Why study this course?
- Focus on鈥痳eading biblical manuscripts and 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.
- Contextualise the various methods and sources employed in biblical scholarship to use textual investigations in broader biblical, historical and theological research.
Class sizes
Typically fewer than 10 students.
Library
Access to substantial library holdings in the areas of biblical languages and literatures.
Dissertation
A 15,000-word project with regular support.
Modules
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.
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Students who enter the programme with only one Biblical Language must take two semesters of either Classical Hebrew 1 and 2 or Koine Greek 1 and 2:
- Classical Hebrew 1 (Semester 1)
- Classical Hebrew 2 (Semester 2)
- Koine Greek 1 (Semester 1)
- Koine Greek 2 (Semester 2)
Students who enter the programme 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 Hebrew readings from the Old Testament.
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Optional modules in recent years have included:
- Prophetic Literature
- 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 take other eligible modules with the approval of the programme director.
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Over the course of the year, but with 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.
What it will lead to
Careers
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 PhD in Biblical Studies. Many of its graduates have moved on to PhD programmes either at St鈥疉ndrews or other major institutions.
Why 杏吧论坛?
The School of Divinity regularly hosts international conferences and smaller symposia on themes across the field of biblical and theological studies.
Students are also welcome to participate in the School's weekly research seminars in Hebrew Bible and the New Testament.
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.
“Studying here has inculcated in me critical thinking, rigour and precision in writing. The lecturers are always available and ready to help clarify an issue,鈥痑nswer a question,鈥痑dvise or give a listening ear. 杏吧论坛 is a unique family 鈥� home to students from a diversity of continents, cultures, races and languages.”
- Kumbo, Cameroon
Ask a student
If you are interested in learning what it's like to be a student at 杏吧论坛 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 undergraduate Honours degree in Biblical Studies or a closely related discipline. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
- You must have taken at least two semesters (or equivalent) of either Hebrew or Greek at undergraduate level.
- 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鈥痶hat includes your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date
- personal statement
- sample of your own, single-authored academic written work (2,000 words)
- two original signed academic鈥痳eferences
- 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
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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 .
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鈥檚 approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 13 March 2025