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MA Folklore Studies
Why choose Herts?
- Excellent Reputation: We are the only provider of academic folklore studies in England and Wales.
- Teaching Excellence: You will be taught by published experts in the field of folklore studies.
- Work-Related Learning: Benefit from our strong connections with the Folklore Society and heritage organisations.
Alumni Stories
Rachel Kitchen
Meet Rachel. Inspired by her love of myth and legend, Rachel enrolled on to the MA Folklore Studies course at Herts. She is now working at the National Lottery Heritage Fund and is finding more ways to express her love of folklore.
| Current job role | Legal and Governance Office Coordinator for the National Lottery Heritage Fund |
|---|---|
| Year of graduation | 2023 |
| Course of study | MA Folklore Studies |
Myth and legend
Rachel has always been drawn to myth and legend - to tales about ghosts and witches. She is also fascinated by the role storytelling plays in folklore, and how tradition and ritual are created in families and communities. Rachel says, ‘I wanted to study this topic, which I love, and I never thought I’d be able to until I found the MA Folklore Studies course at Herts.’
Making friendships
Whilst at Herts, Rachel became close friends with her flatmates and coursemates, and she credits them with supporting her throughout her studies. Rachel adds, ‘I would meet with my coursemates weekly in one of the study rooms at the de Havilland LRC to discuss the reading and share interesting folkloric tales we had discovered.
‘One of my favourite memories from Herts was when it snowed heavily in December 2022. My flatmates and I played in the snow with other students. With the Christmas lights on, the evening had a magical feel to it.’
Rachel continues to remain in touch with her flatmates and coursemates. They met up after completing their dissertations and Rachel often shares folklore-related quizzes with her cohort. ‘I look forward to seeing them all again at graduation.’
Since completing her course, Rachel has accepted a role at the National Lottery Heritage Fund as a Legal and Governance Office Coordinator. Rachel says, ‘This role is a perfect combination of my previous professional experience and my love of British heritage, history and folklore.’
She also writes for folklore magazine Rooted. She hopes to continue this and discover more avenues to share her work.
Her advice
Rachel’s advice for those who decide to take the MA Folklore Studies course is to, ‘Keep a list of your favourite topics throughout the first semester, as this may help you decide what to base your dissertation on. And don’t be afraid to discuss your list with your tutors and other students – there is so much knowledge to be found amongst Herts folklorists!
‘I’d also recommend getting involved in events and activities across the University, particularly societies. They are a great way to make friends and learn new skills or hobbies. I enjoyed my time as the Secretary of the History and Folklore Society, particularly the events I went to with other academic societies.’
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 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 will explore the heritage of contemporary British folklore and the material culture of ritual practices and popular beliefs. The module Folklore of Landscape in Britain will examine how changes in the landscape are tied in with legends, and how artificial objects and urban geography contribute to folklore in contemporary society. The module Migratory Beliefs and Traditions will investigate how beliefs and stories brought to Britain by different communities are adapted to reflect the new culture.
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.
Why choose this course?
Top reasons to study the MA Folklore Studies at the University of Hertfordshire
We give you:
- the only MA in Folklore Studies offered in England
- an exceptional academic team of lecturers and supervisors, conducting world-leading folklore research
- the opportunity to write a dissertation on a folklore topic about which you are passionate.
Is this course for me?
Our MA Folklore Studies will be of interest to:
- anyone curious about the traditions we follow, the customs we practice, and the legends we tell
- graduates who have just finished their BA degree in a range of subjects
- people looking for intellectual fulfilment or a new challenge on retirement
- people looking to develop their interest in local folklore and turn this into a qualification
- people wanting to study part-time while working.
What will I study?
Teaching will be in small group workshops on weekday early evenings, led by members of the Folklore Studies Team in the History Group. Discussions and group work will encourage students to share their experience and knowledge of aspects of folklore and learn from each other.
The MA Folklore Studies has the full support of the world-renowned Folklore Society, and MA Folklore students will have the opportunity to form part of a student panel at the Society’s annual conference and will also be eligible for the Folklore Society’s annual President’s Prize for Young Scholars.
As one of our MA students, you will benefit from being part of a diverse and active academic community. We see our postgraduate students as fellow researchers, and we place a great deal of importance on sharing and developing skills.
Please note: MA Folklore Studies is not currently offered online.
Key staff
Dr Ceri Houlbrook
Senior Lecturer in Folklore and History
Find out more about Dr Ceri Houlbrook
Dr Owen Davies
Professor of Social History
Find out more about Dr Owen Davies
Further course information
| Programme specifications | |
|---|---|
| MA Folklore Studies - Full Time, Sem A | Download |
| MA Folklore Studies - Part Time, Sem A | Download |
| Additional information | |
|---|---|
Sandwich placement or study abroad year |
n/a |
Applications open to international and EU students |
Yes |