German and Comparative Literature (MLitt)September 2026
Source: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/german/german-comparative-literature-mlitt/ Parent: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study-abroad/global-education/collaborative/
Why study this course?
The MLitt in German and Comparative Literature offers a unique opportunity to gain a comparative perspective on German literature through a joint qualification from the University of St Andrews (MLitt) and the University of Bonn in Germany (MA).
The programme will deepen your knowledge of the latest thinking in literary and comparative studies and give you the research, communication and writing skills needed to embark on a PhD or top-level graduate career.
Students spend their first year at the University of Bonn in Germany, where they will take two compulsory modules on comparative literature and have a choice of optional modules covering a wide range of topics, from medieval texts to current trends in German literature.
Students will spend their second year at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where one semester will be devoted to studying two modules and the second semester will focus on writing an 18,000-word dissertation.
Highlights
- Students become truly bilingual and intercultural by studying at two world-renowned and historic universities.
- The course combines a theoretical grounding in comparative literature with the practical experience of a transnational degree.
- The programme is taught by a group of internationally renowned experts in all major areas of German and comparative studies from the Middle Ages to the 21st century.
Modules
These are the modules offered by the University of St Andrews during the second year of the programme. Find out more about the modules taught by the University of Bonn.
Course information may change. Module information and course content, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at the University of St Andrews. We display the most up-to-date information possible, but this could be from a previous academic year. For the latest module information, see the module catalogue.
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Compulsory
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Optional
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Dissertation
What it will lead to
Careers
Modern Language postgraduates go on to careers in the academic field or in other areas, for example, as cultural advisors, translators, publishers or in the public or civil service.
Recent graduates have secured posts such as:
- adviser to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI)
- postgraduate recruitment officer at Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ)
- professional translator
- research assistants
- television subtitler
- university teachers in the UK and Germany
We are committed to supporting your career aspirations, whatever your career stage. Our Careers Centre can help connect you to our extensive global alumni community for advice and mentoring, and offers 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.
Further your education
Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews.
Why St Andrews?
The School of Modern Languages is the largest modern languages department in Scotland and one of the largest in the UK.
The School is distinguished by the breadth of its research, which spans language, literary and cultural studies across the eight distinct language areas of Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Persian, Russian and Spanish, as well as a range of cultural-historical epochs from the middle ages to the present day.
This expertise is complemented by the School’s comparative literature scholarship.
The School hosts a year-round programme of research seminars which postgraduates are invited to attend. Opportunities to engage with the School’s wider research community are also provided through its four research centres and institutes and its highly successful Byre World series, an annual programme of events bringing modern languages and cultural studies research to the local community.
“There are so many ways to meet new people and to get involved in the community. Studying in St Andrews is good for your soul, your brain and your lungs: good conversations, a unique teaching programme, and fresh sea air.”
Carolin \ - Bonn, Germany
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
Entry requirements for admission are governed by the University of Bonn. Please see the programme website at Bonn for full details.
- A 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree in German Studies, Comparative Literature or a related subject. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
- Proficiency in written and spoken German and English (Level C1, TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent). See English language tests and qualifications for the University of St Andrews and the University of Bonn website for German language tests and qualifications.
- Basic knowledge (B2) of another modern language.
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
- academic transcripts and degree certificates that confirm your current or final marks. If your transcripts are not in English, please provide certified translations. Do not send original documents as they cannot be returned.
- certificates showing appropriate competence in English and German
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.
Fees and funding
Home: Tuition fees are still to be set\ Overseas: Tuition fees are still to be set
In the context of our strategic partnership with the University of Bonn, we are pleased to be able to offer a Strategic Partner Home Fee Scholarship to all German entrants, based on nationality and residency. The scholarship will cover the difference between Home and Overseas fees.
Additional fees may apply for study at the University of Bonn. For more information, please see the Bonn webpages.
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.
Through our strategic partnership with the University of Bonn, we offer a Strategic Partner Home Fee Scholarship to all German entrants (based on nationality and residency). The scholarship will cover the difference between Home and Overseas fees.
Applicants with a degree from a UK university may be eligible to apply for the Malcolm Humble Scholarship.
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)
Contact us
- Postgraduate online information events
- The School can help with course content, teaching and other topics: ask the School
- Ask University Admissions about how to apply, fees, scholarships and other topics
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: 20 February 2026