Georgia Southern University

What you'll study

This master's pathway combines advanced historiography and research methods with specialised seminar work in medieval and early modern European cultural history. Students study topics such as the history of religion and reformations, medieval and early modern material culture, gender and family in Europe, intellectual and literary cultures, urban and rural communities, and the politics of memory and identity.

• Core research and methods: historiography, quantitative and qualitative research methods, archival practice, and advanced historical writing.
• Specialist seminars: focused courses on subjects such as medieval Christianity and Islam, early modern European courts and courts culture, witchcraft and popular belief, book history and print culture, and cultural exchanges across Europe.
• Language and palaeography: training in reading primary sources including palaeography workshops and guided study in relevant modern European languages (Latin, French, German, Spanish, or Italian) depending on research needs.
• Thesis or capstone: options typically include a supervised research thesis for students aiming at doctoral study, or a seminar-based capstone project and comprehensive examination for those choosing the non-thesis route.
• Practical experience: opportunities for internships or collaborative projects with archives, museums, and local heritage organisations, and use of the university special collections for primary-source work.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in history or a closely related discipline with evidence of strong academic performance. Typical supporting materials include official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining your research interests in medieval or early modern European cultural history, a writing sample (such as an undergraduate research essay), and two academic references.

Where English is not the first language, an approved English language qualification is required. Demonstrated competence in relevant modern or classical languages for primary-source research is an advantage. Applicants who do not meet all formal prerequisites may be considered for provisional admission with recommended preparatory coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a variety of careers that draw on strong research, analysis and communication skills. Common pathways include:

• Progression to doctoral study and careers in higher education or research.
• Work in museums, archives, and libraries, including curatorial and collections management roles.
• Public history and heritage management positions with cultural organisations, historic sites, and governmental bodies.
• Education roles in secondary and adult learning, including curriculum development and outreach.
• Publishing, cultural journalism, digital humanities, and roles in cultural policy and consultancy.

Why study at Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern's Department of History offers personalised mentorship from faculty active in early career and established research in European history, and a curriculum that balances theoretical training with hands-on archival work. Students benefit from access to the university's special collections and regional archives, as well as partnerships with museums and cultural organisations in the coastal and state-wide region, which support internships and applied projects.

The programme emphasises training in primary-source research, languages and palaeography and provides flexibility with thesis and non-thesis tracks so students can tailor their degree to academic or professional goals. Smaller seminar sizes foster close scholarly exchange and prepare graduates for advanced research or careers that require rigorous historical thinking and public engagement skills.