At sub-honours, the university’s module system feels very flexible, as students can choose modules from subjects that are not part of their degree title. However, at honours, the selection of modules available within your subject(s) changes each year. Some years are better than others. Additionally, the addition of a dissertation in your final year makes it much harder to choose modules you are actually interested in. Even with the option to not do a dissertation (an option available to joint-honours students), the student’s choices will still be restricted, as they need to do a year-long module rather than 2 semester-long modules. It becomes rather restrictive. No matter what module you choose, however, the teacher of that module will be extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their subject and, although you may not find it the most interesting, you still appreciate the passion that they feel for it.

This programme provided a substantial variety of textual material, and we interacted with many theoretical spaces and academics in the taught portion of the MLitt course. One of the significant elements of the programme is its interdisciplinarity, with students also receiving many opportunities to expand their field of study beyond the parameters of the programme, whether it was for presentations, essays, or the dissertation project. This facilitated diverse discussions between classmates and the expansive bodies of work, with many people choosing to study texts from outside of the dates outlined in the programme’s handbook, leading to generative applications of theory. The lecturers and staff were very open to these forms of work. I will note, however, that there was a limited focus on Scottish literature within the taught component of the programme, and this should be taken into account when applying.

St. Andrews is a community that celebrates the commitment and professionalism of its staff on providing one of the greatest educational experience for their students. A big part of my university experience is taking part in the unique and quirky traditions of St. Andrews. My favourite tradition being May Dip – every year on the 1st of May, thousands of students gather to jump into the North Sea to cleanse themselves of any “academic sins”. Additionally, even the global pandemic has not been able to bring the social atmosphere at St. Andrews to a halt. Every society and club that I am a part of has been finding alternate ways of hosting events that we would have otherwise attended in person. Moreover, the university invests a lot of time and effort in developing well-being strategies and interventions for students. Knowing that there is always someone there for you if you want to talk, even in the wee hours of the night- is extremely reassuring in these uncertain times. To conclude I can vouch that this university is just like one big strong family where everyone has each other’s back. St. Andrews will forever be my home and my happy place.

I have never had a dull moment in St. Andrews- from a plethora of different committees and societies I’ve tried out, to all the crazy events and traditions, to just walking around town enjoying the breath-taking views and bumping into my friends every step of the way. I can confidently vouch that this University is just like one big strong family where everyone has each other’s back. Additionally, I have never been to a town safer than St. Andrews. I walk alone on the streets in the wee hours of the night without any fear whatsoever. Probably my most frightening experience till now has been a seagull swooping up and scooping the food from my hand.