Studying the MLitt in Medieval English
The MLitt in Medieval English is an intensive taught programme culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation. In 2020, students will study the full range of medieval literature in English, c.800-1500.
Compulsory modules in Old English and Middle English are combined with specialist training in palaeography, codicology and medieval literary theory to ensure that students emerge fully equipped to carry out further research in any area of medieval English literature, whether Old or Middle, English or Scottish.
Semester 1
During Semester 1, in addition to the Literary Research: Skills and Resources module taken by Masters students on all programmes, you will also take the first of three core medieval modules: Reading the Medieval Text. Consisting of weekly seminar meetings, this module is designed to provide or enhance some of the specific skills and areas of knowledge necessary for undertaking research in medieval literature. Students will study:
- palaeography and codicology (using original medieval manuscript materials from the Library's Special Collections wherever practical)
- medieval textual transmission and editorial theory
- medieval theoretical conceptions of the text
- the periodization of Medieval English literature.
In addition to 'Reading the Medieval Text', in Semester 1 you will also begin the second core medieval module, the year-long Middle English Literature in Context. This module teaches culturally central medieval English and Scottish texts from the later Middle Ages within their wider literary context, both continental and insular. Fortnightly seminars (allowing time for a heavy reading load) examine a historical and generic variety of major literary texts produced from 1200 to 1500.
Middle English and Scots examples of key medieval genres such as drama, saints’ lives and romance are compared to their sources or counterparts in other languages, while major Middle English and Scottish authors such as Chaucer, Langland, Douglas, Hoccleve and Henryson are studied alongside such influential earlier writers as Boethius (The Consolation of Philosophy), Geoffrey of Vinsauf (Poetria Nova), Jean de Meun and Guillaume de Lorris (Roman de la Rose) and Boccaccio (Il Filostrato).
Semester 2
During Semester 2, you will continue with the second half of Middle English Literature in Context, but will also take the module Old English. On this module, a solid grounding in Old English grammar and translation from Old English will be acquired with the help of grammar exercises and translation practice on original Old English texts.
Students may join this module with widely varying levels of experience of Old English, from none to fairly extensive. The aim is to get all students to an acceptable level of proficiency in reading and translation, and this is reflected in the assessment of this module by two translation exercises. Time and students’ linguistic expertise permitting, some literary contextualisation of the texts studied and translated may also be included.
An optional Special Topic may also be taken in Semester 2, giving students the opportunity to develop as researchers within a specific area of study. These modules combine student’s individual interests with staff research expertise. Examples of recent specialist modules have included:
- Spiritual Literature in Middle English
- Older Scots Comic Writing
- Saints' Lives
- modern Anglo-Saxonism
- Arthurian Romance in Northern England and Scotland
- the 'Matter of England'
- Romances
- the Pearl-poet
- the reception of the Middle Ages.
Alternatively, instead of a Special Topic, you may elect to take a core module from another English MLitt programme, or on a module outwith the School of English, whether arranged through the Institute of Medieval Studies or independently with another School such as Classics, Modern Languages, Divinity or Philosophy. Medieval literature students have, for example, previously pursued Old Norse or medieval Latin language modules, run through the St Andrews Institute of Medieval Studies.
Dissertation
Over the summer you will complete a 15,000 word dissertation on a research subject of your choice, supervised by an appropriate member of the School’s staff.
Contact
School of English
Castle House
The Scores
St Andrews
KY16 9AL
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2668
Email: pgeng@st-andrews.ac.uk
Medieval English at St Andrews
Why St Andrews?
St Andrews was one of the first universities in the world to teach English literature, and the study of medieval texts has always been at the core of the School of English.
Modern St Andrews students may find themselves studying the works of some of their more illustrious forbears - Older Scots poets Gavin Douglas (MA St Andrews, 1494) or William Dunbar (MA St Andrews, 1479).
Today, with five full-time members of medievalist staff covering all periods of the medieval age and its subsequent reception, the School prides itself on its friendliness, and on the common enthusiasm for great medieval literature. You will be part of a welcoming and lively academic community.
Postgraduate students working in the field of medieval English can access the many research resources and opportunities of both the School of English and the Institute of Medieval Studies. Expert palaeography classes and access to unique manuscript material are also provided by the University’s Special Collections.
Each semester, both the School of English and the Institute invite distinguished visiting academics to lead seminars, lectures and workshops as part of regular research events. There is also an active, student-run Medieval Reading Group, a Literary Society and the Postgraduate Forum, where postgraduates meet to present and discuss their ongoing work.
Academic staff
The staff teaching on the programme will vary in any one year, but will always include some of the following:
Student testimonials
“Postgraduate English at St Andrews is the epitome of a support network. The incredible faculty and staff take great care to not only ensure each student's success but encourage each of our academic interests beyond the classroom, making an MLitt at St Andrews one of the most fulfilling and career-preparing opportunities in Academia.”
Sid - 2019
"Studying on the MLitt in Medieval English course at St Andrews was a truly fantastic experience. The coursework was rigorous and the content diverse. I was able to build a solid foundation from which I have built my doctoral research – also here at St Andrews.
I found the small class size extremely beneficial to my success in the course as a result of the substantial individual tuition lecturers are able to give each student. This environment also fosters lively discussion in seminars and a close-knit student community. My experience at St Andrews has greatly influenced my choice of career in academia. And, on a more personal note, I have made lifelong friendships from my time at St Andrews."
Caitlin – 2012
“St Andrews is a bastion of free speech and robust research; I have been academically challenged in everything from classwork, to department talks, to conversations with my brilliant peers!”
Abby - 2019
"The year I spent studying for an MLitt in Medieval English was one of the best, most challenging and most illuminating years I’ve had. You get exposed to a great variety of medieval thought and writing. The staff are incredibly helpful and very willing to equip you with the necessary tools to carry out research. It exposes you to various forms of medieval thought and writing while allowing opportunity for more detailed study in an area of your interest.
Alongside studying Old and Middle English texts, I was able to do a beginner’s course in Latin and attend a weekly Old Norse reading group. This course also prepares you for working life. The time you spend in seminars discussing texts with lecturers and peers will push your ability to express your views clearly when thinking on the spot. You will end up writing a lot of words throughout your year, and the feedback you receive on your written output will teach you how to handle feedback and criticism. While you are writing all of those words, you will be writing with various members of academic staff and learn a great deal about how to maintain a productive and professional relationship. These are useful skills to have for any career, whether in academia or elsewhere.
On a different note, though one equally important, St Andrews is a lovely place to be. For a tiny seaside town on the coast of Scotland, there is a lot going on. It’s a great environment to be in. If you are considering doing a masters, I can only warmly recommend the St Andrews School of English."
Katarina – 2014