Why study this course?
St Andrews has one of the largest concentrations of medievalists in the world, bringing historians together with experts in languages, literature and culture, reaching across Europe and the Middle East and from the fourth to the fifteenth centuries.
Our MLitt in Medieval History offers specialist training in key research skills: palaeography, a medieval language and in-depth source criticism. It introduces recent trends in the study of the Middle Ages, includes hands-on study using the remarkable University Collections and equips students to pursue individual research in areas of special interest.
- The degree gives you access to an immense body of expertise from leading medievalists.
- Its flexibility suits both those simply wishing to take a year’s specialist study and those planning to go on to doctoral research.
- You will develop writing and presentation skills for extended research projects.
- You will participate in a thriving research culture, with regular seminars, reading groups, visiting academics, conferences and workshops.
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.
Most students take Latin, at the level appropriate to their existing proficiency. With permission from the programme convenor, students may instead take an Arabic, Old Irish (Medieval Gaelic), Old Norse, or Medieval Welsh language module.
French and German for Academic Purposes are offered as non-credit-bearing classes. Other languages are often available through informal reading groups.
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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- Sources and Source Criticism 1: addresses the interpretation and criticism of medieval sources.
- Sources and Source Criticism 2: addresses the interpretation and criticism of medieval sources.
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- An Introduction to Palaeography with Codicological and Manuscript Studies 1: equip students to tackle the reading, transcription and editing of manuscripts up to c.1500.
- An Introduction to Palaeography with Codicological and Manuscript Studies 2: equip students to tackle the reading, transcription and editing of manuscripts up to c.1500.
- Historical Sources and Skills 4: The aim of this module is to give students a chance to acquire a technical skill crucial for their research plans, not just for the taught postgraduate programme but also with a view to further doctoral work.
- Historical Sources and Skills 5: The aim of this module is to give students a chance to acquire a technical skill crucial for their research plans, not just for the taught postgraduate programme but also with a view to further doctoral work.
- Special Topic in Medieval History (Semester 2 - 30 Credits): This module is a detailed study of a medieval topic of the student's own choice which, as appropriate, will include tutorials with a designated tutor.
- Special Topic in Medieval History 1: a detailed study of a medieval topic of the student's own choice which will include tutorials with a designated tutor.
- Special Topic in Medieval History 2: a detailed study of a medieval topic of the student's own choice which will include tutorials with a designated tutor.
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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.
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 (PGDip). 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
The degree aims to equip students with the in-depth analytical skills and understanding of the past needed to thrive in a range of careers or in further study.
Recent St Andrews History postgraduates have gone on to pursue careers in a wide range of sectors including:
- archives
- government
- journalism
- law
- librarianship
- museums and heritage
- publishing
- research
- teaching
- think tanks
We are committed to supporting your aspirations, whatever your career stage. 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 or elsewhere.
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.
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:
- 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: 21 July 2026