Middle Eastern Literary and Cultural Studies (MLitt) 2017 entry
The MLitt in Middle Eastern Literary and Cultural Studies offers students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of classical and modern Arabic and Persian literatures and cultures as a prelude to professional work in the arts and culture of the area or as a sound basis for progression to PhD study.
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 Arabic, Persian, or Middle Eastern Literary and Cultural Studies; in addition, student need a Persian or Arabic language proficiency at C1 level on the European Framework or equivalent. 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 Middle Eastern Literary and Cultural Studies (MLitt) page. Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in our archive.
Course information
The MLitt in Middle Eastern Literary and Cultural Studies is a one-year taught programme run by the Department of Arabic and Persian in the School of Modern Languages. The programme is aimed at those looking to expand their knowledge in the understanding and knowledge of the literature, culture and history of Middle Eastern languages.
Highlights
- Students receive training in traditional and new research techniques and have the opportunity to broaden their language portfolios.
- Small class sizes of no more than 20 students provide a close-knit postgraduate community and friendly environment.
Teaching format
The taught portion of the course consists of five compulsory modules involving literary theory, research skills, and Middle Eastern 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.
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.
- Middle Eastern Literary and Cultural Contexts: provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of important elements of classical and modern Arabic and Persian literatures and cultures from pre-Islamic times to the present.
- Specialised Research in Middle Eastern Literatures and Cultures: provides the opportunity for postgraduate students to develop their skills of literary and textual analysis through directed reading on a topic of their choice.
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 Arabic and Persian postgraduate seminars.
Funding
Santander Universities scholarships
The School of Modern Languages is offering two £5,000 scholarships, awarded on the basis academic merit and financial need, to those applying for an MLitt programme in Modern Languages.
Forum for Modern Languages Studies Scholarship
The School of Modern Languages is offering two £7,500 scholarships in an open competition to applicants who have been admitted to any one of the MLitt programmes offered by the School.
After the MLitt
Research degrees
In addition to the MLitt, the School offers a two-year residential Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree option in Middle Eastern Literary and Cultural Studies.
Many of our graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews.
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.
AHRC
The Arts and Humanities Research Council offers scholarships which cover fees and stipend at RCUK rates for students applying for research degrees in the Arts and Humanities in Scotland.
Careers
Modern Language postgraduates go on to careers in the academic field or in other areas, for example as cultural advisors, translators, or in the public or civil service.
Potential career pathways include:
- university teachers in the UK or other countries
- research assistant
- writer
- library assistant
- professional translator
- journalist
- publisher
- travel writer
- digital content developer.
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 Modern Languages
Buchanan Building
Union Street
St Andrews
KY16 9PH
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3670
Email: pgmodlangs@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).