Course information

Course highlights

• Students have the opportunity to work on an individual and small-group basis with internationally leading scholars in the fields of legal, constitutional and historical research.
• The flexible nature of the programme makes it suitable both for those wishing to go on to doctoral research and for those wishing only to take a year’s specialist study.
• The compulsory modules equip students with knowledge of different theoretical approaches to law, legal history and constitutionalism, using the past to interrogate and investigate current issues and controversies.

Teaching format

The MLitt in Legal and Constitutional Studies is an interdisciplinary programme run jointly by the Schools of History and International Relations.

Over two semesters, students take six modules taught through a range of group seminars, workshops, one-to-one discussion and supervised independent research projects. The specialist modules are designed to be flexible enough to enable students to choose their own areas of in-depth study and include individually tailored research training and guidance. Module assessment comprises coursework; there are no final exams for this programme. 

Throughout the year, but with particular focus during the last three months of the course, students will research and write a 15,000-word dissertation as their final assessment piece.

Further particulars regarding curriculum development.

Modules

The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue.

Semester 1 modules

• The Idea of Law: introduces fundamental concepts, questions and analytical frameworks relevant to legal, historical and constitutional research.

one of:

• Approaches to Legal History: a grounding in particularly influential authors and works on the history of law.
• The Philosophy of International Law: underlying philosophical issues arising from the nature and practice of international law.

and one of:

• Special Topic in Legal and Constitutional Studies 1: detailed research and tuition within a specialised field of choice.
• Latin for Mediaeval Studies: an introduction to Latin language for the study of the Middle Ages.

Semester 2 modules

• Comparative Studies in Legal and Constitutional Research: a forum for students to develop, present and write on a particular field or topic, drawing on methodological ideas from Semester 1 modules.
• Special Topic in Legal and Constitutional Studies 2: provides students with the opportunity for detailed research and tuition within a specialised field of their choice.

and one of:

• Comparative Studies in Legal History: a forum for students to develop, present and write on a particular field or topic. 
• Global Constitutionalism: fundamental training for students specialising in constitutionalism.

The modules listed ran in the academic year 2015-2016 and are indicative of this course. There is no guarantee that these modules will run for 2016 entry.

Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.

Dissertation

Student dissertations will be supervised by members of the teaching staff who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the research process. The completed dissertation of not more than 15,000 words must be submitted by a date specified in August.

If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MLitt, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MLitt. Students may apply to undertake the PGDip instead of the MLitt from the outset of their application.

Conferences and events

The Institute of Legal and Constitutional Research at St Andrews hosts a number of reading groups, seminars and lectures, including visiting speakers and cross-discipline presentations, on legal and constitutional research and ideas. 

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Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy.

Curriculum development

As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online. (PDF, 72 KB).

Tuition fees

The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online. (PDF, 84 KB).