Why study this course?
The MLitt in Art History is designed to:
- develop and enhance research and writing skills
- introduce and deepen knowledge of the theoretical and methodological foundations of art history
- enable students to explore current critical debates, art media and contextual questions
Highlights
- The choice of modules allows wide-ranging study of thematic or methodological issues, as well as focused research pathways.
- All teaching is done in small seminars, giving students regular contact with academic staff from across the School.
- We run exciting exchange programmes with our partner institutions including the Ecole du Louvre in Paris, which students may apply to take part in.
- Teaching includes class trips to art museums, artist studios, and local collections. It also makes use of the University's historical collection of rare books, photography, and other materials.
- We host regular research seminars, symposia, and visiting speakers from around the world.
- Our research centres include: the Centre for Contemporary Art, the Museums, Galleries and Collections Institute, the Institute of Medieval Studies, the French Centre for History and Culture, and the St Andrews Scottish Studies Centre.
Flexible study
Learn full-time (two semesters) or part-time (four semesters).
Class sizes
Average group size of 10 students.
Dissertation
A 15,000-word project with regular support.
Assessment
Coursework including exhibition reviews, critical bibliographies, visual analysis and object analysis essays, reading journals, and research papers.
Modules
Art History students choose three postgraduate-level course modules, with the option to choose one of those modules from the undergraduate-level Honours programme.
Each module has a minimum contact time of 16 hours.
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.
What it will lead to
Careers
Recent postgraduates in Art History are employed in:
- universities
- art consulting
- museums
- galleries
- auction houses
- archives
- web design
- cultural diplomacy
- publishing houses and magazines
Further study
In addition to the MLitt, the School offers a two-year Art History Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree option.
Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews or elsewhere.
Why St Andrews?
The School of Art History supports a large, active and diverse postgraduate community. Postgraduate students publish the peer-reviewed North Street Review journal containing articles on a wide range of topics by students at St Andrews and other universities.
The School also organises postgraduate research seminars and occasional symposia. Each year they invite a number of artists and scholars to give lectures.
The School was instrumental in establishing the Museums, Galleries and Collections Institute (MGCI) which is a leading centre for training and research in the heritage sector.
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.
“The independence of studying as a postgraduate student has been simultaneously a challenge and a highlight. There are bright minds everywhere you turn, which yields incredibly fecund soil for your own intellectual growth. I know that I can tackle whatever comes up in the future because of the people, knowledge, and experiences St Andrews has brought me.”
- North Carolina, 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. A degree in art history is strongly recommended but is not an essential requirement. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
- English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
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 with your personal details and a history of your education and employment to date
- personal statement (500 words)
- sample of your own, single-authored academic written work (2,000 words)
- two original signed academic references
- 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: £12,030
- 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:
Contact us
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: 17 March 2025
