Medieval Studies degree

students in a lecture

Immerse yourself in the Middle Ages — minus the dysentery 

Concentrate on a crucial era in the development of Western civilization.

In Canada’s longest-standing Medieval Studies program, you’ll explore the ideas and events of Europe and the Near East from the fall of the Roman Empire to the beginning of the modern era in 1500 CE.

When you study medieval history, art, philosophy, legal systems, and politics, you’re not just living in the past. This is a field that offers valuable insights into European politics, modern gender norms, the rise and fall of superpowers, the connections between Islam and Christianity, and more, and you'll have the opportunity to implement that into your work early if you choose the co-op stream.

You’ll have lots of opportunity to connect with other students, thanks to small classes and the regular social and academic events organized by the Classical and Medieval Students Society.

What courses will you take in Medieval Studies?

First-year courses

As an Arts student, you’ll choose your major at the end of first year. You’re encouraged to explore a second major in first year to discover potential new interests.

During your first year, you'll take two introductory Medieval Studies courses. Plus, you'll have electives to explore an additional major of your choosing. In upper years, 40% of the classes you'll take will be in this major.

You will also take an Arts First course in either the fall or winter term of your first year. Instead of going to a lecture hall, you and your classmates will work together to respond to an intriguing challenge. With only 25 students in the class, you might address topics such as The Science of Happiness, Are We Erasing History?, Games and Culture, and Writing About Poems and Songs.

You can choose to study Medieval Studies through Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.

Honours Arts

September to December

  • MEDVL 115 – Crusading in the Middle Ages
  • ARTS 160 – Inquiry and Knowledge Creation
  • Prospective major #2
  • 2 electives

January to April

  • MEDVL 105 – Introduction to Medieval Studies
  • Prospective major #2
  • Language course (You should consider taking an introductory language course in your first year from one of the following: French, German, Italian, Latin, Russian, or Spanish.)
  • 2 electives

Honours Arts and Business

September to December

  • ARBUS 101 – Introduction to Business in North America
  • ECON 101 – Introduction to Microeconomics
  • MEDVL 115 – Crusading in the Middle Ages
  • Prospective major #2
  • Elective

January to April

  • ARBUS 102 – Accounting Information for Managers
  • ARBUS 202 – Professional and Business Ethics
  • ARTS 160 – Inquiry and Knowledge Creation
  • MEDVL 105 – Introduction to Medieval Studies
  • Prospective major #2

These are sample schedules. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.

After first year

40% of the classes you’ll take will be Medieval Studies courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.

Sample upper-year courses

  • MEDVL 250R – The History of Islamic Civilization from Late Antiquity to 1300
  • MEDVL 304 – Heresy and Religious Crises in Late Medieval Europe

Customize your Medieval Studies degree

You can add additional areas of expertise by including one or more of the minors available to all Waterloo students.

Popular areas of focus for Medieval Studies students include History and Classical Studies.

Faculty:
Faculty of Arts

Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in Medieval Studies

Available as a co-op program?
Yes

Available as a regular program?
Yes

Available as a minor?
Yes

Study abroad (in a castle!). Spend several unforgettable weeks at England’s Herstmonceux Castle, taking part in the Summer Field School in British Archeology.

Build an awesome résumé. If you choose the co-op system of study, you’ll graduate with 5 terms of paid work experience on your résumé.

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Co-op = relevant paid work experience

In the world's leading co-op program, you'll explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!

Sample co-op job titles

  • Communications specialist
  • Social media and events coordinator
  • Learning and development intern
  • Campaign intern
  • Communications and education coordinator

Co-op work-study sequence

Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.

If you choose to do Medieval Studies through Honours Arts and Business, your first work term will be halfway through second year (January to April 2028).

Year September to December (Fall) January to April (Winter) May to August (Spring)
First Study Study Off
Second Study Co-op Study
Third Co-op Study Co-op
Fourth Study Co-op Co-op
Fifth Study Study -

or after second year (which can be May to August 2028), if you choose Honours Arts

Year September to December (Fall) January to April (Winter) May to August (Spring)
First Study Study Off
Second Study Study Co-op
Third Study Co-op Study
Fourth Co-op Study Co-op
Fifth Co-op Study -

Learn more about co-op →

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What can you do with a degree in Medieval Studies?

Waterloo Medieval Studies graduates typically pursue careers in communications, administration, and as librarians. They commonly work for libraries, municipalities, and more.

Recent graduates

  • Librarian – PEI Public Library Service
  • Communications Specialist – Samuel Son
  • Librarian – York University
  • Insurance Underwriting Assistant – Aviva Canada
  • Building Service Manager – Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony

Learn about the future of careers in arts, humanities, social sciences, languages, and creative arts.

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Admissions

Apply to Honours Arts or Honours Art and Business and choose Medieval Studies as your major at the end of first year.

Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including

  • Any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of at least 70%)

Admission average: Low 80s (co-op and regular)

Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements for Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.

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Connect with us

Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers? Please contact Stavros Stavroulias, our Faculty of Arts recruitment co-ordinator who can answer any questions you have.

From the Missing Manual blog

Dragons and giants and werewolves, oh my! In this course, you'll learn about monsters of legend from various standpoints in modules written by many different Medieval Studies professors.