- University Homepage
- Schools & departments
- Literatures, Languages & Cultures
- Graduate School
- Prospective students
Prospective students
The School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures welcomes applications from students for our Masters and PhD programmes. We offer taught masters programmes, mostly one year of full-time study, MSc by Research, MPhil (the two year research degree) and PhD.
Entrance requirements
Our normal entrance requirement for postgraduate study is a good BA honours degree at upper second class, or equivalent. We require a GPA of 3.4 from students whose degree follows the American system, out of 4.0. Some programmes require a degree in a specific subject area, and you should check the entry on that programme.
English Language Requirements
Students whose first language is not English are required to take one of the recognised English tests. The School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures accepts the following three tests only: the British Council IELTS test, the TOEFL, or the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency.
As study in the School requires a very high level of English, the School requires a higher level of English in these tests than the rest of the University. IELTS - total of 7.0 with not less than 6.0 in any one section. Students applying for Translation must obtain not less than 6.5 in any section. TOEFL - total of 600 with 5.0 in the test of written English (250 in the computer based test), 100 in the Internet based test.
Students who achieve our minimum score for entry may be required, at matriculation, to take the Test of English at Matriculation (TEAM) test. This test is designed to highlight any weaknesses you may have with your English and tuition will be provided for you free of charge.
How to Apply
The University has an online application system.
The system will ask you to upload the following documentation:
- your degree transcript
- two academic references
- a statement of purpose
Students applying for any degree in English Literature, Comparative and General Literature, Film Studies, Literature and Transatlanticism, European Theatre or Hispanic Studies should send a sample of written work of about 3,000 words.
PhD applicants should send their full research proposal.
MSc by Research students should also send an outline of their proposed study. Students applying for Creative Writing should send a portfolio of their writing of about 5,000 words.
Application deadlines
The University advises students to apply by 31 March.
For most of our MSc programmes, we are able to accept applications until June or July. However, please note that applicants for MSc in Creative Writing must apply by 30 June.
Accommodation
Students with offers of admission should apply for University accommodation through the University Accommodation Service. However, the University only guarantees to find accommodation for overseas students. Home and EU students, who are not allocated a placement should look in the private sector.
Immigration and visas
Overseas students, from outwith the EU, will need to apply for a student visa: see our guidance.
Contact details
If you require any help please contact the Graduate School Administrator.
Edinburgh EH8 9JX
This article was published on Aug 23, 2011