Course information

The MLitt in Italian Studies is a one-year taught programme run by the Department of Italian in the School of Modern Languages. The programme's core focus is on questions of Italian national identity, and students are encouraged to take their particular interests in Italian culture further through more research-focused study, drawing on the wide historical and thematic range of specialist expertise offered by the Italian Department.

Highlights

• Students will deepen their knowledge of Italian history and culture through the study of literature, cinema, and other forms of cultural expression.
• Students receive training in theory and its applications and are introduced to traditional and new research techniques through seminars with staff from across the School.
  
• Teaching is delivered in small class sizes made up of diverse international students, providing a close-knit postgraduate community and friendly environment. 

Teaching format

The taught element of the course consists of five compulsory modules involving literary theory, research skills, and Italian literature and culture. Classes are delivered through a mixture of lectures, seminars and fortnightly tutorials, with class sizes ranging from individual one-to-one teaching up to 20 students. Modules are assessed through coursework; there are no final exams for this programme.

Targeted attention is also drawn to practical skills, such as designing research posters, giving formal presentations, and designing funding bids. Students will have the opportunity to broaden their language portfolios.

You will spend the summer months focusing on researching and writing a final dissertation of no more than 15,000 words.

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 which is for the 2016–2017 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2017 entry.

Compulsory modules

• Literary and Cultural Theory 1: explores a range of literary and cultural theories through which texts of all sorts may be conceptualised, criticised and analysed.
• Literary and Cultural Theory 2: continues on from part 1 by studying a broad chronological and national range of seminal thinkers and theories.
• Research and Professional Skills: introduces students to a range of skills which are essential to advanced researchers and key to many other non-academic workplaces.
• Italian Literary and Cultural Contexts: Italians: investigates how Italian identity has been constructed in cultural production from the 13^th century to the present day.
• Specialised Research in Italian Studies: allows students to pursue their own particular interests in greater depth through an extended study of individual authors or topics in or across historical periods.

The modules listed ran in the academic year 2016–2017 and are indicative of this course. There is no guarantee that these modules will run for 2017 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 an agreed topic 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 are exit awards available that allow 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 a MLitt.

Conferences and events

The School of Modern Languages hosts an annual seminar programme which promotes integration across the language departments. In addition, the School hosts a number of conferences and events, including guest speakers and workshops for the discussion of ideas and issues in a thought-provoking but relaxed and supportive environment. 

Find out more about current Italian postgraduate seminars. 

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).