linguistic, editorial)
• introducing new theoretical approaches and enhancing your ability to work in an interdisciplinary manner
• requiring you to read major texts of the period
• requiring you to construct a substantial research project.

Two core seminars introduce major skills and themespaleography, diplomatics, literature and legend, pre-modern ideas of science, medicine and religion, early modern economy and trade. Students follow individual interests (history, Latin and vernacular literatures, visual arts) through other specialised seminars, individual reading contracts, and a major research project.

Careers

MEMS graduates are well prepared for employment in areas such as journalism, the media, cultural and heritage institutions (e.g. museums and art galleries), the diplomatic corps, publishing, education, business and private administration, the Commonwealth and state public service.

Course outline

The course consists of units to a total of 96 points for non-honours graduates and 48 points for honours graduates. Study may be completed full-time (2 years) or part-time (5 years maximum). International students may only study on a full-time basis.

The components of this course are:

• MEMS8401 Interdisciplinary Core Seminar (MMEMS) I: Reading the Pre-modern World (6 points)
• MEMS8402 Interdisciplinary Core Seminar (MMEMS) II: Interpreting the Pre-Modern World (6 points)
• MEMS8403 Research Project (12 points)
• MEMS8404 Individual Reading Contract (6 points)
• MEMS8405 Seminar I (6 points)
• MEMS8406 Seminar II (6 points)
• MEMS8407 Seminar III (6 points)
• MEMS8408 Dissertation Parts I and II (24 points).

Key information

• 96 credit points
• 2 years full time, 5 years (max) part time
• Course code: 11530

Admission requirements

To be considered for admission to this course a student must have:

• A relevant bachelor's degree with an average mark of at least 65% in Level 3 units of the major, or equivalent as recognised by the Faculty.
• A minimum level of English Language Competence for domestic students will need to be met for all UWA coursework programs.
• A minimum level of English Language Competence for international students will need to be met for all UWA coursework programs.

Course enquiries

For more information please contact the Faculty of Arts Student Office.