Postgraduate study
Choose from a range of taught and research-led programmes, from one-year masters degrees to PhDs.
What's it like to study here?
As one of the largest and most diverse Schools in the University of Edinburgh, offering one of the widest range of languages of any UK university, the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC) is the ideal place for postgraduate study.
Our interdisciplinary environment in European Languages and Cultures brings together specialists in nine European languages, and the many cultures worldwide in which they're spoken, with experts in film, literature, theatre, translation and intermediality - the relationship between different art forms. Working with colleagues elsewhere in LLC, and across the wider University, we are able to support research which crosses boundaries between disciplines and/or languages.
You’ll be immersed in a world of learning, with lots of opportunities to participate in our postgraduate community beyond your own study. Events range from talks by visiting speakers and work-in-progress seminars, to reading groups, conferences, workshops, performances, online journals and forums, many of which are student-led.
Our graduates tell us that they value LLC’s friendliness, the connections they make here and the in-depth guidance they receive from our staff, who are experts in their field. Between LLC, the Careers Service and the Institute for Academic Development, you’ll find a range of programmes and resources to help you develop your postgraduate skills, as well as having access to the University’s fantastic libraries, collections and worldwide strategic partnerships.
What can I study?
Taught masters (MSc) programmes
Many of the School's interdisciplinary taught masters programmes include the option to focus on European languages and cultures, for example in comparison or in translation.
Full-time, one year (all students) ꟾ part-time, two years (selected programmes only - eligibility criteria apply)
Masters by Research (MScR) programmes
You can take a Masters by Research programme in each of our subject areas, as well as interdisciplinary programmes involving European languages and cultures.
Full-time, one year (all students) ꟾ part-time, two years (selected programmes only - eligibility criteria apply)
PhD (doctoral) programmes
You can take a PhD programme in each of our subject areas, as well as interdisciplinary programmes involving European languages and cultures.
Full-time, three years (all students) ꟾ part-time, six years (eligibility criteria apply)
Not sure which programme is right for you?
We're happy to help you decide between taught and research-led masters programmes.
Email us about postgraduate study in European Languages and Cultures
Research Excellence Framework 2021
In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), our research was submitted in Modern Languages and Linguistics (UOA 26).
The results reaffirm Edinburgh’s position as one of the UK’s leading research universities - third in the UK based on the quality and breadth of its research in UOA 26 alone, according to Times Higher Education's REF power ratings.
The Research Excellence Framework is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.
Our REF performance recognises that our excellent work has a direct impact both nationally and internationally in politics, business and the third sector.
QS World Rankings by Subject 2023
The University of Edinburgh is ranked 3rd in the UK for Modern Languages.
We are also 3rd in the UK in the broad subject area of Arts & Humanities.
Globally, we’re in the World Top 10 for Modern Languages (7) and Arts & Humanities (10).
The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings are based on research citations and the results of major global surveys of employers and academics.
They are International Ranking Expert Group (IREG) approved.
Are you currently studying with us?
There’s lots more information for taught and postgraduate research students on our LLC Student Information Hub. You will need your student log in to access the site.
Take me to the LLC Student Information Hub
Where to next?
Take me to all postgraduate study options in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures
Funding for postgraduate study in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures