Course information

Course highlights

• The programme benefits from a range of expertise from Late Antiquity to the fifteenth century and across the mediaeval world, from the Middle East and the Mediterranean to the British Isles and Scandinavia.
• The structure of the degree allows students to match their module choices to their needs and intellectual interests. 
• Study includes cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary work in the fields of history, art history, languages and literature.

Teaching format

The MLitt in Mediaeval Studies is an interdisciplinary programme run by the St Andrews Institute of Mediaeval Studies (SAIMS). The programme comprises two semesters of taught modules followed by a three-month focus period for writing a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words.

Students take two compulsory and three optional modules. Teaching methods include seminars, practicals and fortnightly tutorials, with class sizes ranging from individual supervision up to 12 students. The modules are assessed entirely through coursework; the Core Language and Text Skills modules are assessed on a pass/fail basis.

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.

Compulsory modules

• Approaches to Mediaeval Studies: covers a range of themes essential to understanding multi-disciplinary approaches to the Middle Ages.

and one of:

• Core Language and Text Skills 1: provides an introduction to one of the core languages (Greek, Italian or Arabic) for studying the Middle Ages.
• Latin for Mediaeval Studies: an introduction to Latin language for the study of the Middle Ages.

Optional modules

Students choose three optional modules.

• Core Language and Text Skills 2: Semester 2 option; provides an introduction to one of the core languages (Greek, Italian or Arabic) for studying the Middle Ages.
• Mediaeval Language: provides an introduction to one mediaeval language. The languages normally available include Middle Scots, Old Norse, Old English, Mediaeval French and Middle High German.
• Discipline Skills: introduces students to one particular discipline within mediaeval studies: mediaeval art history, mediaeval English literature, mediaeval French language and literature, mediaeval German language and literature, mediaeval history, or mediaeval Italian literature.
• Directed Reading in Mediaeval Studies: a detailed study of a mediaeval topic of the student's own choice taught via tutorials with one or more colleagues in the participating Schools.
• An Introduction to Palaeography with Codicological and Manuscript Studies: equips students to tackle the reading, transcription and editing of manuscripts up to c.1500.

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.

Conferences and events

SAIMS hosts interdisciplinary conferences and weekly seminars. In addition, the School of History runs a Mediaeval History Postgraduate Seminar Series which is intended to provide a space for postgraduates at all stages to present ideas, discuss research issues, and gain some practical presentation experience.

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).