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Contact: College of Humanities & Social Science Undergraduate Admissions Office

Email: hssug@ed.ac.uk

Phone: +44 (0)131 650 3565

Web: www.delc.ed.ac.uk

Introduction

The languages, history, politics and culture of the Scandinavian countries have had a considerable impact beyond the Nordic region. At the University of Edinburgh you will explore Scandinavian culture, past and present, alongside the study of the Scandinavian languages. Edinburgh has an excellent reputation for its research in this area. Regular research seminars and cultural events provide students with opportunities to find out more about the latest developments in Scandinavian culture and research.

Whichever of the three main languages you choose to specialise in - Danish, Norwegian or Swedish – you will also gain a passive knowledge of the other two during the course of your degree programme. You do not need a previous knowledge of any of the languages (with the exception of the joint honours programme with Business Studies) as courses are available for beginners. The relatively small class sizes provide a supportive learning environment.

What you'll study

Year 1

You will choose from intensive beginners language courses Danish 1, Norwegian 1 or Swedish 1. These courses also provide an introduction to the culture and literature of the country in question.

Year 2

You will choose one of Danish Language 2, Norwegian Language 2 or Swedish Language 2, which build on and develop your linguistic knowledge from your first year. You will normally take Scandinavian Literature 2, which focuses on Danish, Norwegian and Swedish literature from 1850 to the present day.

You may also take Scandinavian Languages 2, which investigates similarities and differences between the Scandinavian languages past and present and discusses the problems and perspectives of inter- Scandinavian communication.

Year 3

You will spend all - or part of - your third year studying or working either in Denmark, Norway or Sweden.

Year 4

You will take advanced language classes in commentary and summary writing, in translation between the Scandinavian languages and English, and in spoken Danish or Norwegian or Swedish. You will also choose from a range of specialist courses, focusing on topics from the medieval to the modern, including Old Norse Studies, History of the Scandinavian Languages, History of the Scandinavian Novel, and Ingmar Bergman and Cinema. You will also normally complete a dissertation or a long essay on a topic proposed by yourself in consultation with your supervisor.

Learning and assessment

You will be taught through lectures, tutorials and interactive language classes.

You will be assessed by a combination of exams and coursework.

Careers

As there are relatively few graduates specialising in the Scandinavian languages, you have excellent opportunities in areas such as translation, journalism, tourism, the European Union, international relations, industry and research.

Our facilities

Most of the teaching will take place at facilities located within the University’s Central Area. You will be able to use the computer-assisted language laboratory and the University’s computer facilities and libraries.

Study abroad

Normally, you will spend your third year abroad, studying or working in Denmark, Norway or Sweden. The University has exchange programmes with the universities of Copenhagen, Oslo and Uppsala. If you are studying Scandinavian Studies plus another language you will divide your time abroad between two countries.