Postgraduate study
Explore your own area of interest and expertise in Scandinavian Studies in a Masters by Research or PhD programme, or choose an interdisciplinary taught masters programme.
What's it like to study here?
The University of Edinburgh is one of the very few centres for the study of modern Scandinavian languages in the UK. We have been teaching and supervising research in the languages, literatures and cultures of Sweden, Norway, Denmark and other parts of the wider Nordic region since 1987.
Join our community and undertake a specialised research project under the guidance of experienced and well-published supervisors. We supervise Masters by Research (MScR) and PhD students.
If you are looking for taught study, our team contribute to a number of interdisciplinary masters programmes such as Intermediality, Comparative Literature, and Translation Studies.
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 published experts in their field.
On campus and in the city
We are based in the historic heart of a world-leading festival city, close to the National Library of Scotland and National Museum of Scotland.
The Main University Library is just across the square from us. Its collections include around 7,500 titles in Swedish, 5,400 in Danish, and 3,600 in Norwegian.
As part of our postgraduate community, you will have lots of opportunities to share ideas, learning and creative work.
Activities range from a regular seminar series in European Languages and Cultures (with talks by staff, research students and visiting speakers), to celebration of the major Scandinavian festivals, film screenings, and lectures by visiting Scandinavian authors and academics, including as part of the Northern Scholars series.
What can I study?
MSc by Research in Scandinavian Studies
A Masters by Research (MScR) programme is ideal if you have a clear idea of the independent research you wish to undertake at masters level. The programme is a good stepping stone to a PhD, but is equally of value as a stand-alone qualification.
As a Masters by Research student, you’ll be part of a wider masters community while specialising in what most interests you right from the beginning of the programme. This is how it is different to a taught Masters (MSc).
Our programme includes 40 credits of training on research skills, methods and problems, the completion of two research assignments, and the submission of a 15,000 word dissertation under the guidance of an experienced and well-published supervisor. It is also possible to take an alternative pathway, completing the research training and a single dissertation of 30,000 words.
Full-time, one year (all students) ꟾ part-time, two years (eligibility criteria apply)
PhD in Scandinavian Studies
Doctorate-level study is an opportunity to make an original, positive contribution to research in Scandinavian Studies.
Join our community and undertake a specialised research project under the guidance of experienced and well-published supervisors.
Working with colleagues elsewhere in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, and across the wider University, we are able to support PhD theses crossing boundaries between disciplines and/or languages.
Full-time, three years (all students) ꟾ part-time, six years (eligibility criteria apply)
Before making a formal application to this PhD on the University of Edinburgh Degree Finder, you are strongly advised to read our guidelines on writing a PhD proposal.
Taught masters (MSc) programmes
A number of our School's interdisciplinary taught masters programmes include the option to focus on Scandinavian literature and culture, including in comparison and in translation.
Full-time, one year (all students) ꟾ part-time, two years (selected programmes only - eligibility criteria apply)
Entrance requirements, fees, funding and more...
You can find out about entrance requirements, start dates, fees and scholarship opportunities for all our programmes on the University of Edinburgh’s Degree Finder. Degree Finder links straight through to EUCLID, the online system for applying to postgraduate programmes at the University.
Applications to start a programme in September 2024 will open in October 2023. Selected PhD programmes are also available for January 2024 entry. See Degree Finder for details.
Not sure which programme is right for you?
We're happy to help you decide.
Email us about taught postgraduate study
Email us about postgraduate research
Funding
Find out more about funding for postgraduate study
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.