MA Folklore Studies
University of Hertfordshire
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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

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Location

College Lane campus - University of Hertfordshire

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

1 year

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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

Location

College Lane campus - University of Hertfordshire

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

1 year

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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

Location

College Lane campus - University of Hertfordshire

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

2 years

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Course info

About the courseWhy do we carve pumpkins, blow out birthday candles or leave ‘love-locks’ on bridges? When and where did these customs start? From urban myths to local legends, the stories we tell and the traditions we follow are part of our folklore, the shared beliefs and oral traditions that are handed down through generations.The University of Hertfordshire’s MA Folklore Studies explores legend, ritual, belief and tradition in British society, providing students with a thorough grounding in ...Read more

About the course

Why do we carve pumpkins, blow out birthday candles or leave ‘love-locks’ on bridges? When and where did these customs start? From urban myths to local legends, the stories we tell and the traditions we follow are part of our folklore, the shared beliefs and oral traditions that are handed down through generations.

The University of Hertfordshire’s MA Folklore Studies explores legend, ritual, belief and tradition in British society, providing students with a thorough grounding in the history of the discipline of Folklore Studies and examining current work in the field.

This distinctive MA, which will run for the first time in 2019-2020, is the only such programme offered in England.

Aimed at recent graduates in related subjects such as literature, history, archaeology, anthropology or religion, who have perhaps touched on folklore in their dissertations and want to develop this further, this MA also offers opportunities for mature students looking to turn their interest in local folklore into an academic qualification.

Drawing on the research specialisms of academics in the University’s History Group, the MA will offer modules on contemporary customs and rituals, the lore of the British landscape, and migratory beliefs and traditions. You will also explore folklore in comparative international contexts and consider its global importance as an aspect of UNESCO’s definition of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Under expert supervision, you’ll also write a 15,000-word dissertation, giving you the opportunity to research your own area of interest, from witchcraft and magic to local folklore.

A module on Contemporary Ritual and Tradition led by Folklore and History Lecturer Ceri Houlbrook will draw on her research into the heritage of contemporary British folklore and the material culture of ritual practices and popular beliefs. She has published on the customs of coin-trees and love-locks in the journals Folklore and History Workshop Journal.

Professor of Social History Owen Davies will lead a module on Folklore of Landscape in Britain, examining how changes in the landscape are tied in with legends, and how artificial objects and urban geography contribute to folklore in contemporary society. He has published widely on magic and witchcraft in Folklore. Professor Davies is the President of the Folklore Society and Dr Houlbrook is the editor of the Folklore Society's Newsletter.

Lecturer Dr Leanne Calvert’s module Migratory Beliefs and Traditions will investigate how beliefs and stories brought to Britain by different communities are adapted to reflect the new culture. She has published widely on women and family life in Ireland.

The MA also includes two Folklorist’s Craft modules focusing on methodologies in Folklore Studies and on the skills needed to disseminate research and prepare your dissertation. Sessions will include workshops on collecting oral histories, interviewing and presentation techniques, ethics and using objects as primary sources.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
46/101
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
84th

Modules

Modules (Level 7)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

A minimum 2.1 honours degree in Folklore Studies or a related discipline (eg History, Anthropology, Archaeology, Celtic Studies, Creative Arts, Creative Writing and English Literature).

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£10,020 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£17,250 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£17,250 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

IDP Connect

Uni info

University of Hertfordshire
University of Hertfordshire , Hatfield

The University of Hertfordshire offers a huge variety of postgraduate courses across 19 subject areas, from creative arts to...

Student rating
( 4.0) View reviews
CUG ranking
84th
University of Hertfordshire
Building, College Lane Hertfordshire Hatfield AL10 9AB United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Hatfield   0.9 miles away

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