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.

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.

Year 3

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

Year 4

You will choose further courses according to your area 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 (2018/19)

Our facilities

Most of the courses are taught within the School of Literatures, Languages & Cultures, located within 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.

Guaranteed study abroad funding for students required to complete a year 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 go on..

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)

There are a variety of careers open to English and Scottish Literature graduates. You can choose to work in publishing, teaching, arts administration, or the creative industries, or embark on a media-related career such as PR, journalism or advertising.

Graduates have also gone on to work in the finance or business sectors.

Some students pursue postgraduate study.

Typical offer range

The typical offer is likely to be:

• SQA Highers: AAAA - ABBB.
• A Levels: AAB - ABB.
• IB: 40 points (grades 766 at HL) - 34 points (grades 655 at HL).

Access threshold

The access threshold for a contextual offer is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 34 points (grades 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. National 5: Mathematics or an approved science at Grade C.
• A Levels: ABB including English Literature or combined English. GCSEs: Mathematics or an approved science at Grade C or 4.
• IB: Award of Diploma with 34 points overall and grades 655 in HL subjects including English. SL: Mathematics or an approved science at 4.

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 Literature and Classics

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 Literature & Scottish Literature website
• International enquiries