Scandinavian Studies

Research

Research projects, centres, networks and publications in Scandinavian Studies.

We study the Nordic societies and their contributions to the world, present and past.

Photo of panellists talking at an event with a graphic saying 3rd in the UK

We have particular research strengths in:

  • Language and linguistics - including language history, language policy, historical and critical onomastics, dialectology and linguistic landscapes
  • Literature and culture - including nations, transnationalism, postnationalism, diasporas and migration, geocriticism, travel writing, children’s literature and literary translation
  • Broader social, historical and geographical topics spanning the Viking, medieval, modern and contemporary eras

In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), our research was submitted in Modern Languages.

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 Modern Languages according to Times Higher Education's REF power ratings.  

Browse Edinburgh Research Explorer for staff profiles, research outputs and activities

Selected research centres and networks

Research centres and networks range from formal collaborations to informal groups of researchers working together on a theme or challenge.

The groups provide opportunities for researchers at all career stages to work together with partners and stakeholders in organising events, workshopping publications, engaging audiences outside the academy, and exploring ideas for future projects and funding bids.

Northern Scholars

Map of the Nordic region with the words Northern Scholars superimposed

Established in 1956, the Northern Scholars scheme fosters co-operation between colleagues in the University of Edinburgh and scholars of the Nordic and Baltic countries: Denmark; Finland; the Faroes; Greenland; Iceland; Norway; Sweden; Estonia; Latvia; and Lithuania. Mutual areas of interest include aspects of linguistics, history and culture common to these countries and to Scotland.

Take me to the Northern Scholars website 

Selected research projects

Research supervision

We offer a one-year Masters by Research (MScR) degree and a full PhD programme in Scandinavian Studies.

Working with colleagues elsewhere in LLC, and across the wider University, we are able to support research which crosses boundaries between disciplines and languages.

Find out more about postgraduate research in Scandinavian Studies