Why study this course?
The MLitt offers a unique opportunity to study the history of photography as a specialised field of research.
Highlights
- This innovative degree is inspired by the important role played by St Andrews in the early history of the most influential visual medium of the modern era.
- Students are introduced to the theoretical and methodological challenges and debates that photography’s multiple functions and contexts have provoked since its invention.
- Classes make full use of the outstanding photographic collections of Special Collections, University Library and associated photographic archives.
- Small class sizes prioritise discussion with peers and interaction with the tutor.
- Students may apply to take part in exchange programmes at our partner institutions.
Flexible study
Learn full-time (two semesters) or part-time (four semesters).
Class sizes
Average group size of 4 to 12 students.
Dissertation
A 15,000-word project with regular support.
Assessment
Coursework including book reviews, critical bibliographies, visual analysis and object analysis essays, reading journals and research papers.
Modules
History of Photography students choose four postgraduate-level course modules. One of the modules may be selected from the undergraduate-level Honours programme, from the MLitt programme in Art History or from reading and bibliography modules on advisement.
Each module has a minimum contact time of 16 hours.
Course information may change. Module information and course content, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at the University of St Andrews. We display the most up-to-date information possible, but this could be from a previous academic year. For the latest module information, see the module catalogue.
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- Issues in Photographic Criticism: provides an introduction to key writings and debates in the history of photographic criticism from the 1830s to the present day.
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- Colonial Collections and Critical Displays: This module focuses on the management of colonial collections in museums and heritage organisations, studying innovative skills and methodologies for their critical display.
- Community Heritage and Sustainability: Will interrogate the ways in which such organisations can promote a sense of place and belonging, act as catalysts for adaptation, and build capacity towards sustainable futures.
- Ecole du Louvre Summer Study: Replaces AH5099 for those students in the History of Art, History of Photography, or Museum and Heritage Studies MLitt programme who have been selected for the exchange program with the Ecole du Louvre
- Object Lessons in Photography: This module will explore, interpret and analyse photographic materials in the University of St Andrews Special Collections.
- Participation and Co-production in Museums and Heritage: Participatory practice has become a critical aspect of museum and heritage work in attempts to go beyond a conventional focus on care for objects and sites.The module will explore international case studies, including ongoing practice-based research.
- The Digital Museum: Past, Present and Future: Critically analyses the adoption of digital technologies in cultural institutions and the impact of this upon their audiences.
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The final three months of your course will be focused on writing the final assessment piece, a 15,000-word dissertation. Across the two semesters, students participate in a series of skills workshops designed in part to help prepare for the dissertation element. 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 must be submitted by a date specified in August.
If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MLitt, there are exit awards available that allow suitably qualified candidates to receive a postgraduate diploma (PGDip). 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 a MLitt.
What it will lead to
Careers
Recent postgraduates in History of Photography are employed in:
- universities
- archives
- museums
- galleries
- auction houses
- cultural heritage management
- web design
- publishing houses and magazines
We are committed to supporting your career aspirations, whatever stage your career is at. Our Careers Centre can help connect you to our extensive global alumni community for advice and mentoring, as well as offering career coaching, bespoke workshops, employer connections, experiences and application support.
Our International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute can also support you with academic and professional skills development. The University’s Entrepreneurship Centre offers start-up support for those looking to freelance as well as create their own business.
Further study
In addition to the MLitt, the School offers a two-year Art History Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree option.
Many History of Photography graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews or elsewhere.
Why St Andrews?
The School organises postgraduate research seminars and occasional symposia. Each year they invite a number of artists and scholars to give lectures.
Alumni
When you graduate you become a member of the University's worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.
“I was attracted to the MLitt History of Photography programme because of its close engagement with the extant photographic archive here, which is used both as a resource for teaching and further research. The tutors have been incredibly supportive of my research interests and my personal development during my time here. The School of Art History facilitates a programme of research seminars with visiting scholars from the UK and internationally, including talks from photo-journalists and contemporary photographers. One of the best parts about studying here is proximity to the sea. There’s something incredibly calming about being so close to the coast.”
- Lanarkshire, Scotland
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Entry requirements
- A 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree. A degree in art history is recommended but is not an essential requirement.
The qualifications listed are indicative of standard requirements for entry. Some academic Schools may require applicants to achieve higher grades than the standard to be competitive. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University takes a holistic view of every application.
If your qualification does not appear in the list, it may not meet the typical requirements for entry to this programme. You may need a higher-level qualification to be competitive, for example, a Masters degree.
English language requirements
Some applicants may need to provide an English language test score to evidence their English language ability. Find out who needs to provide evidence of English language ability. Details of acceptable tests and scores are provided below.
Test scores are only normally accepted if obtained within two years of the programme start date.
Application requirements
- CV or résumé
- personal statement (500 words)
- sample of your own, single-authored academic written work (2,000 words)
- one original signed academic reference
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
Fees and funding
- UK: Tuition fees have yet to be set.
- Rest of the world: Tuition fees have yet to be set.
Application fee
Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:
Contact us
- Postgraduate online information events
- The School can help with course content, teaching and other topics: ask the School
- Ask University Admissions about how to apply, fees, scholarships and other topics
Start your journey
Legal notices
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 course 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.
Page last updated: 18 May 2026