Medieval Studies
Develop research skills working with primary medieval sources in and around Bristol, a leading medieval English city and gateway to Europe.
Who it's for
This programme is for students who want a foundation in the methodologies needed to examine primary medieval sources and to explore a region of crucial importance in shaping the medieval history of Western Europe.
We welcome applications from international students, both undergraduates of any major as well as recent graduates and postgraduates.
What you'll learn
You’ll be working with academics from our internationally recognised Centre for Medieval Studies. This is one of the largest communities of academic medievalists in the UK, giving you a unique opportunity for networking and academic development.
- You’ll interact with leading scholars in various fields, from palaeography and codicology to history, theology, law, archaeology, and the history of art.
- You’ll learn the key historical methodologies required to approach the Middle Ages and its literature.
- We’ll provide you with a foundation in palaeography, codicology, and textual criticism to examine a range of manuscript sources.
- You’ll be able to apply the research skills you’ve learned on weekly field trips to exclusive locations.
Academic programme
The Centre for Medieval Studies has internationally recognised expertise in an unrivalled range of areas, reflecting Bristol's historic role as a gateway to Europe. Medieval Bristol was England's second city and a major maritime port for trade and exploration.
Our Medieval Studies Summer School will introduce you to working with primary medieval sources, particularly, but not exclusively, written ones. You will work with leading medieval experts in history, English, theology, history of art, French and beyond.
The course will place a strong emphasis on how to read and examine manuscripts. You will also be introduced to the following specialist skills, drawing on the expertise of the Centre for Medieval Studies staff:
- textual editing;
- diplomatic (working with charters);
- art and decoration;
- describing medieval buildings.
Weekly field trips to our unique centres and locations in the South West of England (e.g. Gloucester Cathedral, Bath, Wells Cathedral, Berkeley Castle) will allow you to apply the skills you gain outside the classroom.
At the end of the Summer School you will:
- have gained the basic skills to read, transcribe and describe manuscripts;
- be able to recognise some categories of medieval script at beginner level;
- know how to approach researching medieval topics related to your own specialisms and interests;
- have applied the research skills you've gained while exploring resources in situ during field trips to exclusive locations.
All classes will be seminars: the initial part will typically be taught as a lecture by your tutor and you will then engage in a set of activities, including group work, discussion, and presentation
Programme timetable
Find out more about your summer experience by viewing our Medieval Studies 2025 draft programme (PDF, 201kB) Please note that this timetable is subject to change.
If you need to view the programme outline in another format, email bristol-summer@bristol.ac.uk.
More information
Learn more about our Centre for Medieval Studies, where you will be based.
Key Information
Programme dates: Sunday 15 June to Saturday 5 July 2025
Programme fee: £3,595 - see what's included in the fee
Qualify for a 10% discount: We offer a single 10% discount for either:
- early-bird applicants who apply by 1 March 2025;
- students from International Partner Universities and Study Abroad student mobility partners;
- students who apply for two consecutive programmes; or
- groups of 10 or more students from the same university.
Students who apply through an agent will not be eligible for a fee discount.
Credits: upon successful completion of the programme, students will receive 10 academic credits, suggested as equivalent to 5 ECTS or 3 US semester credits.
Early bird applications end: 1 March 2025
Closing date for all applications: Sunday, 4 May 2025. Places are limited and offers for programmes are made on a first-come, first-served basis.
Why choose a Bristol Summer?
Study at a top-10 UK university and explore one of the UK’s most exciting cities.
Entry requirements
Age: 18 or over
Study level and subject: this summer school is open to international students, both undergraduates as well as recent graduates and postgraduates. The summer school is particularly suited to Arts and Humanities students, but we welcome applications from students from all disciplines.
Current academic attainment: GPA equivalent to 60-63% on the UK scale, C on the ECTS scale, or 3.0 on a 4.0 GPA scale
English language: you meet our requirements if:
- you are a native speaker; or
- your degree is/was taught in English; or
- you meet our Profile A language requirements. Visit the page and select the 'English Language Proficiency Tests' tab for more information.
For this programme, we do not accept CET-4 or CET-6 scores.
Contact us
You can email or phone us if you have any questions about the course or your eligibility.
- Email: bristol-summer@bristol.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)117 455 3950