Why study this course?
The School is distinguished by the breadth of its research which spans language, literary, and cultural studies across eight distinct language areas – Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Persian, Russian, and Spanish – and comparative literature, but also a range of cultural-historical epochs from the Middle Ages to the present day.
This breadth is reflected in the literary and cultural topics you will study on the degree.
- Expand your interest in literary and cultural studies through transnational teaching from a wide variety of experts across the School of Modern Languages
- Deepen your knowledge in your chosen language area or areas by exploration through new perspectives and methodologies
- Gain a global outlook provided by 50 full-time academic staff teaching in eight languages and comparative literature, and providing a broad range of disciplinary knowledge, teaching and supervision expertise
- Engage with world-leading research through involvement in the work of the School's research centres and interdisciplinary research groups
- Explore cross-disciplinary studies with an option module in the Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Studies
Teaching
Small, seminar-style classes.
Class sizes
Typically 5 to 15 students.
Dissertation
A 15,000-word dissertation supervised by a specialist.
Assessment
Coursework that may include essays, presentations, and non-traditional outputs such as podcasts. There are no exams.
Modules
The St Andrews degree structure is designed to be flexible. You study compulsory modules delivering core learning together with optional modules you choose from the list available that year.
You must take at least one of the optional modules. But one may be replaced with an agreed alternative module.
If you choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there are exit awards available that allow suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) instead, finishing the course at the end of the second semester of study.
For more details, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the module catalogue. The modules are examples from previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your course.
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- Comparative Methodologies and Research Skills 1: you will problematise established approaches and explore new and emerging directions to conceptualise how you think texts might best be analysed and compared. The module's methodologies will underpin your acquisition of a range of transferable skills essential in academic research and non-academic roles.
- Comparative Methodologies and Research Skills 2: furthers and strengthens your engagement with comparative methodologies and your analytic and critical skills, including writing abstracts and research proposals, presenting a conference paper, disseminating research for diverse audiences, planning a conference, along with IT and web research skills.
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- Literary and Cultural Introspection: invites you to look inward and consider areas of critical importance such as sex, gender, race, psychoanalysis, and the medical humanities in relation to the self. You will engage with case studies in translation from experts across the School of Modern Languages to encourage a breadth of scholarship.
- Literary and Cultural Extrospection: invites you to look outward and consider areas of critical importance such as the postcolonial, de-colonial, the transnational, and memory studies in relation to society. You will engage with case studies in translation from experts across the School of Modern Languages to encourage a breadth of scholarship.
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You will conclude your programme by submitting a 15,000-word dissertation supervised by a specialist in the area.
What it will lead to
Careers
Modern Language postgraduates go on to careers in academia or in fields such as:
- consulting
- energy resource management
- international development
- journalism
- UN interpreting
- public policy
- publishing
- the civil and diplomatic services
- academia as University academics and administrators
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 your education
The MLitt provides excellent all-round preparation for a research degree, for example MSt (Res), MPhil or PhD. Each year we welcome back students from our MLitts as research students.
Why St Andrews?
The School of Modern Languages at St Andrews is the largest modern languages department in Scotland and one of the largest in the UK.
The School is distinguished by the breadth of its research which spans language, literary, and cultural studies across eight distinct language areas – Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Persian, Russian, and Spanish – but also a range of cultural-historical epochs from the Middle Ages to the present day.
The School hosts a year-round programme of research seminars which postgraduates are invited to attend. Opportunities to engage with the School’s wider research community are also provided through its four research centres and institutes and its highly successful Byre World series, an annual programme of events bringing modern languages and cultural studies research to the local community.
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 Modern Language or Comparative Literature. There is no option to study an additional language as part of this programme.
- If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
- English language proficiency.
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 with a history of your education and employment to date
- personal statement of around 500 words outlining your personal motivations for applying and how the course fits with your career ambitions
- sample of your own, single-authored academic written work in English of around 2,000 words
- two references, one of which must be academic
- academic transcript and degree certificate
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
- UK: £12,030
- Rest of the world: £25,900
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:
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: 7 March 2025