The Royal Holloway MA in Crusader Studies offers a unique and fascinating examination of the ideas, impact and personalities of this compelling subject from the medieval age to the present day. You will be taught, inspired and challenged by internationally recognised experts in this field.

Royal Holloway has a long tradition of studying the History of the Crusades and in conjunction with the libraries and research seminars of central London, offers unparalleled expertise and resources. This is an ideal MA if you are pursuing an advanced interest in crusading history and will provide you with a further set of skills and a qualification that can lead to an impressive range of career paths. It also has a highly successful track record as a springboard to doctoral research.

The programme offers students an understanding of the context of the crusades, and the ideology that underpinned the movement as well as a consideration of its modern-day resonances. You will gain an unparalleled insight into the ideas, events and people of crusading history while engaging with a full array of source materials in this compelling field. The module will also consider the impact of the crusades on the Muslim world, as well as exploring western Europe’s first contacts with the terrifying Mongols.

We are one of the largest and liveliest History departments in the UK yet you will receive our individual attention and become part of our close-knit post graduate community.

For others, the MA is where they complete their studies and afterwards they wish to enter, or re-enter, the world of work, having hopefully enjoyed the module, learned more about the world of the crusades and enhanced their skills as communicators, researchers, analysts and listeners. While Crusader Studies may sound a little niche, the tremendous variety of career paths followed by its former students suggest that all options are open… Graduates from the MA have entered:

Government (UK Civil Service and a European Foreign Office); Overseas Charity work; Publishing; School Teaching (UK and Overseas); The Heritage Industry (National Archives, National Trust); The Metropolitan Police; University of London Professional Services; The Financial World: International Financial Trading, Senior Banking Management; Senior Management, Human Resources; the Travel Industry; Law.