Program Overview

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Shakespeare and Renaissance Literary Culture (MLitt) 2025 entry

Overview

Study one of the most exciting and formative periods in European history, centring on the key writer in the English literary tradition: William Shakespeare.

Application Deadline

Thursday 7 August 2025

Duration

One year full time

School

School of English

Fees

• UK: £12,030
• Rest of the world: £25,900

Why Study This Course?

The course offers an all-round introduction to the literature of the 16th and 17th centuries, with particular focus on the work of William Shakespeare.

Highlights

• Covers both elite and popular writing, the influence of other continental vernaculars, and the importance of print and manuscript media.
• Expert paleography classes are offered within the School, and students have access to unique manuscript materials provided by the University’s Special Collections.
• Become part of a welcoming and lively academic community. St Andrews is a consortium member of the Folger Shakespeare Library Institute in Washington DC and also hosts a number of research groups relevant to the English Renaissance.
• Explore the key developments in modern and contemporary literary studies in dialogue with leading scholars in the fields of Shakespeare studies, Shakespearean book history, Renaissance popular literature and 17th-century literary culture.

Teaching

Delivered through weekly seminars.

Class Sizes

Groups range from 3 to 10 students.

Dissertation

A 15,000-word project with regular support.

Assessment

A mix of coursework essays and writing exercises.

Modules

The School of English prides itself on its support of student work through detailed feedback and commentary.

Compulsory Modules

• The Worlds of Renaissance Literature: investigates the relationship between Renaissance English literature and the wider world, both in terms of the influence of continental vernaculars on English writing and the transformations produced by global travel and nascent imperial expansion.
• Learned Culture: Rhetoric, Politics and Identity: explores the influence of Renaissance humanism and the implications of its distinctive interest in rhetoric for 16th and 17th-century culture.
• Renaissance Popular Culture: looks at the popular culture of the period: popular festivity, clowning, jestbooks, ballads, romances and grotesquerie.
• Shakespeare and Textual Culture: considers the material contexts of Renaissance literary production, including manuscript, print, speech and the editing of Renaissance texts.

Dissertation

Student dissertations will be supervised by members of the teaching staff who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the research process. The completed dissertation of not more than 15,000 words must be submitted by a date specified in August.

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.

Why St Andrews?

You will be part of a welcoming and lively academic community. St Andrews is a consortium member of the Folger Shakespeare Library Institute in Washington DC.

It also plays host to a number of research groups relevant to students with interests in the English Renaissance:

• Medieval and Renaissance Research Group
• St Andrews Reformation Studies Institute

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 and 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 archive, built up since the 15th century.

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.

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 which includes your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date
• Sample of your own, single-authored academic writing on a Renaissance topic (2,000 words)
• Two original signed academic references (on university headed paper) from your most recent degree awarding institution
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates

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.

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.