The MLitt Contemporary Studies is a one year interdisciplinary Masters degree. It explores disciplinary perspectives on “the contemporary” and approaches to defining and disseminating knowledge, discusses how a common lexicon might bridge disciplines, and considers ways to engage with views outside academia.
Postgraduate; leading to a Master of Letters (MLitt)
One year full time; part-time study is not currently offered
A good 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree. 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.
UK and EU: £8,500
Overseas: £17,600
Applications should be submitted as early as possible and normally by early June. However, applications will continue to be accepted until early August 2018 (applicants from outside the EU) or early September 2018 (applicants from the UK and EU). You should also apply as early as possible to be eligible for certain scholarships and for international visa purposes.
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
The MLitt Contemporary Studies is a one-year interdisciplinary Masters degree that explores the nature of the contemporary and draws on epistemologies and methodologies from the humanities, the social sciences, and the physical and life sciences.
This interdisciplinary degree involves academic staff from the following Schools:
What might a specialist in English literature, a computer scientist, and a physicist have to say about climate change? How might a linguist, a social anthropologist, and a biologist approach concepts of time in the 21st century? The MLitt Contemporary Studies considers how issues deemed to be contemporary are approached differently by different academic disciplines as well as by those outside academia. Bringing together academic staff from the humanities, social sciences, and physical sciences, this programme offers an interdisciplinary degree that is unique within St Andrews and rare in any academic context in the UK.
The multidisciplinary approach means that you will think beyond the concepts, theories, and methodologies of any single academic discipline as well as learn how to challenge disciplinary stereotypes and start to develop a common lexicon that bridges disciplinary divides.
You will also have the opportunity to complete two short placements (of up to three days each). Placements will be hosted within the University or with an external agency. The placements serve to promote engagement and communication beyond the academic context and to build on the skills set that you can offer to future employers.
Whatever your disciplinary background, the MLitt Contemporary Studies will help you to see it in a new light.
The MLitt degree requires two semesters of full-time coursework, normally equivalent to six modules.
The MLitt involves both independent and group study. Modules have different methods of delivery, including:
Assessments include:
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.
Each semester is organised around core modules exploring the concepts and methodologies needed to complete the end of programme project.
Semester 1
Semester 2
Optional modules allow you to shape the degree around your own personal and professional interests.
Art History
Classics
Computer Science
Economics
English
Management
Modern Languages
Psychology
Social Anthropology
Optional modules are subject to change each year and may require a minimum number of students to be offered (see the University’s position on curriculum development).
Over the summer students research a contemporary studies-related topic in depth.
The project combines the concepts and methodologies learned in the core modules. Students agree their project topic with their project supervisor and the programme director.
Projects take one of three forms:
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 Certificate or 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 PG Cert or PGDip instead of an 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.
As a wholly postgraduate unit, is dedicated to understanding and meeting the needs of Masters students. To help you adapt to life as a postgraduate and make the most of your degree, the Graduate School will offer a programme of events and activities exclusively for Masters students. Bringing together students from each of the Graduate School’s programmes, these are an opportunity to meet fellow postgraduates, make new connections, and foster interdisciplinary contacts. Scheduled at key points over the degree, the programme provides advice and guidance as you need it and provides a welcoming and supportive framework.
You will also be part of a much wider community of postgraduates across the University. All postgraduates are members of St Leonard’s College. St Leonard’s College brings together Masters students and research students and, working with the Postgraduate Society, aims to promote a vibrant and intellectually rich postgraduate community.
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.
St Andrews offers a vibrant and stimulating research environment. One of the great strengths of these research degrees is the collegiate atmosphere which enables access to expertise beyond your formal supervisors and the ability to conduct interdisciplinary research.
Research students are supported by a supervisory team throughout their studies and are assessed by means of a substantial thesis of original research.
The MLitt Contemporary Studies provides the subject knowledge and general skills needed for a range of leadership and professional careers. It will be of particular interest if you are considering a career in academia or research. You will:
Alongside your studies, you will be able to complete the M-Skills programme, a programme of face-to-face and online workshops and training materials for Masters students. M-Skills will help you develop the broader personal and professional skills you need to succeed in your degree and enhance your employability.
Additionally, the Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of career development events.
The Graduate School
University of St Andrews
Bute Building
Queen's Terrace
St Andrews
KY16 9TS
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2032
Email: gradschool@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.