University of North Florida

What you'll study

This programme emphasises cultural, intellectual and material history of medieval and early modern Europe. You will study a range of primary sources in translation and secondary scholarship to explore topics such as religious life and reform movements, court and urban cultures, book history and print culture, gender and family, legal and economic institutions, visual culture and the history of science.

Typical modules and seminar topics include:

• Medieval Europe: Institutions, Society and Religion
• Renaissance and Reformation: Culture and Conflict
• History of the Book and Print Culture
• Early Modern Political Thought and State Formation
• Gender, Family and Everyday Life in Pre-Modern Europe
• Methods and Historiography of Medieval and Early Modern Studies
• Public History and Material Culture

The programme normally offers a mix of coursework and research. Students can follow a thesis track, producing an original research thesis under faculty supervision, or a non-thesis/project track that culminates in a substantial research project or practicum. Seminars emphasise archival work, palaeography and critical analysis of visual and material sources, and students are encouraged to undertake internships with local museums, archives or digital humanities projects.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree in history or a closely related discipline. Successful applicants typically demonstrate academic preparation in historical methods and coursework relevant to medieval or early modern studies.

• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• A statement of purpose outlining your research interests and how they relate to medieval and early modern European cultural history.
• One or more academic references from instructors or supervisors familiar with your scholarly work.
• A writing sample that demonstrates your research and analytical skills; for applicants without clear disciplinary background, additional coursework or preparatory reading may be recommended.
• International applicants must meet the University's English language proficiency requirements.

Additional requirements, such as GRE scores, may be considered on a case-by-case basis or waived according to departmental policy. Applicants with professional experience in archives, museums or education are welcome and should highlight relevant experience in their application.

Career prospects

Graduates with advanced training in medieval and early modern European cultural history move into a variety of careers. Common paths include:

• Academic careers and doctoral study in history, medieval studies or related humanities fields.
• Museum and curatorial work, including collections management, exhibition development and interpretation.
• Archival work and records management in public and private archives.
• Public history roles in historical societies, heritage organisations and cultural resource management.
• Education at secondary or community levels, including curriculum development and teaching.
• Publishing, research consultancy, cultural journalism and roles in the cultural and creative industries.

The programme’s emphasis on research skills, archival methods and public-facing projects prepares graduates for both scholarly and applied roles in cultural institutions and the public sector.

Why study at University of North Florida

The University of North Florida provides a supportive graduate environment with small seminar sizes and close faculty mentoring, allowing for sustained development of specialised research projects. Students benefit from the university’s library collections and access to regional archives and cultural institutions in Jacksonville, offering opportunities for internships and community-engaged projects.

The department encourages interdisciplinary work across literature, religious studies, archaeology and public history, and supports digital humanities methodologies and practical training in archival techniques. These strengths make the programme well suited to students who want rigorous scholarly training combined with practical experience relevant to careers in museums, archives, education and heritage sectors.