MA English Literature and Classics

Year 1

You will study English Literature 1 which will introduce you to some of the major stylistic aspects of literary writing. You will also study modern literary and critical theory, and will investigate the historical development of literature from the medieval period to the 17th Century.

For the Classics side of the programme, you will select two courses from classics, studying either the Greek and/or Roman World, or Greek, or Latin. The classics courses you choose in Year 1 will influence the courses you can take in further years and will put you on a Greek, Latin or non-language pathway for the programme.

You will also choose from a wide range of option courses outside your primary subjects.

Year 2

You will take English Literature 2 which examines the changes in literature between 1750 and 1950 and the cultural and historical contexts in which the literature of this period was produced.

You will study two classics courses, following your pathway in Greek, or Latin, or one or more of ancient history, classical art and archaeology, and classical literature in translation.

You will also choose from a wide range of option courses outside your primary subjects.

Year 3

You can start to specialise and choose courses according to your areas of interest, including courses in critical practice.

Year 4

You will choose further courses according to your areas of interest and write an independent dissertation.

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 (2019/20)

Our facilities

Most of the courses are taught in and around the School of Literatures, Languages & Cultures, in the University's Central Area. You will also have access to the University's libraries and computing facilities.

Study abroad

There are opportunities to study in Europe through the Erasmus+ scheme, and at universities across the world through the University's international exchange programme.

What are my options for going abroad?

How will I learn?

Courses are taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and seminars. You will also be required to undertake substantial reading each week in preparation for classes.

How will I be assessed?

Your progress will be assessed through close reading exercises, essays, assignments and exams, and you will receive prompt feedback on all your coursework to help you improve as you progress.

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 (2019/20)

The skills you’ll develop on our programmes, including the ability to think critically and work independently and to deadline, are essential in many careers. We have great links with the Careers Service and, throughout your time with us, we’ll encourage you to identify and hone your skills, including through initiatives such as Life After Lit, which allow you to draw inspiration from our graduates.

Many of our graduates have gone on to work in publishing, advertising, arts and events management, the creative industries, teaching, and the media. Some have used their transferable skills to pursue careers in finance and business, while others have moved into creative writing, which we teach as an option throughout the undergraduate years, supported by our Writer-in-Residence.

There are also opportunities to continue studying at postgraduate level, with the honours years in particular developing the research skills you’ll need if you choose this path.

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: AAB - ABB.
• IB: 40 points (grades 766 at HL) - 34 points (grades 655 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 5.

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 qualifications must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

English language requirements

(Revised 05/06/2019 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 Literature and Classics

Additional costs

There may be additional costs if you choose to study abroad in Year 3.

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 Literature & Scottish Literature website
• International enquiries