The legend of King Arthur is widely known and has been the subject of a great many novels, films, plays and poems over the years. Thanks largely to Hollywood, the Lady of the Lake, the Knights of the Round Table, Sir Gawain, Sir Lancelot, Lady Guinevere, Merlin, Morgan Le Fay and many others are household names not only in Britain but across the world. While aspects of the stories change and off-shoots develop into myths in their own right, the medieval tales of love and honour, chivalry and romance, magic and mystery, good and evil remain at their centre.
Bangor University recently launched its MA in Arthurian Literature
Bangor University has been leading the way in the study of Arthurian Literature for over three decades now, and has recently launched its modular, reshaped Masters in Arthurian Literature upon the world. The course offers a unique opportunity to engage with traditional Arthurian legends through a combination of texts covering the medieval period through to modern day, as well as interpreting music and modern film adaptations. A wide-ranging selection of interdisciplinary theories is explored, covering theoretical, historical and cultural aspects of the Arthurian myth.
Course lecturer and expert, Dr, Raluca Radulescu told us more about the course.
“The reshaped course started officially in October 2007. It had previously been popular for about 20 years under Professor Field’s coordination, but that was in the pre-modular ‘era’.
The course is both specific and wide-ranging in scope, in the sense that it is focused on Arthurian topics, but ranges widely from medieval romance to modern film and media
Dr Raluca Radulescu
“Applicants must have either a good first degree in a relevant area (literature, history, archaeology, related fields) or comparative experience (from mature students, for example). This year we’ve had enquiries from a range of people already, and we consider each on merit. If we can we will interview, but with US, Brazilian or Japanese students, for example, it’s impossible. Mature students are, however, always interviewed, to make sure they are prepared for the demands of the course. Dedication and ability to adapt to the course, in particular research at postgraduate level, sharp critical skills and good writing skills are all essential qualities.
“Prior to attending we recommend that students read widely on the background to the Arthurian story – a bibliography can be supplied by us. It also helps to practice writing in a critical way, and read critical works (rather than the popular books).
“The course is both specific and wide-ranging in scope, in the sense that it is focused on Arthurian topics, but ranges widely from medieval romance to modern film and media. The approaches students can use are, if you like, both appropriate to the period (for medieval, the historical approach, for example) and to the student’s personal interest (feminist, post-colonial, gender, etc). At degree level experience of studying literature and writing critical essays would be desirable.
“The career chosen after our course really depends on the individual. A wide range of opportunities are available in the UK, from teaching (secondary as well as HE) to publishing, media and marketing. Graduates from this course have become academics, researchers and librarians, both in the UK and further abroad.
“The most valuable aspects of this course include its broad approach to Arthurian topics, and its adaptability to students’ previous experience. Students can choose to specialise in particular areas and work on their essays with a supervisor much in the same way a doctoral student would. This is unique in the UK and internationally – it’s an expensive form of teaching, but it is extremely valuable for the student, given that teaching is thus tailored to the students’ needs. The lecturers’ expertise, combined with the impressive library holdings (35 years of buying books in the field) further recommends the course above all others. Its strongest selling point is the combination of excellence in teaching the individual student and the unique library holdings (outside the golden triangle between London and Oxbridge).”
