Medieval and Early Modern Studies (Placement Year)

Why Lancaster?

• Be inspired by our experts who specialise in a very wide range of topics, from the history of Celtic Britain to the rise of 17th century European empires

• Dive deep – explore culture, politics, religion and language as you enhance your knowledge through our large choice of specialist modules

• Advance your skills and experience by completing a heritage placement

• Explore the vibrant history right on your doorstep – from Lancaster Castle to the monastic ruins around Morecambe Bay, this area is replete with evidence of the medieval and early modern periods. Not to mention the Viking hoards that have been discovered locally!

• Focus on your future career at each stage of the programme, and access the support of our specialist advisers

Satisfy your curiosity about the world we live in today while investigating over a thousand years of history. You’ll explore the past, encounter diverse societies and gain insight into cultural changes, while building your personalised degree from our exceptional choice of modules.

Invaluable insights
We start this course by asking a vital question – how can history be pertinent to today? Studying medieval and early modern studies at Lancaster will allow you to delve into a very transformative period in history. You won’t just explore historical events from the years 300 to 1700 – you’ll also investigate shifts in culture, politics, religion and language.

The right academic team is key to your success. You’ll be taught by internationally renowned, prize-winning historians. Their insights underpin our modules, from the expansion of the British Empire to the lives of enslaved women in colonial Brazil.

Explore your interests
You’ll find our attractive campus sits on the doorstep of many historical landmarks and scenes of pivotal events in history. From the monastic ruins around Morecambe Bay, to the dark history of Lancaster Castle and sites across the Lake District, you’ll be spoilt for choice when you want to explore the local area.

We focus on your future career at each stage of the programme. You could be completing a heritage placement at a regional museum, a conservation project with the National Trust, or perhaps you’d like to try your hand at digitising historical artefacts at our on-campus library. We also have an active history society. In recent years some students have taken part in theatrical early modern performances at Lancaster Castle, such as Edward III, Measure for Measure and Macbeth.

Your Placement Year
A placement year is an excellent way to...
• try out a role that you may be interested in as a career path
• start to build your professional network (some placement students are offered permanent roles to return to after they graduate)
• develop skills, knowledge and experience to put you ahead of the field when you graduate

You'll spend your third year in a paid, graduate-level position, where you’ll work for between nine and twelve months in the type of role that you might be considering for after you graduate.

Our Careers and Placements Team will help you to secure a suitable placement with expert advice and resources, such as creating an effective CV, and tips for applications and interviews. You will still be a Lancaster University student during your placement and we’ll keep in touch to check how you are getting on.

The university will use all reasonable effort to support you to find a suitable placement for your studies. While a placement role may not be available in a field or organisation that is directly related to your academic studies or career aspirations, all offer valuable experience of working at a graduate level and gaining a range of professional skills. If you are unsuccessful in securing a suitable placement for your third year, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent non-placement degree scheme and continue with your studies at Lancaster, finishing your degree after your third year.