The PGDip/MLitt in Legal and Constitutional Studies is an interdisciplinary programme in which students can construct an individually tailored degree with a primary focus in legal history or international law, or they can pursue an integrated, interdisciplinary, degree.
Postgraduate; leading to a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or a Master of Letters (MLitt)
If you started this programme in 2017, you can find information about 2017 entry on the 2017 Legal and Constitutional Studies page. Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive.
10 months full time (PGDip); one year full time or two years part time (MLitt)
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.
UK and EU: £8,500
Overseas: £17,600
Applications are accepted until shortly before teaching starts in September. Applicants should 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 PGDip/MLitt in Legal and Constitutional Studies is an interdisciplinary programme run jointly by the Schools of History and International Relations.
Over two semesters, students take six modules taught through a range of group seminars, workshops, one-to-one discussion and supervised independent research projects. The specialist modules are designed to be flexible enough to enable students to choose their own areas of in-depth study and include individually tailored research training and guidance. Module assessment comprises coursework; there are no final exams for this programme.
MLitt students will research and write a 15,000-word dissertation as their final assessment piece.
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.
In the first semester, you will take the following compulsory module:
You will also choose two additional modules from the lists below. These modules may be subject to a maximum number of participants (students will be asked to indicate their first and second choices).
You will choose one of the following:
and one of:
In the second semester, you will take the following compulsory modules:
You will also choose one additional module from the list below. These modules may be subject to a maximum number of participants (students will be asked to indicate their first and second choices).
You will choose one of the following:
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. Students may apply to undertake the PGDip instead of the MLitt from the outset of their application.
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.
The Institute of Legal and Constitutional Research at St Andrews hosts a number of reading groups, seminars and lectures, including visiting speakers and cross-discipline presentations, on legal and constitutional research and ideas.
ILCR MLitt scholarship
The Institute of Legal and Constitutional Research (ILCR) is offering £5,000 scholarships on the basis of academic merit for students applying for the MLitt in Legal and Constitutional Studies.
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.
Many of our graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews.
Milsom PhD studentship
The Selden Society invites applications for a studentship worth a maximum £21,500 total, tenable for up to three years.
Legal and Constitutional Studies is designed to prepare students for work beyond the MLitt: doctoral research within the field; study for a law degree; and employment in areas more broadly related to law, legal history, global constitutionalism and international relations.
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 in building their employability skills.
Institute of Legal and Constitutional Research
School of History
University of St Andrews
71 South Street
St Andrews
KY16 9QW
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2907
Email: ilcrsta@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.