Hi everyone, I’m Ramalya, and I’m going to tell you all about my experience studying with the Centre for Medieval Studies at York.
Why York?
What initially attracted me to York’s Medieval Studies course was the variety of modules that it offered. The Islamic Cultures pathway, which allows students to immerse themselves in a non-European medieval perspective, stood out to me as a unique institutional commitment to global study. A year later, I can confidently say that this commitment to diverse learning has enriched and completely revitalised my approach to the medieval!
Studying in the Centre for Medieval Studies
The Medieval Studies course is jam-packed, meaning that this year has been intense, but immensely rewarding too.
The modules – what I learned
The foundational Approaches to an Interdisciplinary Methodology module allows gives you the critical tools of disciplines beyond that of undergraduate study. For me as an English graduate, this meant completing seminars in Archaeology and Medieval Libraries. It provided me with a base of new skills to take forward into the rest of my degree, and is one of the reasons that York provides a truly interdisciplinary course.
Languages and palaeography
I studied intensive Arabic for my language module, as well as auditing Advanced Old English. The Centre for Medieval Studies (CMS) offers a range of medieval languages, such as Latin, Old English, and Old Norse, catered for different abilities (Beginners or Advanced). This means that everyone has the chance to develop the language skills necessary for working within medieval spaces.
Thematic modules
The CMS offers a range of thematic modules: over Semester 1 and 2, I studied the modules Trans-Asian Trade on the Silk Roads, 1000-1200; The Global Middle Ages; and Chaucer, Arabic Learning, and the East. We take modules in different disciplines each semester, alongside a core ‘interdisciplinary’ module (which for me was The Global Middle Ages). It can be challenging, but it is this aspect of the course that has been most rewarding. It is truly valuable as a medievalist to gain insight into how disciplines beyond your own operate, and to incorporate some of those tools into your own skillset.
Dissertation
Alongside my work in Semester 2, I began to formulate my dissertation proposal. This is the beginning of a process which continues right until the very end of the course in September. I remember feeling daunted initially by the length of the process. But I didn’t need to worry because the CMS make so much space for students to consider and create their dissertations. You get assigned a supervisor pretty early on in the process, so you are well-supported through the whole thing.
You get guidance from academics at the forefront of their fields, which means that there is always someone to hold your hand as you traverse unfamiliar territories! It was very challenging, but I wouldn’t swap it for anything: it has completely changed the way that I think and approach any academic work.
Social Life
York has plenty to offer beyond your studies. During my year here, I have gone fully medieval and I couldn’t be happier! A highlight provided by the CMS has been SCRAMS (Somewhat Coherent Research About Medieval Studies), which runs every Friday in our beautiful department building, Heslington Hall. It is a fun weekly event where MAs and PhD students present wacky medieval research to one another over a glass (or two!) of wine or juice. It is deeply unserious, and a great way to quickly build up a sense of community with the other medievalists!
The CMS are also partially affiliated with the Lords of Misrule, a medieval theatre troupe that put on excellent plays each semester. A true highlight of Semester 1 was going to watch Lords’ performance of ‘Sir Gawain and the Green Knight’, which took place in a beautiful church. It was an excellent way to round off a hectic semester with my new friends!
Studying in a beautiful medieval city comes with endless opportunities to explore: from the York Minster to the Jorvik, medieval history is everywhere in York. It is so special to engage with the subject you love outside of the classroom! And for the moments when you want to leave your degree behind, there are a seemingly-endless supply of bars, cafes, and bookshops in the town centre, with which to fill your spare time.
Final Thoughts
Overall, although I was initially daunted by the prospect of moving to York, I can confidently say that it was the right choice for me. My experience studying with the Centre for Medieval Studies at York has been brilliant. I have gained a unique and valuable skillset through studying here that have and will continue to enrich my academic path. As well as this, I have gained a precious and supportive community of like-minded medievalists with whom I can collaborate and enjoy new experiences. If you are looking for a challenging yet rewarding foray into medieval worlds, then York will be perfect for you!
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