The MLitt in Classics is an intensive taught programme, designed primarily as a preparation for further research. The course allows you to specialise in a wide range of areas, including: Greek or Latin literature, ancient history, classical archaeology, reception studies, and ancient philosophy.
Postgraduate; leading to a Master of Letters (MLitt)
If you started this programme in 2017, you can find information about 2017 entry on the 2017 Classics (MLitt) page. Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive.
One year full time
The minimum formal requirements for entry to the MLitt in Classics are a first-class or high 2.1 degree (UK), a GPA of 3.6 or above, or equivalent.
If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
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.
In reviewing applications for the MLitt, the School of Classics looks especially at:
If you have any queries concerning the programme or your suitability for it, you are encouraged to make contact in advance of your application.
Non-native English speakers must also demonstrate English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
UK and EU: £8,500
Overseas: £17,600
13 July 2018; earlier deadlines may apply for some scholarships and for international visa purposes. If you expect to receive helpful results part way through the academic year in which you make your application, it may be worth considering delaying your application until these results are available.
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
The MLitt in Classics is a full-time taught postgraduate programme run by the School of Classics. The course embraces the study of all aspects of the ancient Greek and Roman world: Greek and Latin literary culture, ancient history, archaeology, classical philosophy, and the reception of antiquity in later periods.
The MLitt degree requires two semesters of full-time (or four semesters part-time) coursework, with an average of four to five hours of staff contact per week (more if you choose to do language modules). The modules are taught through group seminars (with the whole MLitt cohort or in smaller groups) and through one-to-one supervision in your areas of specialization. Additionally, the core component includes class trips.
The assessment for the taught modules is primarily based on coursework including:
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 2017–2018 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2018 entry.
Classics students have the opportunity to choose two of the following four overarching modules, one per semester. These modules are designed to give you both a familiarity with the key debates in a given subject area and the opportunity to develop a topic of your own choice with one-to-one supervision. The choice of modules allows you flexibility to develop a range of pathways and to focus, for example, on history, literary culture, or archaeology, or to focus on Greek (or Roman) history and literature in combination.
Optional modules are subject to change each year, and some may only allow limited numbers of students (see the University’s position on curriculum development).
Semester 1 (choose one)
Semester 2 (choose one)
All students have the opportunity to study Greek or Latin from beginners’ level, or to improve their language skills through more advanced language courses.
Students who take Greek or Latin language modules take alternative versions of the optional modules which follow the same course of study but with a reduced workload and fewer credits.
The modules listed here are indicative, and there is no guarantee they will run for 2018 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.
Each student undertakes a dissertation of 15,000 words on a specialist subject chosen in consultation with the MLitt convenor and a dedicated supervisor who responsible for guiding you through the research process and commenting on draft sections. The completed dissertation must be submitted by mid-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 a MLitt.
The modules listed here are indicative, and there is no guarantee they will run for 2018 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.
If you undertake the MLitt in Classics at St Andrews, you will benefit from the unique range of expertise of the School's staff. The School of Classics is one of the major centres for Classics and Ancient History in the United Kingdom, ranked second for research in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, and first for teaching in the National Student Survey.
Distinctive areas of expertise include:
For the full range of expertise within the School, explore the interests and publications of Classics staff.
Students on the MLitt are a core part of the School of Classics' scholarly community and benefit from a range of other activities in the School, including:
Students on the MLitt may – in addition to the teaching provided as part of the MLitt – be allowed to audit survey courses or more specialist modules run for St Andrews undergraduates. This is particularly appropriate for those students with a less developed background in Classics and Ancient History.
Recent Graduate Discount
The University of St Andrews offers a 10% discount in postgraduate tuition fees to students who are eligible to graduate or who have graduated from St Andrews within the last three academic years and are starting a postgraduate programme with the University of St Andrews.
The two-year Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree option in Greek and Latin may be particularly appropriate for those wanting to pursue further work in Greek or Latin language. The MPhil is identical to the MLitt degree in the first two semesters. MPhil students then proceed to write a 40,000-word dissertation over the next year, but they may (in consultation with the course coordinator) audit further taught modules in the course of their second year.
Many of our graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews or elsewhere, and preparation for application to PhD programmes forms a key component of the MLitt.
The School sets aside funding each year for PhD scholarships, which cover both fees and stipend and are awarded on the basis of academic merit and research promise. The School also supports a number of applications for PhD funding each year to the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities, and works closely with all applicants to develop their proposals for this competition.
Postgraduates from the School of Classics go on to pursue careers in a diverse range of professional careers including teaching, law and museum curatorship, as well as successful academic careers in the UK, North America and internationally.
Advice on academic and other career paths is integrated into the MLitt. Additionally, 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.
School of Classics
University of St Andrews
Swallowgate
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 9AL
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2608
Email: classpg@st-andrews.ac.uk
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy.
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).
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).
St Andrews has two postgraduate prospectuses - one for taught courses and one for research programmes. Both prospectuses are available for you to view and download.