Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year
MA Magic and Occult Science
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MA Magic and Occult Science | Programme code | PTA1IAIIAI25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Level 1 |
Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
The MA in Magic and Occult Science is a flexible degree, which provides you with freedom to design your own course of study and to build interdisciplinary expertise whilst exploring your specific interests within the long and diverse history of esotericism, witchcraft, ritual magic, occult science, and related topics. Join our dynamic postgraduate community benefiting from research-inspired teaching led by a range of top scholars from different fields; the essential aspect of this programme is its interdisciplinarity. This programme arises out of the collaboration of colleagues across the University to study the history of magic and the occult sciences from many different angles—an area in which Exeter has exceptional, internationally recognized expertise.
On the core teaching module for the programme, “Esotericism and the Magical Tradition,” students explore key topics including magic in Greece and Rome, occult texts in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the history of witchcraft, magic in literature and folklore, deception and illusion, and the history of science and medicine, among other key themes.
By housing this program within the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, we place the Arabo-Islamic cultural heritage back where it belongs in the centre of these studies and in the history of the “West.” Decolonisation, the exploration of alternative epistemologies, feminism, and anti-racism are at the core of this programme.
For your personal dissertation you can opt for primarily text-based, historical, or social-science methodologies on the dissertation module from the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies.
The students on this programme will be co-supervised by two supervisors from different disciplines. To ensure the interdisciplinarity of the work, each supervisor will be 50%. Each supervisor will be a leading scholar in the field of Esotericism and the Magical traditions hailing from a number of disciplines that may include anthropology, archaeology, classics, drama, film studies, English, Islamic Studies, modern languages, history, art history, history of science, sociology, and theology.
Faculty will work with students one-on-one to tailor your programme of study to your individual interests. Throughout your time at the University of Exeter, supervisors will make certain that you receive the appropriate methods and methodology training to investigate your chosen research question. You will have official contact hours (meetings) with your supervisors starting early in term one, and will also be supported by the full programme team. An allocated tutor will provide additional pastoral guidance.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The growing interest of students today in magic represents a willingness to seek new solutions to our environmental and social problems. That said, the foundation of the MA in Magic and Occult Sciences is a rigorous application of a range of traditional humanities disciplines and methodologies, and the degree itself is formed of already existing modules across departments, which modules provide students with the theories and methods which they will need to write a strong MA thesis within their chosen specialisation. However, we will also encourage students to examine performance-based techniques, embodied and creative methods, and the wisdom of other cultures in the goal of stretching themselves to explore alternative epistemologies and creative, new research horizons. Interdisciplinarity and flexibility are key, allowing students to focus on the areas of research within the long and diverse history of magic and occult sciences most compelling to them.
Therefore, the educational aims of the programme are to:
- Enable students to specialize and define their unique interests in the diverse field of Esotericism and the Magical Tradition, and thereby deepening their knowledge of key topics such as witchcraft, Western Esotericism, Occult texts in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, European folklore, magic in Greece and Rome, and the history of science and medicine.
- Provide students with teaching led by cutting-edge research, and participate in a ground-breaking method by studying many different cultures and languages all in dialogue with one another.
- Expose students to a wide variety of teaching and learning methods, including more innovative ones, which should assist students in becoming better academics as well as more competitive on the labour market.
- Enable students to competently employ the traditional methodologies of their chosen field.
4. Programme Structure
The MA in Magic and Occult Science is a 1-year full-time programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The MA consists of 180 credits, comprising a 30-credit core module, a 60-credit dissertation, and 90 credits of option modules.
There is an option to pursue this degree part time over 2 years. For the 2-year part-time study, the expectation is that the student will take 30 credits of compulsory modules and 45 credits of optional modules in year 1; and 60 credits of compulsory modules and 45 credits of optional modules in year 2.
Interim / Exit Awards
The PG Cert (60 credits) and PG Dip (120 Credits) Magic and Occult Science are available as Exit Awards only.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/arabislamic/magic-occult-science/
Arabic modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=arabislamicstudies
Option modules vary from year to year and are dependent on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Whether an option module is from within or outside of IAIS, any prerequisite and / or any corequisites should be checked prior to choosing any options, making sure the module is a viable choice.
You may take elective ARA3XXX modules up to 30 credits from RFQ Level 6 (final stage undergraduate).
