Mediaeval History (MLitt) 2017 entry
The MLitt in Mediaeval History allows students to study a variety of topics in depth from across the mediaeval worlds, both East and West, from Late Antiquity through to the Later Middle Ages. This broad-ranging programme is designed to cater for students of differing career ambitions, areas of specialisation and previous training.
Course type
Postgraduate; leading to a Master of Letters (MLitt)
Course duration
One year full time
Entry requirements
A good 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree in a subject-related area. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
Tuition fees
UK and EU: £7,500
Overseas: £17,090
Application deadline
Application requirements
- CV
- sample of academic written work (2,000 words)
- two original signed academic references
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
- English language requirements certificate.
- letter of intent (optional).
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
If you started this programme in 2016, you can find information about 2016 entry on the 2016 Mediaeval History (MLitt) page. Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in our archive.
Apply for this courseCourse information
The MLitt in Mediaeval History is a taught postgraduate programme run by the School of History.
Highlights
- The course benefits from an immense range of expertise from mediaeval scholars.
- 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.
- Study fosters basic research skills, including bibliography and source criticism.
Teaching format
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.
The taught component comprises lectures, discussions and individual tutorials, with class sizes ranging from individual supervision up to 12 students. Assessment methods include classwork participation and essays.
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
- Sources and Source Criticism: interpretation and criticism of mediaeval sources.
- An Introduction to Paleography with Codicological and Manuscript Studies: equips students to tackle the reading, transcription and editing of manuscripts up to c.1500.
Optional modules
Students take a total of two optional modules.
You will choose either:
- Special Topic in Mediaeval History: a detailed study of a mediaeval topic of the student's own choice which will include tutorials with a designated tutor, or
- Living with the Lion: Themes in the Study of Mediaeval Scotland: explores key themes and texts in the study of mediaeval Scotland, particularly concerning elite culture and the power structures of the kingdom.
and you will choose either:
- Historical Sources and Skills: gives students a chance to acquire a technical skill crucial for their research plans. This will normally involve a one semester introduction to reading Latin for historians; training in other languages can also be arranged, or
- Arabic, French, German, Italian or Spanish language module at the level appropriate to the student's proficiency.
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 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
The School of History hosts the Mediaeval History Postgraduate Seminar Series which is intended to provide a space for postgraduates at all stages to present ideas, discuss research issues and get some practical presentation experience.
Funding
The School of History is pleased to be able to offer a number of competitive scholarships which contribute to the fees and maintenance for postgraduate study.
- Language Bursaries: enables students to undertake intensive language courses abroad during the summer before their programme begins.
- School of History MLitt Awards: offers the cash equivalent of one year's home fees and cannot be held in conjunction with other awards offering full fees and maintenance.
After the MLitt
Research degrees
In addition to the MLitt, the School offers a two-year Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree option in Mediaeval History.
30-50% of our graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews and elsewhere.
Recent Graduate Discount
The University of St Andrews offers a 10% reduction in postgraduate tuition fees for students who have graduated during the last three years and are now starting a postgraduate programme.
Arts and Humanities Research Council studentships
The AHRC offers studentships at RCUK rates for PhD research in a range of subjects including history.
Careers
History postgraduates go on to pursue careers in a range of sectors including journalism, publishing, think tanks, government, law and teaching.
The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students on a taught postgraduate course and offers a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.
Contact
School of History
University of St Andrews
St Katharine’s Lodge
The Scores
St Andrews
KY16 9BA
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2907
Email: pghist@st-andrews.ac.uk
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).