Why study this course?
The course aims to enhance students' textual knowledge and promote thinking about the interconnections between modern and contemporary literature and its historical, cultural and theoretical contexts.
Students will read and discuss some of the major texts and debates which have contributed to the shaping of the 'modernist', 'postmodern' and 'contemporary' cultural moments.
The MLitt is aimed at those interested in modern and contemporary literature, in the acquisition of a taught postgraduate qualification, and in the possibility of moving towards a PhD.
Highlights
- Study the interdisciplinary dimensions of modern and contemporary culture through topics which explore cultural production across the arts, music, film and literature.
- Learn about the key developments in modern and contemporary literary studies in dialogue with leading scholars.
- Typical seminar topics might include women’s writing and gender studies, crime fiction, contemporary critical theory, modern and contemporary poetry, postcolonialism, Scottish literature, war writing, literature of the 1940s, and British cinema and music.
Teaching
Delivered through weekly seminars.
Class sizes
A maximum class size of 15 students.
Dissertation
A 15,000-word project with regular support.
Assessment
A mix of coursework essays and shorter assessment exercises.
Modules
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
Graduates of the course go on to pursue careers in a range of sectors including journalism, marketing, publishing and teaching.
Further study
Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews.
In addition to the MLitt, the School offers a two-year Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree option in Modern and Contemporary Literature and Culture.
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 first 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.
The School of English also believes that knowledge is best imparted by those working in the same discipline and at the highest level: all the School's writers have national and international reputations, and are regarded as leaders in their individual fields. All are dedicated teachers with a passion for their art.
In addition, the ancient town of St Andrews – with its pristine beaches, castles and historic buildings, its constantly changing seascapes and cloudscapes – is simply a beautiful and inspiring place for any writer to work.
Events
The School of English hosts research events through its four research groups:
- Creative Writing
- 18th Century, Romantic and Victorian
- Medieval and Renaissance
- Modern and Contemporary
The School of English normally also hosts an annual colloquium. Recent themes have been:
- Reimagining Andrew Marvell: The Poet at 400
- The English Legal Imaginary, 1500-1700
- Bannockburn, 1914: Anniversary culture, war and national identity in Scotland
- Opera and Fiction
- World Literature and Dissent
- (Un)Civil War?
- John Keats and Romantic Scotland
- Libraries in Literature
- Devouring Men: Food, Masculinity and Power
The Postgraduate Forum offers postgraduates the opportunity to present research in progress to a group of their peers.
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.
“Pursuing a Masters at the University of St Andrews has been an amazing life experience. The School of English is actively interested and engaged in you and your work, and the camaraderie between postgraduates means that I have made friends for life here! The town itself is gorgeous and with Scotland on your doorstep, there’s always somewhere beautiful waiting to be explored. With fantastic library facilities and excellent staff who have a wide range of academic interests, St Andrews is an excellent choice for a postgraduate degree.”
- County Meath, Ireland
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.
- 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
- Supplementary application to School of English (Word)
- CV that includes your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date
- sample of your own, single-authored academic writing on a modern or contemporary topic (approximately 2,000 words)
- two original signed academic references (on university headed paper) from your most recent degree awarding institution
- 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:
- GREAT Scholarship
- St Andrews Sanctuary Scholarship
- St Leonard's funding opportunities
- Graduate discount (15% off tuition fees)
All School of English study applicants will be given access to the My Application portal. The Scholarships and Funding area of the portal includes an online catalogue through which you can apply for available relevant awards.
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: 12 March 2025
