Studying the MLitt in Medieval English
The MLitt in Medieval English is an intensive taught programme culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation. In 2024 - 2025, students will study the full range of medieval literature in English, c.800-1500.
Modules in Old English and Middle English are combined with specialist training in palaeography, codicology, text editing and Digital Humanities ensure that students emerge fully equipped to carry out further research in any area of medieval English literature, whether Old or Middle English or Older Scots.
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During Semester 1 you will take 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 usually study:
- palaeography and codicology (using original medieval manuscript materials from University Collections wherever practical)
- medieval textual transmission and editorial theory
- approaches to Digital Humanities.
In addition to 'Reading the Medieval Text', in Semester 1 you will also take the second core medieval module, Medieval Literature in Context 1. This module, and its co-requisite, teach culturally central medieval English and Scottish texts within their wider literary context, both continental and insular. Weekly seminars examine a historical and generic variety of major literary texts produced from 700 to 1500.
The texts considered will be grouped under particular thematic headings, which may deal with styles and genres of writing, questions of identity and authorship, and the way in which texts were collated, transmitted, and received. These modules offer a grounding knowledge in some of the seminal medieval texts and genres alongside a number of research-led sessions that will introduce students to the current research interests of staff teaching on the modules.
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During Semester 2, you will take Medieval Literature in Context 2, and will also take the module Old English.
Old English is a team-taught module will provide and enhance essential skills for the study of Old English language and literature. Topics covered may include the use of dictionaries (in electronic and paper format), the role played by databases in scholarly research, examination of the grammar, morphology and phonology of Old English, the history of the English language (for example the transition from Old English to Middle English), translation techniques in theory and practice, and the history of Anglo-Saxon medievalism.
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
University of St Andrews
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 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 University 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 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
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