This interdisciplinary course equips students with the knowledge of different theoretical approaches and current debates in the fields of history, art history, divinity, languages and literature. Students can work on topics suited to their own interests while also expanding their horizons beyond a single discipline.
Postgraduate; leading to a Master of Letters (MLitt)
If you started this programme in 2018, you can find information about 2018 entry on the 2018 Mediaeval Studies MLitt page. Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive.
One year full time
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: £9,000
Overseas: £18,480
Monday 12 August 2019. 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 MLitt in Mediaeval Studies is an interdisciplinary programme run by the St Andrews Institute of Mediaeval Studies (SAIMS).
The course comprises two semesters of taught modules followed by a three-month focused period for writing a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words.
Teaching methods include seminars, language classes and fortnightly tutorials, with class sizes ranging from individual supervision up to around 12 students. The modules are assessed entirely through coursework; the Core Language and Text Skills modules are assessed on a pass/fail basis.
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 2018–2019 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2019 entry.
Students choose three to five optional modules depending on module credits (students have 60 credits for optional choices from both 10 and 20 credit modules).
Optional modules are subject to change each year and require a minimum number of participants to be offered; some may only allow limited numbers of students (see the University’s position on curriculum development).
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 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 an MLitt.
The modules listed here are indicative, and there is no guarantee they will run for 2019 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.
SAIMS hosts interdisciplinary conferences and weekly seminars. In addition, the School of History runs a Mediaeval History Postgraduate Seminar Series which is intended to provide a space for postgraduates at all stages to present ideas, discuss research issues, and gain some practical presentation experience.
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 or elsewhere.
SAIMS provides a unique, internationally recognised research environment for medieval studies, with potential PhD supervisors from a range of disciplines.
Arts and Humanities Research Council studentships
The AHRC offers studentships at Research Council UK rates for PhD research in a range of subjects.
As well as pursuing study at PhD level, other graduates of the course have gone on to pursue careers in a range of sectors including journalism, publishing, archives, government, law, management and teaching.
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 Mediaeval Studies
University of St Andrews
71 South Street
St Andrews
KY16 9QW
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3332
Email: saimsmail@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).
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