MLitt in Biblical Languages and Literature
Saint Andrews, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
07 Aug 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 25,880 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* overseas / home: £11,680
Key Summary
Introduction
The MLitt in Biblical Languages and Literature offers students with existing competence in Biblical languages the opportunity to increase their linguistic and exegetical skills through sustained close and critical engagement with the Biblical texts and themes.
Course details
The MLitt in Biblical Languages and Literature is a one-year taught program run by the School of Divinity. You will gain proficiency in the grammar and syntax of Hebrew and Greek. You will become familiar with using critical editions of texts and the methods, sources, and norms of Biblical scholarship.
Highlights
- Focus on reading biblical manuscripts and using the apparatuses of the critical editions of the Hebrew Bible, Septuagint, and the New Testament with preparation for research degrees
- Increase proficiency in the grammar and syntax of both Hebrew and Greek
- Gain a critically and historically informed understanding of biblical traditions and their textual development
- Contextualize the various methods and sources employed in biblical scholarship to use textual investigations in broader biblical, historical, and theological research.
Admissions
Curriculum
The modules published below are examples of what has been taught in previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your program.
Compulsory
Students who enter the program with only one Biblical language must take two semesters of either Classical Hebrew 1 and 2 or Koine Greek 1 and 2.
Students who enter the program with two semesters (or equivalent) of both Hebrew and Greek must take both the advanced Hebrew and Greek Readings:
- Hellenistic Greek Readings: a technical introduction to reading the Greek New Testament
- Hebrew Readings: acquaints the student with a range of Hebrew readings from the Old Testament.
Optional
Optional modules in recent years have included:
- Biblical Aramaic
- Biblical Themes
- Epistle to the Hebrews: English Text
- Guided Study in Divinity
- King and Messiah in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and Second Temple Judaism
- The Book of Revelation
- Textual Criticism of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament.
Students may also take other eligible modules with the approval of the program director.
Dissertation
For the year, but with a particular focus over the last three months, you will research and write a 15,000-word 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 must be submitted by a date specified in August.
If students 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. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MLitt.
Teaching
Teaching format
The program comprises two semesters of taught modules, featuring both lectures and discussions and a 15,000-word dissertation.
Class sizes for this degree are small, typically fewer than ten students, so you have ready access to instructors.
Students also have access to substantial library holdings in the areas of biblical languages and literature.
Scholarships and Funding
The University of St Andrews is committed to attracting the very best students, regardless of financial circumstances.
The University of St Andrews offers postgraduate scholarships and other financial awards. These may be held in addition to external funding or awards from a government body. These may also cover (fully or partially) tuition fees, maintenance (living costs including accommodation), or both.
Scholarships are available based on academic merit and financial need. There are scholarships available for both home and overseas fee status. The scholarship team recommends reading the terms of each award carefully and applying to a range of funding sources.
Postgraduate scholarships
Postgraduate study is an investment in your intellectual development and career potential. The University of St Andrews provides scholarships to help as many students as possible continue in higher education.
Scholarship availability may depend on your area of study or fee status (for example, whether you are a 'Home' or 'Overseas' student).
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Regular workshops, both general and subject-specific, in areas such as publishing, conference presentations, and job searches are offered by the School of Divinity and the University.
Further study
In addition to the MLitt, the School offers a two-year residential Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree option in Biblical Languages and Literature.
The MLitt in Biblical Languages and Literature provides excellent preparation for a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies. Many of its graduates have moved on to PhD programs either at St Andrews or other major institutions.