Stage 1
Stage 1: 90 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits of option modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARAM251 | Esotericism and the Magical Tradition | 30 | Yes |
| ARAM027 | MA Dissertation | 60 | Yes |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magic and Occult Science Option Modules 2025-6 | |||
| ARCM120 | Themes in Archaeological Theory and Practice | 15 | No |
| ARAM232 | Theorising the Middle East | 15 | No |
| ARAM249 | Theorising Islam | 15 | No |
| ARAM257 | Philosophising Magic: From Late Antiquity to the Middle Ages | 15 | No |
| CLAM101 | The Western Dragon in Lore, Literature and Art | 15 | No |
| CLAM263 | Magic and Folklore in the Greek and Roman Worlds | 15 | No |
| EASM174 | Writing Women in the English Middle Ages | 30 | No |
| HASM005 | The Legend of King Arthur | 30 | No |
| HASM006 | The Legend of King Arthur | 15 | No |
| HASM014 | Past Magic: Histories and Archaeologies of the Supernatural | 15 | No |
| HASM015 | Past Magic: Histories and Archaeologies of the Supernatural | 30 | No |
| HISM039 | History in Public: A Workplace Project | 30 | No |
| PHLM007 | Current Issues in Mind and Cognition | 30 | No |
| PHLM008 | Mind, Body and World | 30 | No |
| PHLM013 | Philosophy and Psychedelics | 15 | No |
| PHLM014 | Philosophy and Psychedelics | 30 | No |
| SOCM050 | Secrecy Studies: On Concealment, Disclosure and Revelation | 15 | No |
| THEM151 | Monsters in the Bible and Beyond | 15 | No |
| HASM023 | Disenchanting enchantment: Occultism, Science and Religion in the Long Nineteenth Century | 30 | No |
| HASM018 | Working with Medieval Manuscripts and Documents | 30 | No |
| ARA3197 | The Arabian Nights: Perception and Reception | 15 | No |
| HASM013 | Mental Health in Social and Historical Context | 30 | No |
| HASM025 | Historical Masterclass | 15 | No |
| HASM024 | Critical Approaches to Medieval Studies | 30 | No |
| HASM027 | In Sickness and In Health: Medicine and Disease in the Past | 30 | No |
| HASM028 | Food and Agriculture in Historical Perspective | 30 | No |
| HASM029 | Reproduction and Reproductive Justice: Past, Present and Future | 15 | No |
| HASM030 | Reproduction and Reproductive Justice: Past, Present and Future | 30 | No |
| HISM001 | Critical Approaches to Early Modern History | 30 | No |
| PHLM017 | Philosophy of Science | 30 | No |
| EASM207 | Writing Women in the English Middle Ages | 15 | No |
| EFPM839 | Transdisciplinary Collaborations for Creative Futures | 30 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Demonstrate extensive knowledge of key issues, critical themes, and concepts in the history of Magic | The specialised subject skills and knowledge (ILOs A1-2) are developed via lectures, class discussion, group work, student presentations and written work, including a dissertation. In the lectures, you will be presented with cutting-edge research carried out by those actually giving the lectures; a reality that is hoped will inspire you. The programme also makes use of class discussions, group work and student presentations (both individual and in groups) as different people learn in different ways. All students, regardless of how they best learn, will benefit from input from their peers. Moreover, group work, class discussion and student presentations are seen as ways in which you can take some responsibility for your own (and each others’) learning, which is expected at the MA level. To ensure that all students benefit from the course, use will be made of different teaching aids such as e.g. Powerpoint and the Exeter virtual learning environment, which enables you to access course material at home and in various formats. | The MA utilizes a range of assessment methods in order to assess the specialised subject skills and knowledge. This is done with a view to ensure that we cater for students with different abilities - e.g. some students excel in essays, while others do much better in presentations. Depending on the optional modules chosen, the assessment methods may include essays, student presentations, reaction papers, performances, critical reflections, and dissertations |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
3. Place issues pertaining to magic and occult science in a wider perspective/context. | The academic discipline core skills and knowledge (ILOs B3-4) will be developed via a number of different teaching/learning methods and a range of forms of assessment. Group work, student presentations, essays and the dissertation all contribute to the development of these skills as they force you to carry out your own independent research, task you with critically assessing current research, placing key issues in a wider context, and require you to deploy critical arguments. A further key skill - the ability to evaluate one's own work and progress - is aided by lectures and group work, but it is the dissertation, the essays and the individual student presentations that are the most effective here due to the fact that you will receive written, personal feedback on these assignments and will also be formally assessed. Finally, it is important to underline that in an effort to ensure that all students benefit from the course, use will be made of different teaching aids such as e.g. Powerpoint and the Exeter virtual learning environment, which enables you to access course material at home and in various formats. | The MA utilizes a range of assessment methods in order to assess specialised subject skills and knowledge. This is done with a view to ensure that we cater for students with different abilities - e.g. some students excel in essays, while others do much better in presentations. Depending on the optional modules chosen, the assessment methods may include essays, student presentations, reaction papers, performances, critical reflections, and dissertations. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
5. Think and work independently at an advanced level | The personal/transferable/employment skills (ILOs C5-6) and knowledge are developed via readings, lectures, class and group discussions where you will be presented with problems to debate and literature to review, and the written assignments, including a dissertation. | The MA utilizes a range of assessment methods in order to assess the specialised subject skills and knowledge. This is done with a view to ensure that we cater for students with different abilities - e.g. some students excel in essays, while others do much better in presentations. Depending on the optional modules chosen, the assessment methods may include essays, student presentations, reaction papers, performances, critical reflections, and dissertations. |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Faculties should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.
Learning Resources
You will conduct original research using our archival materials which include sources for rites and rituals, meanings of belief, Westcountry witchcraft and folklore, along with ancient and Arabic sources. The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum also has a large collection of books, ephemera and artefacts on the history of magic lanterns, phantasmagoria, optical illusions, photography, Victorian magic and music hall performance, with many items relating to séances and Victorian occult activities.
The University Library maintains its principal collections in the main library buildings on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, together with a number of specialist collections in certain Colleges. The total Library collection comprises over a million volumes and 3000 current periodical subscriptions.
IT Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, while most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
MA Magic and Occult Science
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 180 |
ECTS credits | 90 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
Level 1
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 02/01/2024 |
Date of last revision | 31/03/2025 |
|---|
