History

By studying history at St Andrews, you will experience a range of expertise in many areas of the past, including medieval and modern history from Scotland to Byzantium, the Americas, the Middle East and South Asia. Thematic interests include religious history, urban history, transnationalism, historiography and nationalism.

The School of History prides itself on small group teaching and tutorials, allowing for in-depth study and supervision tailored to secure the best from each student. Renowned research combined with teaching excellence offers a stimulating environment for studying history.

Courses

Undergraduate - 2020 entry

History MA (Hons)
History BA (International Hons)
Ancient History MA (Hons)
Medieval History MA (Hons)
Medieval History & Archaeology MA (Hons)
Middle East Studies MA (joint Hons)
Modern History MA (Hons)
Scottish History MA (Hons)
Gateway to Arts Pathway to MA (Hons)
FE-HE Pathway to Arts Pathway to MA (Hons)

Joint degree options

The Ancient History, Medieval History, Middle East Studies, Modern History, and Scottish History MA (Hons) programmes can be taken with another subject as part of a joint degree or a "with" degree.

International Foundation programmes - 2020 entry

International Foundation programmes prepare international students for undergraduate study in the UK and at the University of St Andrews in particular.

Social Sciences and Humanities September Foundation
Social Sciences and Humanities January Foundation 

Postgraduate - 2020 entry

Taught

Early Modern History MLitt
Economic and Social History MSc
Environmental History MLitt
Global Social and Political Thought MLitt
Intellectual History  MLitt
Iranian Studies MLitt
Legal and Constitutional Studies  MLitt/PGDip  
Medieval History  MLitt
Medieval Studies MLitt
Middle Eastern History MLitt
Modern History  MLitt
Reformation Studies MLitt
Scottish Historical Studies MLitt
The Book. History and Techniques of Analysis MLitt
Transnational, Global and Spatial History MLitt

PhDs

Please contact a supervisor in your research area to inquire about PhD opportunities.

Discover the University of St Andrews

Watch current students and staff discuss the teaching facilities, research opportunities and student life at Scotland's first university.

Visit St Andrews

Undergraduates

If you are interested in studying at St Andrews, join us at a visiting day or talk and tour to explore the town, find out about our courses and meet current students.

Upcoming visiting days:

  • Wednesday 1 April 2020
  • Wednesday 8 April 2020
  • Wednesday 15 April 2020

Visit us

Postgraduates

Upcoming visiting days:

  • Wednesday 11 March 2020

Sign up

History research areas

The School of History has around 50 academic members whose combined specialist interests cover a vast geographical area and chronological range. 

Research interests range from 6th-century Scotland to Iran in the early 21st century (and many other places in between). There are particular strengths in:

  • medieval history
  • Middle Eastern history
  • transnational history
  • British history
  • Continental European history
  • US history
  • Reformation history
  • environmental history
  • intellectual history.

The School of History is also involved in a number of research centres and institutes. 

Careers for graduates in History

History courses at St Andrews prepare you for careers in academia, business, government and international organisations.

The analytical and communication skills acquired and mastered through the study of history are highly prized by a wide range of employers. Popular employment areas amongst graduates include:

  • service industries
  • law
  • the British Army
  • the financial sector (Barclays Bank, Deloitte & Touche)
  • arts and the media (Sky TV, Pavilion Films)
  • the government
  • teaching – primary and secondary as well as teaching English abroad (Japan and Africa)
  • children’s charities 
  • academia.

 See recent graduate employment case studies.

Funding opportunities

There is a range of funding opportunities available to prospective undergraduates, postgraduates and PhD students.

Undergraduate

Various scholarships are available for prospective undergraduate students.

Undergraduate scholarships

Postgraduate students

The School of History offers one-year awards to students pursuing MLitt programmes in History. These awards offer the cash equivalent of one year's home fees.

Postgraduate taught scholarships

PhD students

Students applying to study Scottish History at research level are eligible for the Ewan and Christine Brown scholarship.

The School of History invites applications for funding to undertake postgraduate research. These funding opportunities include:

Other PhD scholarships include:

  • Jonathan and Hazel Sparey Scholarship available to students studying for a PhD in the School of History
  • Nicholas Murray Scholarship for PhD students undertaking research in the history of war from 1700 to present. 

Funding for PhD students

Awards

REF 2014

The School of History was ranked top in Scotland for research quality in the UK Research Excellence Framework 2014. 

University league tables

The School of History was ranked first in Scotland by the Guardian University Guide 2020 and fourth in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2020 for overall student satisfaction and quality of teaching and research.

Contact

School of History 
University of St Andrews 
St Katharine’s Lodge
The Scores
St Andrews 
KY16 9BA

Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2890
Email: history@st-andrews.ac.uk 

History website History research portal