Studying the MLitt in Medieval English
The MLitt in Medieval English is an intensive taught programme culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation. In 2025 - 2026, students will be able to study the full range of medieval literature in English, c.800-1500.
Modules in Old English and Middle English are combined with specialist training in palaeography, codicology, text editing and Digital Humanities to ensure that students are fully equipped to carry out further research in any area of medieval English literature, whether Old or Middle English or Older Scots.
-
During Semester 1 you will take Reading the Medieval Text. Consisting of weekly seminar meetings, this module is designed to provide or enhance some of the specific skills and areas of knowledge necessary for undertaking research in medieval literature. Students will usually study:
- palaeography and codicology (using original medieval manuscript materials from the Library's Special Collections wherever practical)
- medieval textual transmission and editorial theory
- approaches to Digital Humanities
For your second module in Semester 1 you will have the option of taking Old English OR -- with the MLitt director's permission -- another module from the Institute for Medieval Studies, such as Latin, or one from the School of English.
Old English is a team-taught module will provide and enhance essential skills for the study of Old English language and literature. Topics covered may include the use of dictionaries (in electronic and paper format), the role played by databases in scholarly research, examination of the grammar, morphology and phonology of Old English, the history of the English language (for example the transition from Old English to Middle English), translation techniques in theory and practice, and the history of Anglo-Saxon medievalism.
-
During Semester 2, you will take the modules Medieval Literature in Context 1 and Medieval Literature in Context 2. Through weekly seminars, these modules explore culturally central medieval English and Scottish texts produced from 700 to 1500 within their wider literary context, both continental and insular.
Dissertation
Over the summer you will complete a 15,000 word dissertation on a research subject of your choice, supervised by an appropriate member of the School’s staff.
Contact
School of English
University of St Andrews
Castle House
The Scores
St Andrews
KY16 9AL
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2668
Email: pgeng@st-andrews.ac.uk
Medieval English at St Andrews
Why St Andrews?
St Andrews was one of the first universities in the world to teach English literature. Today, the School of English is ranked 1st in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2024 and we enjoy an international reputation for excellence as a centre for academic research and literary creativity.
Our Masters programmes span the history of English literature from the Medieval period to the present, explore works from diverse literary cultures drawn from across the world, and cultivate the next generation of creative writers, poets and playwrights.
You will be part of a vibrant scholarly community of more than 120 postgraduate students from around the globe and over 30 permanent members of staff with expertise in a range of specialisms. By joining one or more of our Research Groups you will have the opportunity to work with the School’s outstanding academic researchers, visiting speakers, and fellow postgraduates in research seminars, lectures and workshops.
Our Creative Writing and Playwriting/Screenwriting classes are taught by award-winning novelists, poets and playwrights with strong links to the University-managed Byre Theatre and the StAnza Poetry Festival.
As a postgraduate scholar at St Andrews, you will have access to rare books and manuscripts in the Library’s Special Collections, an archive built up since the 15th century.
Our Creative Writing and Playwriting/Screenwriting classes are taught by award-winning novelists, poets and playwrights with strong links to the University-managed Byre Theatre and the StAnza Poetry Festival.
As a postgraduate scholar at St Andrews, you will have access to rare books and manuscripts in the Library’s Special Collections, an archive built up since the 15th century.
Academic staff
The staff teaching on the programme will vary in any one year, but will always include some of the following:
Student testimonials
Postgraduate English at St Andrews is the epitome of a support network. The incredible faculty and staff take great care to not only ensure each student's success but encourage each of our academic interests beyond the classroom, making an MLitt at St Andrews one of the most fulfilling and career-preparing opportunities in Academia.”
- Sid - 2019
St Andrews is a bastion of free speech and robust research; I have been academically challenged in everything from classwork, to department talks, to conversations with my brilliant peers!
- Abby - 2019