Medieval Studies degree | Undergraduate Programs

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 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.

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.

Option one: If you choose to study Medieval Studies through Honours Arts and Business, your first work term will be in the winter term of second year.

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	-

Option two: Your first work term will be in the spring term after second year, 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 →

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.

The careers listed below are examples of what you might be able to pursue. Through the courses you take, specializations you choose, extracurriculars, and any work experience you gain, you'll graduate with a degree that's uniquely you and be ready to pursue a career that’s right for you!

Historical researcher

You would study medieval societies by analyzing texts, artifacts, and historical records. Many graduates work in universities, libraries, museums, or research organizations, often alongside historians or professors.

Museum manager

You’d help preserve and interpret historical objects or sites for the public. This role often involves exhibit support, educational programs, and helping visitors understand life in the medieval past.

Archivist

You would work with rare books, manuscripts, or historical documents. Medieval Studies students are especially comfortable with old texts, languages, and careful source analysis.

Teacher

You’d teach students how past societies shaped the modern world. Your storytelling skills and broad historical knowledge make complex periods more engaging and understandable.

Journalist or nonfiction author

You’d research topics and write clearly for general audiences. Medieval Studies trains you to check sources carefully and provide strong historical context.

Library or information services professional

You would help manage collections and support research in libraries or archives. This career suits students who enjoy organization and helping others find information.

Cultural heritage coordinator

You’d support efforts to protect historically significant buildings, texts, or sites. Understanding historical context is essential when making preservation decisions.

Publishing associate

In this role, you would support the preparation of academic or nonfiction works for publication. Attention to detail and strong writing skills are key strengths here.

Tourism or educational programming specialist

You would design tours, workshops, or learning materials focused on historical themes. This role turns your interest in the medieval past into public education and storytelling.

Non-profit program coordinator

You would help manage programs focused on education, culture, or community engagement. Research and communication skills are especially valuable in mission‑driven organizations.

Communications or content specialist

You’d write and manage content for organizations, such as reports, websites, or educational materials. Graduates are valued for their ability to explain complex ideas clearly.

Creative industries or world building consultant

You could work with writers, game designers, or filmmakers to help shape believable historical or fantasy worlds. Deep knowledge of medieval culture makes your input especially valuable.

Graduate studies

If you enjoy deep academic study, you could continue into law school, a master’s, or PhD program. Graduate study opens doors to teaching, advanced research, and specialized scholarly work.

If you enjoy history, languages, literature, and big questions about how societies change over time, a Bachelor of Arts in Medieval Studies offers rich academic exploration and flexible career possibilities.

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

Admission requirements

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: High 70s

Not studying in Ontario?

Search our admission requirements for Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.

How to apply

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

Related programs

Classical Studies

History

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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.