Course information

The year-long MLitt in Postcolonial and Word Literatures is an intensive taught programme of study which aims to foster the next generation of scholars in postcolonial and world literary studies.

Covering both postcolonial and world literatures, this course offers a unique opportunity to expand students’ knowledge and understanding of a global range of theories and literatures focusing on European colonialism and its legacies today, while working with research-active experts in a wide range of relevant topics.

Highlights

• The UK’s first combined Master’s programme in Postcolonial and World Literatures.
• Achieve an in-depth knowledge of postcolonial studies in light of renewed scholarly interest in world literatures, and in dialogue with research staff.
• Explore a global range of writers from the colonial to the contemporary on a programme that offers a comprehensive training in postcolonial and world literary studies.
• Develop your skills as a researcher within a specific area of study by taking special topic modules.

Teaching format

In each semester students take one module that concentrates on the literature of the field and one module that engages with the field’s theoretical, cultural and historical developments.

All compulsory modules will be taught in small groups (typically of 10 to 15). Students will have weekly classes for each module, which will typically take the form of a mixture of lecture and seminar, allowing for both independent and group study in a supportive framework of teaching and learning.

Modules are assessed through oral presentations, learning journals and coursework essays.

Students are encouraged to develop their own, individual interests through their choice of an optional module.

Further particulars regarding curriculum development.

Modules

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

Students take five compulsory modules. These are taught by weekly seminars led by staff and with an emphasis on student participation.

• Literary Research: Skills and Resources: trains students in the understanding and use of the essential skills and resources of research in English Studies; it also provides preparation for the MLitt dissertation.
• Approaches, Theories, Contexts 1: explores the evolution of postcolonialism from theories of colonial discourse and an emergent concept of world literature, to decolonisation and the emergence of postcolonial studies in the late 20^th century.
• Literature and Culture from the Colonial to the Postcolonial: traces the global sweep of literary and cultural histories that have shaped the field of postcolonial studies; enhances students' understanding of the literary texts, films and cultural products that are the subject of postcolonial critique.
• Approaches, Theories, Contexts 2: focuses on recent interventions that challenge and extend the remit of both postcolonialism and world literature in light of contemporary contexts of globalisation, diaspora and a worlding of literary studies.
• Postcolonial and World Literatures: aims to map the dimensions of postcolonial and world literatures through a range of contemporary writers and texts drawn from across the globe and which reflect on a new reality of transnationalism, globalisation and post-nationalism.

Optional modules

Students choose one optional module out of the following:

• Special Topic in English Studies: a directed reading programme which allows students to explore topics in greater depth than is possible in compulsory modules.
• a compulsory module from another English MLitt programme (see module catalogue )
• an approved postgraduate-level module outwith the School of English (arranged independently with another school such as Classics, Modern Languages, Divinity or Philosophical, Anthropological and Film Studies).

Some of the modules listed ran in the academic year 2016–2017 and are indicative of this course; others are new for the academic year 2017-2018. 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 are supervised by members of the teaching staff who 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 English hosts research events through its four research groups, Medieval and Renaissance, 18th century, Romantic and Victorian, Modern and Contemporary and Creative Writing. 

Events are open to all members of the School and to the public, unless explicitly restricted, and there is an active student-run Literary Society and the Postgraduate Forum, where postgraduates meet to present and discuss their on-going work. Each semester, the School invites distinguished visiting academics and creative writers to lead seminars, lectures and workshops as part of our regular research events.

• English Colloquium
• Postgraduate Forum
• Literary Society

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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).