Why study this course?
The MLitt in Intellectual History is an interdisciplinary taught postgraduate programme run by the School of History. The course explores major historical, historiographical, and methodological aspects of intellectual history alongside an individually tailored programme of directed reading.
Highlights
- Learn from experts from across the University with a common interest in researching and contextualising key ideas in their subject areas
- Examine the different kinds of intellectual history being practised today, as well as the relationship between intellectual history and philosophy, literature and literary studies, international relations, law, politics, economics and theology
- Make connections between ideas, traditions, and methodologies across different disciplines and understand their application in different contexts
- Critically analyse complex ideas from a variety of perspectives and develop and evaluate arguments
- Understand how and why ideas change and the consequences of change
Teaching
Weekly seminars and fortnightly tutorials for directed reading.
Class sizes
Up to 12 students.
Dissertation
A 15,000-word dissertation.
Assessment
Coursework only. There is no final exam.
Modules
The St Andrews degree structure is designed to be flexible. You study compulsory modules delivering core learning together with optional modules you choose from the list available that year.
Students on this course may also choose a Directed Reading topic which is designed to encourage the development of skills of historical analysis through concentrated study. Depending upon other module choices this may be taken across one or both semesters. The Directed Reading topics offered will vary slightly each year depending on staff.
If you 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) instead, finishing the course at the end of the second semester of study.
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 go on to pursue careers in a range of sectors including:
- journalism
- publishing
- think tanks
- government
- law
- teaching
We are committed to supporting your career aspirations, whatever stage your career is at.
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.
Elevate your career
Alumni of the MLitt in Intellectual History, and of other School of History Masters, have gone on to work in a variety of public, private and third-sector organisations, including:
- United States Senate
- Proxima Consulting
- International Bar Association
- Danish Refugee Council
Further your education
Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews.
Expand your network
The St Andrews Institute of Intellectual History hosts lectures, seminars and conferences featuring guest speakers from all over the world.
Why St Andrews?
The School of History was ranked joint top with Cambridge in The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2025 and second in the UK, behind Oxford, in The Guardian University Guide 2025.
St Andrews is Scottish University of the Year in The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2025.
The Guardian University Guide 2025 ranked St Andrews as the top university in Scotland and second in the UK behind Oxford.
Alumni
As a graduate of St Andrews, you become part of a prestigious and globally connected alumni community. This lifelong membership offers access to career services, networking opportunities, and exclusive resources. Engaging with the University's worldwide alumni network ensures you remain connected to St Andrews, no matter where your career takes you.
“I’ve benefited from the knowledge and experience of the academic luminaries on my programme – they've literally written the textbooks and edited the standard editions of our major works. They have also made themselves available to discuss my questions and interests.”
- New York, 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
- CV or résumé with a history of your education and employment
- a personal statement
- a 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: 28 March 2025
