Why study this course?
Transcend cultural, regional, and linguistic boundaries to advance your studies of language, literature, and culture.
- Understand digital technology in modern languages, including natural language processing, large language models (LLM) and the intersection of modern languages and educational technology
- Explore the development of digital technologies and their use in literary studies
- Use digital tools and computational techniques to analyse a wide variety of texts and data, learning to present your findings in visually compelling ways using tools including Python
- Develop your skills in end-to-end machine learning using large real-world datasets
- Understand the challenges of AI for modern languages and global society
Add more value to your degree
Students enrolled in Global Digital Humanities will receive complimentary access to our Mediation Training Theory online short course. This self-paced course will provide you with practical skills and theoretical insights into effectively managing and resolving conflict, which is valuable in a wide range of professional and academic settings.
Teaching
A mix of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical work.
Assessment
Most modules are assessed through coursework exercises, presentations and tests.
Dissertation or project
A 15,000-word dissertation or an applied research project accompanied by a report (8,000 words).
Schedule
You will access modules and components at a pace and on a timetable that suits your work and study environment.
Modules
Those studying for a PGCert take one 30-credit module in Digital Humanities and two 15-credit modules in Computer Science.
Those studying for a PGDip take three modules in Digital Humanities and four modules in Computer Science.
Those studying for an MSc take three modules in Digital Humanities and four modules in Computer Science and will complete a dissertation or final project.
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.
-
Dissertation in Digital Humanities or applied research project
Following the successful completion of the coursework (see PGCert and PGDip modules information), MSc students undertake a dissertation module of 60 credits (15,000 words) or an applied research project accompanied by a report (8,000 words). The dissertation should demonstrate an element of independent thinking or originality of thought in the establishment of the argument and be based upon clearly founded research, analysis and interpretation. It should demonstrate how to address the challenges relating to conducting and completing a research thesis and, likewise, the applied research project should demonstrate how to reflect and manage the execution of a digital humanities project from requirements to results.
The topic of the dissertation or the applied research project must be agreed before the start of the project with an academic supervisor. These modules involve regular one-to-one contact with the supervisor.
-
- Digital Humanities: Principles and Methods: introduces contemporary debates on the future of the humanities in our digital age; you will learn about digital tools, methods and themes, and identify interdisciplinary research questions relating to Digital Humanities.
- Research Methods in Data Science: introduces the skills necessary for the planning, data gathering, data analysis and dissemination stages of data science research.
- Digital Global Literatures: enables students to enhance the analysis and presentation of literary texts with advanced digital and computational techniques.
- Digital Modern Languages: examines the capabilities, limitations, and impact of these technologies on Modern Language and related industries.
- Digital Preservation and Promotion of Heritage: will ground students in the principles and practice of digital methods for the promotion and preservation of natural and cultural heritage.
- Memory and Storytelling in the Digital Age: delves into storytelling as a cultural practice, examining the storyteller’s role and narrative techniques for crafting memory in a digital world.
- Data and Information Visualisation: focuses on the question of how to utilise visual representations to make information accessible for exploration and analysis.
- End-to-End Machine Learning: focuses on using Python packages to perform end-to-end data-driven analyses.
- Programming in Python: introduces and revises modelling, design and implementation in Python.
What it will lead to
Careers
Prepare for a range of careers with in-demand digital and analytical skills, including research, digital curation, mobile development, digital product design, and roles within cultural and heritage organisations.
We are committed to supporting your career aspirations, whatever stage of your career you are 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.
The Careers Centre also offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students in building their networks and developing skills to create their own successful careers.
Our International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute offers peer mentoring and an extensive suite of courses to support your academic and professional skills development.
Learn while you earn
This flexible and fully online programme means you can study alongside your current work commitments and achieve a degree from one of the top-ranked universities in the UK, without moving country.
Further your education
Many graduates of the School of Modern Languages continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews.
Go your own way
Our Entrepreneurship Centre offers training and start-up support, gives you access to expert mentors and an investor network, as well as one-to-one advice to help you realise your commercial potential.
Why St Andrews?
Wherever you are, you can take St Andrews with you. Online Masters at the University of St Andrews combine all the benefits of studying at one of the world's oldest and best universities, with all the advantages of flexible, personalised learning.
Alumni
Whether you join us online or in person, 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.
Entry requirements
For entry onto the MSc: A 2.1 undergraduate Honours degree in any subject from the UK or the equivalent international qualification. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
We will also consider applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree. In these circumstances we expect candidates to have at least five years of relevant professional learning. The Admissions team will holistically assess your application and determine the best route of entry for you. In some cases, this may be onto the PGCert in the first instance, from which students who attain a certain level in their modules will have the opportunity to progress to a full Masters degree.
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.
Application requirements
- CV that includes your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date
- personal statement (500 words)
- sample of your own, single-authored academic written work (2000 words)
- one original signed academic reference
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.
Fees and funding
MSc: £18,000
PGDip: £12,000
PGCert: £6,000
Fees for September and October 2026 entry are still to be confirmed.
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances.
- St Leonard's funding opportunities
- Graduate discount (15% off tuition fees)
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: 24 October 2025