About the School of Modern Languages
The School of Modern Languages at the University of St Andrews is one of the largest and most diverse of its kind in the UK.
The School is consistently rated among the best in the UK by major national rankings. St Andrews is 1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for languages and linguistics in the Guardian University Guide 2026.
Teaching and learning
The School of Modern Languages offers a truly global approach to language studies with academic staff working in eight languages – Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Persian, Russian, and Spanish – as well as Comparative Literature.
At all levels programmes promote independent, critical thought and intellectual curiosity and School of Modern Languages graduates leave St Andrews with an impressive mix of linguistic, transferable, and social skills.
Undergraduate study
On all of the School of Modern Languages' unxdergraduate degrees, the acquisition of high-level language skills goes hand-in-hand with studying culture.
Core language modules build on each other to expand and develop students' language competence and confidence. Optional cultural studies modules reflect the School's contemporary, interdisciplinary, and inclusive approach to language studies - with students exploring literature, film, and visual culture in their historical, social, and political contexts.
On most languages degrees students can choose to add an integrated year abroad working abroad or they can explore semester- or year-long study abroad options.
Undergraduate degrees in languages and comparative literature
Postgraduate study
Masters degrees
Masters degrees with the School of Modern Languages provide advanced study in global cultures - giving students the intercultural and professional competencies needed to understand, and thrive in, a globalised world.
Masters degrees in languages and comparative literature
Research degrees
The School of Modern Languages' PhD, MPhil, and MSt (Res) students are part of a vibrant interdisciplinary research community that provides a stimulating and supportive environment for postgraduate researchers.
Research degrees in languages and comparative literature
Research and impact
The School of Modern Languages is distinguished by the breadth of its research which spans language, literary, and cultural studies across eight distinct language areas but also a range of cultural-historical epochs from the middle ages to the present day.
This expertise is complemented by the School’s comparative literature scholarship.
In the most recent UK national research assessment exercise (REF 2021) the University of St Andrews was ranked 1st in Scotland for modern languages and linguistics. More than 80% of the School's research and impact was judged to be world-leading or internationally excellent.
Research centres and institutes
The School is home to the Cultural Identity and Memory Studies Institute and three research centres - the Centre for Poetic Innovation, the Centre for Cross-Cultural circa 19th Century Research, and the Centre for Global Postsocialisms, Southeast, Central, and East European Studies.
Research centres and institutes
Byre World
Byre World is an annual series of talks, workshops, and performances bringing the School of Modern Languages' global cultural studies research to the local community.
Equality, diversity, and inclusion
The School of Modern Languages is committed to creating an environment that supports equality, diversity, and inclusion.
The School strives to uphold its mutually agreed values - equality, transparency, collegiality, trust, respect, and accountability. The School of Modern Languages was awarded an Athena Swan Bronze Award in April 2021 in recognition of its work to support gender equality.
Equality, diversity, and inclusion
History and location
Even before modern languages was introduced as a degree subject in its own right in 1892, female students at St Andrews studied French, German, and Italian as part of what was then known as the "Ladies Literate in Arts" qualification. Today, female professors out-number their male counterparts in the School.
One hundred years after the introduction of modern languages, the individual departments were amalgamated into the current School of Modern Languages. It is now one of the largest schools of modern languages in the UK.
The School of Modern Languages is based in the Buchanan Building on Union Street in the centre of St Andrews with some academic staff and research students having offices in the historic St Salvator's Quad.
Strategic plan
The School of Modern Languages' Strategic Plan 2020-25 sets out the School's ambitions to develop its research and teaching activities.
Giving to Modern Languages at St Andrews
The School of Modern Languages has a number of ways in which you can contribute financially to those who study languages at St Andrews.