Why study this course?
The MLitt in English Literature is an intensive one-year taught programme run by the School of English. Each pathway develops well-rounded expertise in the literature of the period through a mix of core and option choice modules, while the flexible route allows you to create your own programme of study.
English at St Andrews has a long and distinguished history and at its heart is our enthusiasm for research-led teaching. Taught by world leading scholars, the MLitt in English Literature introduces students to the central debates, ideas, and concepts that have shaped literary studies today, while looking ahead to future innovations.
This programme will give you the academic knowledge and technical skills essential for PhD study, as well as for professional careers where the ability to read critically, analyse carefully, and write to an expert level is paramount.
Highlights
- Specialise in a particular historical period through a named pathway, or develop wide ranging expertise across the discipline.
- Choose from optional modules in Women, Writing and Gender, and Postcolonial and World Literatures taught by academic staff whose research spans the long history and global reach of the discipline.
- Train your research skills in classes based in the University’s Special Collections and its world-class Library.
- Develop an understanding of important current debates and new directions in literary criticism and critical theory.
- Choose from optional modules in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) in the International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute, to acquire English teaching skills and improve your employability.
Pathways
The pathways available are:
Teaching
A mix of weekly seminars and lectures.
Class sizes
Up to 15 students.
Dissertation
A 15,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choosing.
Assessment
The diverse range of assessments includes long and short essays, annotated bibliographies, book reviews, scholarly introductions, oral presentations and podcasts, curatorial exercises, critical commentaries, and close reading exercises.
Modules
In each semester students take two modules. For those on a defined pathway, one of these modules will be compulsory and concentrated on the literature of the period as well as its theoretical, cultural and historical developments. There is a wide range of option modules for students on pathway and flexible routes, each offering a wide-ranging introduction to the subject and allowing students to pursue their own interests.
Students on any pathway may, subject to permission, take up to 30 credits from any 5000-level module from another School. Some 30-credit 3000- or 4000-level modules within English may also be open to MLitt students, for example EN3114 Reading Old English.
If you choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MLitt, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) instead, finishing the course at the end of the second semester of study.
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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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 of not more than 15,000 words must be submitted by a date specified in August.
What it will lead to
Careers
Graduates of the course go on to pursue careers in a range of sectors including journalism, marketing, publishing and teaching.
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
Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews.
In addition to the MLitt, the School offers a two-year Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree option.
Why St Andrews?
St Andrews was one of the first universities in the world to teach English literature. Today, the School of English is ranked first in The Times UK University Rankings 2025 and we enjoy an international reputation for excellence as a centre for academic research and literary creativity.
Our Masters programmes span the history of English literature from the Medieval period to the present, explore works from diverse literary cultures drawn from across the world, and cultivate the next generation of creative writers, poets and playwrights.
You will be part of a vibrant scholarly community of more than 120 postgraduate students from around the globe and over 30 permanent members of staff with expertise in a range of specialisms. By joining one or more of our Research Groups you will have the opportunity to work with the School’s outstanding academic researchers, visiting speakers, and fellow postgraduates in research seminars, lectures and workshops.
Our Creative Writing and Playwriting/Screenwriting classes are taught by award-winning novelists, poets and playwrights with strong links to the University-managed Byre Theatre and the StAnza Poetry Festival.
As a postgraduate scholar at St Andrews, you will have access to rare books and manuscripts in the Library’s Special Collections, an archive built up since the 15th century.
The School of English also believes that knowledge is best imparted by those working in the same discipline and at the highest level: all the School's writers have national and international reputations, and are regarded as leaders in their individual fields. All are dedicated teachers with a passion for their art.
In addition, the ancient town of St Andrews – with its pristine beaches, castles and historic buildings, its constantly changing seascapes and cloudscapes – is simply a beautiful and inspiring place for any writer to work.
Events
The School of English hosts research events through its four research groups:
- Creative Writing
- 18th Century, Romantic and Victorian
- Medieval and Renaissance
- Modern and Contemporary
The School of English normally also hosts an annual colloquium. Recent themes have been:
- Reimagining Andrew Marvell: The Poet at 400
- The English Legal Imaginary, 1500-1700
- Bannockburn, 1914: Anniversary culture, war and national identity in Scotland
- Opera and Fiction
- World Literature and Dissent
- (Un)Civil War?
- John Keats and Romantic Scotland
- Libraries in Literature
- Devouring Men: Food, Masculinity and Power
The Postgraduate Forum offers postgraduates the opportunity to present research in progress to a group of their peers.
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.
Ask a student
If you are interested in learning what it's like to be a student at St Andrews you can speak to one of our student ambassadors. They'll let you know about their top tips, best study spots, favourite traditions and more.
Entry requirements
- A 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree in a subject-related area. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
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
- a personal statement of 500 words explaining why you have chosen the programme, why this subject is important to you and why you have applied to study at the University of St Andrews, and please also specify which pathway you would like to follow
- sample of your own, single-authored academic writing of approximately 2,000 words on a topic relevant to your chosen pathway
- 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.
Fees and funding
- UK: £12,630
- Rest of the world: £27,200
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: 2 September 2025