Why study this course?
- The course benefits from an immense range of expertise from medieval scholars.
- The flexible nature of the programme makes it suitable both for those wishing to go on to doctoral research and for those wishing only to take a year’s specialist study.
- Study fosters fundamental research skills, including bibliography and source criticism.
- Develops writing skills for the presentation of extended research projects, including as training for doctoral study.
Teaching
Delivered through lectures, discussions and individual tutorials.
Class sizes
Ranging from individual supervision up to 12 students.
Dissertation
A 15,000-word project with regular support.
Assessment
A mix of classwork participation and essays.
Modules
Students will take all compulsory modules and choose one optional module.
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.
-
- Sources and Source Criticism 2: addresses the interpretation and criticism of medieval sources.
- Sources and Source Criticism 1: addresses the interpretation and criticism of medieval sources.
- Dissertation for MLitt Programme/s: 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.
-
You will also choose one of the following:
- An Introduction to Palaeography with Codicological and Manuscript Studies (1 and 2): equip students to tackle the reading, transcription and editing of manuscripts up to c.1500.
- Historical Sources and Skills (4 and 5): give students a chance to acquire a technical skill crucial for their research plans. This will normally involve a one semester introduction to reading Latin for historians; training in other languages can also be arranged.
- Special Topic in Medieval History (1 and 2): a detailed study of a medieval topic of the student's own choice which will include tutorials with a designated tutor.
- With permission from the programme convenor, students may take an Arabic, French, German, Italian or Spanish language module at the level appropriate to the student's proficiency.
-
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.
If students 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. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MLitt.
What it will lead to
Careers
History postgraduates 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 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.
Why St Andrews?
The St Andrews Institute of Medieval Studies (SAIMS) hosts a postgraduate seminar series which is intended to provide a space for postgraduates at all stages to present ideas, discuss research issues and get some practical presentation experience.
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 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
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: £12,630
- 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:
- School of History MLitt Awards
- Snowdon Trust Masters Scholarship
- GREAT Scholarship
- St Andrews Sanctuary Scholarship
- St Leonard's funding opportunities
- Graduate discount (15% off tuition fees)
Whenever it is relevant to your programme and possible, the School makes available competitive language bursaries for training prior to the start of an MLitt programme. To find out more, please contact pghist@st-andrews.ac.uk as early as possible.
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: 20 November 2025