MA English Language and Literature

Year 1

You will take two semester-long introductory courses, which show you different aspects of the English language and teach you the relevant principles of linguistics to permit the analysis of written and spoken English.

Alongside this, you will take either English, or Scottish, Literature 1. You will learn key stylistic and conceptual aspects, as well as ideas about the historical development of English Literature.

Year 2

You will take two further semester-long courses looking at linguistic theory and and its application to English, and at the patterns of variation and change in English as it has developed in and beyond the UK.

You will also take either English, or Scottish, Literature 2, a year-long course which will explore the scope of literature with emphasis on literary movements and contexts, and literatures capacities and limits. We also encourage you to select relevant additional courses in linguistics and English language.

Year 3

You can start to specialise and choose the topics that interest you most. Courses in English language available at this level include: Reading Old English; Dialects of Britain and Ireland; Global Englishes; English Word Formation; and many more.

Courses offered in literature at this level include: Creative Writing; Contemporary Fiction; Modernism; Critical Practice; and more.

Year 4

You will continue to choose specialist modules according to your interests. You will also write an honours dissertation, which is regarded by many students as the most valuable experience of their undergraduate studies.

Programme structure

Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.

To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme structure (2018/19)

Our facilities

Lectures and seminars will be held within the University’s Central Area. You will also have full access to the University’s libraries and computing facilities.

Study abroad

Opportunities to study abroad are available in this subject area.

Guaranteed study abroad funding for students required to complete a year abroad

How will I learn?

Most courses are taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and some small group project work. You will also do some independent practical work in Year 2 and more independent study in Years 3 and 4.

How will I be assessed?

During Years 1 and 2 you will undergo continuous assessment through tests and assignments. In Years 3 and 4 you will be assessed through coursework, exams, projects and your dissertation.

Programme details

Find out more about this programme's aims, what you will learn, how you will be assessed and what skills and knowledge you will develop.

To give you an idea of what to expect from this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme details (2018/19)

Popular career paths for English language graduates include journalism, publishing, PR, advertising, and, with additional training, speech and language therapy. You can also train to teach English in the UK or abroad.

Typical offer range

The typical offer is likely to be:

• SQA Highers: AAAA - ABBB.
• A Levels: A*AA - ABB. (Revised 2/6/18 to provide more accurate information).
• IB: 40 points (766 at HL) - 34 points (655 at HL).

Access threshold

The access threshold for a contextual offer is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 34 points (655 at HL).

Find out more about access thresholds and contextual offers

Detailed requirements for all applicants

To be considered for an offer of a place all applicants must meet the following requirements:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S5 or ABBBB/AABB from S4-S6, with a minimum of BBB achieved in one year of S4-S6. Higher English required. (Revised 22/10/2018 to reflect that we no longer require Mathematics or an approved science.)
• A Levels: ABB including English Literature or combined English. (Revised 22/10/2018 to reflect that we no longer require Mathematics or an approved science.)
• IB: Award of Diploma with 34 points overall and grades 655 in HL subjects including English. (Revised 22/10/2018 to reflect that we no longer require Mathematics or an approved science.)

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international student and your school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to the University you may be eligible for admission to this degree programme through our International Foundation Programme.

International Foundation Programme

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

You must provide evidence that your written and spoken English is at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

If English is not your first language, you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your spoken and written English:

• IELTS Academic module overall 6.5 with 5.5 in each component
• TOEFL-iBT 92 or above with 20 in each section
• Cambridge English: Advanced or Proficiency overall 176 with 162 in each component
• Pearson Test of English (Academic): Total 61 with at least 51 in each "Communicative Skills" section
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with a distinction in all four components

About English language requirements

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 Grade C
• SQA Standard Grade 3
• SQA Intermediate 1 Grade A
• SQA Intermediate 2 Grade C
• GCSE Grade C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate Grade C
• IB Standard Level Grade 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.

It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.

Please note that some programmes do not have Unistats data available.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for MA English Language and Literature

Additional costs

None.

Funding

For more information on how much it will cost to study with us and the financial support available see our fees and funding information.

Fees and funding

• College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Office
• Email: CAHSS.UGAdmissions@ed.ac.uk
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 3565
• Web: English Language website
• International enquiries