For Prospective Students

We encourage all those considering applying to the Medieval Studies Program to spend time exploring the information on this site, which provides a general overview of the Program as well as specific information about the requirements for the PhD and the one-year MA.

Inquiries from students whose background or interests have historically been under-represented in Medieval Studies are especially welcomed. Potential applicants who would like to enhance their research experience before applying to graduate programs may wish to consider two programs at Yale: the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, which enables current undergraduates to spend a summer working on a research project of their own design under the guidance of a Yale mentor; and the Yale Emerging Scholars Initiative, a program that enables recent college graduates to  spend a year taking classes and developing a major research project while honing their PhD application.

How to Apply

Application to the Program in Medieval Studies is made through the Graduate School’s online application systemThe application deadline is January 2, 2024.

For the PhD, you will need to submit a writing sample of 15-20 pages, and a sample of 10-20 pages for the MA (double-spaced).

The Program in Medieval Studies does not accept the GRE exam.

Inquiries about the Medieval Studies Ph.D. Program may be addressed to the current Director of Graduate Studies, Emily Thornbury.

More Information

General New Student Information, Questions and Referrals: The McDougal Center serves as “information central” for incoming students. The Center can address new student questions about families, childcare, parking, travel, schedules, or other areas of life at Yale and in New Haven .

Other information for Incoming Students: