Why study this course?
- Develop your skills as a researcher within a specific area of study, immersing yourself in the literature of this rich and diverse era.
- Study Romantic and Victorian literature in relation to a diverse range of ideologies, including discourses of revolution and reform, debates about gender, and aestheticism.
- Strengthen your knowledge of the historical, cultural, and critical contexts of 19th-century literature, including visual art, music and textual history.
- Benefit from research-led teaching by experts n the field, who share insights from their most recent discoveries.
- Acquire experience of independent research through work on a postgraduate dissertation.
Teaching
Delivered through weekly seminars and group discussions.
Class sizes
Maximum class size of 15 students.
Dissertation
A 15,000-word project with regular support.
Assessment
Modules are normally assessed through coursework essays.
Modules
The School of English prides itself on its support of student work through detailed feedback and commentary.
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 wide 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 Romantic and Victorian Studies.
Why St Andrews?
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 Romantic and Victorian MLitt has allowed me to delve into multiple aspects of 18th- and 19th-century literature, including texts' relationships with contemporary history, politics, and culture. The modules offer a diverse and fascinating range of authors and works, ranging from Jane Austen's Mansfield Park to the poetry of 19th-century periodicals to nonsense literature for children. The academic staff assigned to the MLitt are approachable, and small class sizes also promote a strong sense of camaraderie with your peers – the discussions are always enlightening and often entertaining. Class seminars (in the beautiful English buildings overlooking the castle ruins and seashores!) are certain to inspire and motivate you in your studies. St Andrews, in its small-town charm and beauty, is the perfect setting for reading and writing, but the town is always buzzing with activity outside of studying, too. I couldn't recommend studying here more highly.”
- Kentucky, 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 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 or résumé - this should include your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date
- sample of your own, single-authored academic writing on a Romantic or Victorian 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
Not currently running
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: 17 March 2025
