MA English Language and Literature

Year 1

You will take two semester-long courses, which introduce you to the principles of theoretical linguistics. You will study the way we learn language, the regional and social variations of language in general, and of the English language in particular, and methods of communication.

Alongside this, you will take English 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 in linguistics and English language, one looking at linguistic theory and the structure of spoken and written English and other languages, and the other patterns of linguistic change in the world's languages.

You will also take English Literature 2, a year-long course which will explore the scope of literature with emphasis on literary movements and contexts, and literature’s 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. Advanced courses in English language available at this level typically include:

• Reading Old English
• Dialects of Britain and Ireland
• Global Englishes
• English Word Formation
• History of Scots

Plus many more, including linguistics courses.

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

Year 4

You will continue to choose advanced courses according to your interests. You will also write an honours dissertation, which is regarded by many students as the most formative 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 have access to the University's libraries and computing facilities.

Study abroad

Opportunities to study abroad are available in this subject area.

What are my options for going 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.

Standard entry requirement

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: AAAA - AABB by end of S5. If you haven’t achieved this by the end of S5 we may consider your application based on a strong performance in S6. A minimum of BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: AAA - ABB.
• IB: 40 points (grades 766 at HL).

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S6, with a minimum of BBB achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 34 points (grades 655 at HL).

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA: Higher: English at grade B.
• A Levels: English Literature or combined English at grade B.
• IB: HL: English at grade 6.

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 demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.

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)

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• 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

• PTE Academic: Total 61 with at least 51 in each "Communicative Skills" section

• Trinity ISE: ISE II with a distinction in all four components

We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

English language requirements

(Revised 22/03/2019 to provide more accurate/comprehensive information.)

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