Medieval Studies (MLitt) 2021 entry
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.
Key information
Course type
Postgraduate, leading to a Master of Letters (MLitt)
Course dates
- Start date: 6 September 2021
- End date: 30 September 2022
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive.
Course duration
One year full time
Entry requirements
- 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.
Tuition fees
Home: £9,900
Overseas: £20,370
Application deadline
Wednesday 11 August 2021. Applicants should apply as early as possible to be eligible for certain scholarships and for international visa purposes.
Application requirements
- CV or résumé. This should include your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date.
- a personal statement
- a sample of academic written work (2,000 words)
- two original signed academic references
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
- evidence of English language proficiency (required if English is not your first language).
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
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Course information
The MLitt in Mediaeval Studies is an interdisciplinary programme run by the St Andrews Institute of Medieval Studies (SAIMS).
Highlights
- Draws on the long-established and recognised strengths in Medieval Studies available from the participating disciplines – Art History, Divinity, English, History, Modern Languages and Philosophy.
- Gives students the opportunity to work closely with colleagues covering a vast range of expertise from Late Antiquity to the 15th century and across the medieval world, from the Middle East and the Mediterranean to the British Isles and Scandinavia.
- Introduces different theoretical approaches, current debates and the nature of cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary work in the fields of history, art history, languages and literature.
- Offers an opportunity to combine training in manuscript studies and palaeography with interdisciplinary work or single discipline modules.
- Includes weekly seminars and regular workshops, bringing students into direct contact with visiting academics.
Teaching format
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 or fail basis.
Modules
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 2020–2021 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2021 entry.
- Approaches to Medieval Studies 1: covers a range of themes essential to understanding multi-disciplinary approaches to the Middle Ages.
- Approaches to Medieval Studies 2: explores a broad issue from a variety of disciplinary and theoretical perspectives, using selected texts, images and artefacts to anchor discussion.
Students choose three to five optional modules depending on module credits (students have 60 credits for optional choices from both 10-credit and 20-credit modules).
Here is a sample of optional modules that may be offered.
- An Introduction to Palaeography with Codicological and Manuscript Studies (1 and 2): equip students to tackle the reading, transcription and editing of manuscripts up to c.1500.
- Core Language and Text Skills (Greek Italian or Arabic): provides an introduction to one of the core languages for studying the Middle Ages.
- Directed Reading in Medieval Studies (1 and 2): a detailed study of a medieval topic of the student's own choice taught via tutorials with one or more colleagues in the participating Schools.
- Discipline Skills: introduces students to one particular discipline within medieval studies: medieval art history, medieval English literature, medieval French language and literature, medieval German language and literature, medieval history, or medieval Italian literature.
- Latin for Medieval Studies (1 and 2): classes are offered at beginner, intermediate and advanced level, so students take the class most appropriate to their needs.
- Medieval Language: provides an introduction to one medieval language. The languages normally available include Old Norse, Old English, Middle English, Medieval French, Middle High German, Medieval Italian, Medieval Occitan and Middle Scots.
- Sources and Source Criticism: addresses the interpretation and criticism of medieval sources.
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 2021 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.
Conferences and events
SAIMS hosts interdisciplinary conferences and weekly seminars. In addition, the School of History runs a Medieval 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.
Funding
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.
After the MLitt
Research degrees
Many 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.
Careers
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
- 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.
Contact
Institute of Medieval Studies
University of St Andrews
71 South Street
St Andrews
KY16 9QW
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3332
Email: saimsmail@st-andrews.ac.uk
Policies
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our admissions policy.
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive.
Curriculum development
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.
Tuition fees
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.