Choosing your degree
The University's postgraduate degree programmes are listed here including the normal duration of study and the nature of the programme. The length of study is normally double for students studying part-time.
- PhD, DLang (3 years)
- MPhil (2 years)
- MLitt, MRes, MSc (1 year)
- Graduate Diploma (GradDip) (9 months)
- Conversion Diploma (Conversion Dip) (9 months)
- PhD by portfolio
- EngD (4 years)
- MD (2 years)
- Distance learning programmes
- Collaborative degree programmes
PhD, DLang
This is normally a three-year programme (full-time, or the equivalent part-time) of supervised research, examined by thesis (80,000 words maximum). The thesis is normally submitted by the end of the third year and is a piece of original work describing the research undertaken and its implications for present knowledge.
For general information about the University's research output and links to specific research groups, please visit our section about Research at the University of St Andrews.
MPhil
Arts: Two semesters of full-time taught courses or equivalent part-time study and assessment(s) followed by a thesis (40,000 words maximum) prepared during the summer and the following year and submitted by the end of the second academic session. This degree is a combination of coursework and research.
Science: Similar to the MPhil in the Faculty of Arts, this degree is normally of two years' duration, although well-qualified candidates, e.g. those possessing a good Postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline or a suitable research background, may be admitted directly into the second year.
MLitt, MRes, MSc
These are taught courses. Two semesters of full-time or equivalent part-time study together with a dissertation (15,000 words maximum) or project to be completed by the end of the academic year.
Graduate Diploma (GradDip)
This is a taught course. Two semesters of full-time or equivalent part-time study. A student whose performance in a Diploma course is of a sufficiently high standard may transfer to an appropriate Masters (MLitt, MRes, MSc,or MPhil) programme and the time spent on the Graduate Diploma will be credited towards the fulfilment of the Masters regulations.
Conversion Diploma (Conversion Dip)
Two semesters of full-time or part-time equivalent study. This is a transitional qualification for those with degrees in fields outside Divinity who wish to progress to advanced study in the subject.
For further details see School of Divinity .
PhD by portfolio
Although the normal route for the examination for a PhD degree is the traditional thesis, the University has recently adopted the alternative route of submission of a portfolio of published work for the PhD.
Matriculated students and members of academic staff of at least three years' standing may apply to submit a portfolio of published work for a PhD degree. The published work must all be in the public domain and the candidate must have contributed satisfactorily to the conception, execution and writing of the publications.
The intellectual standing and quality of a PhD by portfolio is equal to that of a PhD by thesis. Examination of a PhD by portfolio is essentially similar to that of a PhD by thesis.
EngD
This is a four-year degree, providing a doctoral programme relevant to industry geared to training the research managers of the future. It involves a challenging and original research project undertaken as a partnership between industry and academia.
For further details contact the School of Physics & Astronomy.
MD
The University offers a Doctorate in Medicine (MD) degree to candidates holding a recognised medical qualification.
Candidates must have some connection with St Andrews as either graduates in Medicine or Medical Science from this University, members of academic staff or employees of the NHS in the Lothians, Fife or Tayside having a working relationship with St Andrews. There is also provision for submitting a collection of published work over a period of time. The minimum period of study on a full-time research project is of two years or four years in part-time study.
Interested students should contact the Dean of Medicine.
Distance learning programmes
The University of St Andrews offers a number of courses for distance learners. For the full list of programmes and further information, please see our Distance Learning webpage.
Collaborative degree programmes
The University of St Andrews offers some of its postgraduate degrees in collaboration with other institutions. For further information, please see our Collaborative Degree Programmes webpage.