UK · Master's
University of St Andrews
MA in Art History
University of St Andrews
Course Overview
The MA in Art History at the University of St Andrews — consistently ranked among the top three universities in the UK (Scotland's first university, founded 1413) — is a one-year taught Master's for graduates who want to deepen their scholarship before doctoral study, museum careers, or the art market. The School of Art History is one of the largest and oldest in the UK, with specialisms spanning Northern Renaissance, photography, modern and contemporary art, and the history of collecting. Students choose from taught pathways and write a supervised 15,000-word dissertation.
St Andrews sits in a small coastal town where academic life is intense and community-focused — a strong fit for Sri Lankan applicants who want a serious research environment without the cost and distraction of a big city. Graduates are eligible for the 2-year UK Graduate Route, and the degree opens doors into auction houses, galleries, heritage bodies, and funded PhD places across the UK, Europe, and the US.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle A good Bachelor's degree (UK 2:1 or equivalent) in Art History, History, or a related humanities subject — a Sri Lankan Second Class Upper degree from Colombo, Peradeniya, Kelaniya, or an equivalent overseas degree is competitive.
- check_circle Applicants from adjacent disciplines are considered with a strong writing sample.
- check_circle A writing sample (typically 2,000–3,000 words) and a personal statement outlining research interests.
- check_circle Two academic references.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 7.0 Overall (min 6.5 in each component).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 94 Overall (min 20 in each section).
- check_circle Waived if your prior degree was taught and assessed entirely in English — most Sri Lankan applicants from English-medium degree programmes qualify with an MOI letter.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (£) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (1 year, 2026) | £25,100 | Rs. 10,040,000 |
| Living Expenses (12 months, St Andrews) | £13,000 | Rs. 5,200,000 |
| Student Visa & IHS Fee | £1,800 | Rs. 720,000 |
| Total Programme Investment | £39,900 | Rs. 15,960,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
St Andrews Art History graduates are eligible for the 2-year UK Graduate Route to work after study. Alumni move into curatorial and collections roles (museums, National Galleries of Scotland, the V&A), the commercial art market (Sotheby's, Christie's, Bonhams), heritage and conservation bodies, arts journalism, and funded PhD study. UK graduate humanities salaries typically start £24,000–£30,000, with strong progression in the London art trade.
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