Travellers and Travel Writing in Medieval Europe and Beyond



Overview

This course investigates travellers and travel writing in the Middle Ages. It begins with an examination of different types of medieval travel, including pilgrimage, warfare, exploration, and proselytisation. We will also look at medieval conceptions about the world and its geography, cartography, and different types of maps. This is followed by an examination of medieval beliefs about inhabitants of other lands – real and fantastic humans, animals, and plants. The remainder of the course will focus on travel to different regions within and beyond Europe, including imaginary lands and realms.

The use of travel accounts from authors of various cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds, as well as maps and images, will help students gain an understanding of travel in the Middle Ages, the most significant travel accounts and their wider influence, as well as medieval ideas about the world and its inhabitants.

Programme details

Courses starts: 22 Apr 2026

Week 1: Mapping Medieval Spaces and Places

Week 2: Inhabitants of Other Lands

Week 3: The Middle East and Africa

Week 4: India and Mongolia

Week 5: Islands and Imaginary Realms

Certification

Digital badge

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add your badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so. In order to be issued with your badge, you will need to have attended at least 80% of the course.

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee £180.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Dr Trish Stewart

Patricia Stewart completed her PhD in Mediaeval History at the University of St Andrews and works as a Science Editor for the Oxford English Dictionary. She specialises in manuscript studies and the history of science and magic.

Course aims

  • To examine travel accounts from authors of differing religious, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
  • To develop an understanding of medieval travel, the motivations behind it, and medieval ideas of geography, cartography, and ethnography.
  • To compare and contrast travel accounts relating to different regions of the world.

Teaching methods

The course will be taught through informal lectures, small-group work, and class discussions. Students will be provided with the primary source material that will form the basis of group work and discussions, as well as supplementary material to aid in source analysis. Some reading between sessions is expected of students.

Learning outcomes

Students will be expected to:

  • Develop skills in analysing and interpreting different types of medieval texts and images, and in synthesising complex material.
  • Gain knowledge about medieval travel, the motivations behind it, and medieval ideas of geography, cartography, and ethnography.
  • Be able to objectively and historically explain beliefs and practices which are no longer widely held or which may not seem rational.

Assessment methods

This course is non-accredited, so there are no assessments.

Application

Please use the 'Book now' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an Enrolment form for short courses | Oxford University Department for Continuing Education

Level and demands

The Department's Weekly Classes are taught at first year undergraduate level.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support