Why study this course?
The MLitt in Intellectual History is an interdisciplinary taught postgraduate programme run by the School of History. The course explores major historical, historiographical, and methodological aspects of intellectual history alongside an individually tailored programme of directed reading.
Highlights
- Learn from experts from across the University with a common interest in researching and contextualising key ideas in their subject areas
- Examine the different kinds of intellectual history being practised today, as well as the relationship between intellectual history and philosophy, literature and literary studies, international relations, law, politics, economics and theology
- Make connections between ideas, traditions, and methodologies across different disciplines and understand their application in different contexts
- Critically analyse complex ideas from a variety of perspectives and develop and evaluate arguments
- Understand how and why ideas change and the consequences of change
Teaching
Weekly seminars and fortnightly tutorials for directed reading.
Class sizes
Up to 12 students.
Dissertation
A 15,000-word dissertation.
Assessment
Coursework only. There is no final exam.
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.
Students on this course may also choose a Directed Reading topic which is designed to encourage the development of skills of historical analysis through concentrated study. Depending upon other module choices this may be taken across one or both semesters. The Directed Reading topics offered will vary slightly each year depending on staff.
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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- Current Controversies in Intellectual History: enables students to scrutinise central historiographical disputes that continue to determine the nature and practice of intellectual history.
- Directed Reading in Intellectual History: This module offers a directed reading project designed to encourage the development of skills of historical analysis through concentrated study of a topic chosen by the student.
- The Theory and Practice of Intellectual History: provides a methodological introduction to intellectual history by surveying how it has been practised in the last half century.
- Turning Points in the History of Ideas: investigates a series of historical moments of intellectual change by directly engaging with the major political, philosophical, and scientific writings of different eras.
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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 go on to pursue careers in a range of sectors including:
- journalism
- publishing
- think tanks
- government
- law
- teaching
We are committed to supporting your career aspirations, whatever stage your career is at.
Our International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute 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 Careers Centre 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.
Elevate your career
Alumni of the MLitt in Intellectual History, and of other School of History Masters, have gone on to work in a variety of public, private and third-sector organisations, including:
- United States Senate
- Proxima Consulting
- International Bar Association
- Danish Refugee Council
Further your education
Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews.
Expand your network
The St Andrews Institute of Intellectual History hosts lectures, seminars and conferences featuring guest speakers from all over the world.
Why St Andrews?
The School of History was ranked joint top with Cambridge in The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2025 and second in the UK, behind Oxford, in The Guardian University Guide 2025.
St Andrews is Scottish University of the Year in The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2025.
The Guardian University Guide 2025 ranked St Andrews as the top university in Scotland and second in the UK behind Oxford.
Alumni
As a graduate of St Andrews, you become part of a prestigious and globally connected alumni community. This lifelong membership offers access to career services, networking opportunities, and exclusive resources. Engaging with the University's worldwide alumni network ensures you remain connected to St Andrews, no matter where your career takes you.
“I’ve benefited from the knowledge and experience of the academic luminaries on my programme – they've literally written the textbooks and edited the standard editions of our major works. They have also made themselves available to discuss my questions and interests.”
- New York, USA
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.
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. This should include your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date.
- a personal statement
- a sample of 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