MA Religious Studies and Scottish Literature

Year 1

You will study two compulsory religion courses, covering a range of religious traditions and approaches.

In Scottish Literature, you will take two Literary Studies courses which will introduce you to the essential skills needed for the critical close reading of the core literary genres of poetry, drama and prose. You will read works of literature written in English from around the world, and encounter a range of ideas about the nature and purpose of literary study.

You can also choose courses from other university subject areas.

Year 2

You will study two compulsory religion courses, covering a range of religious traditions and approaches.

You will be introduced to the study of Scottish literature in its cultural and historical contexts, focusing on a selection of major periods. These courses will explore the relationship between literary texts and the construction of national, international and imperial cultures.

You can also choose courses from other university subject areas.

Year 3

You will continue to study one or more religious traditions in international and cross-cultural contexts and will take literature courses at an advanced level. Some of these courses may focus on further development of your critical skills, and help you prepare for the independent dissertation that you will write in Year 4.

Year 4

You will choose further advanced courses and will complete a dissertation with academic guidance on a subject in either religious traditions or Scottish Literature.

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 (2020/21)

Our facilities

Teaching takes place primarily in the School of Divinity, based in New College. You will also have access to all the University's libraries and computer facilities.

The University of Edinburgh has the oldest department of English and Scottish Literature in the UK, one of the longest established in the world. We are proud to be based in the heart of the first UNESCO World City of Literature. The city's literary highlights include the Scottish Poetry Library, Writers’ Museum, Scottish Storytelling Centre, and outstanding holdings in the National Library of Scotland.

Study abroad

There is a varied range of opportunities to spend time abroad. For shorter periods, these include summer programmes and work abroad.

During Year 3, you will also have the opportunity to study abroad on exchange for up to a year at a wide selection of leading global universities. These include Radboud University Nijmegen, Netherlands and Dartmouth College, United States, with which the School has ongoing relationships.

Going abroad expands your horizons and is great fun, as well as bringing academic and career benefits.

What are my options for going abroad?

How will I learn?

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

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed in a variety of ways, including examinations, coursework, participation in seminars, presentation of your work and an honours 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 (2020/21)

Our graduates pursue a wide range of careers within a variety of settings, including:

• the creative arts
• non-governmental organisations
• finance
• teaching
• management
• administration
• government
• counselling
• the voluntary sector

Standard entry requirement

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S5 or AABB/ABBBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 34 points with 655 at HL.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 34 points with 655 at HL.

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA: Highers: English at B.
• A Levels: English Literature or combined English at B.
• IB: HL: English at 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 at C
• SQA Standard Grade at 3
• SQA Intermediate 1 at A
• SQA Intermediate 2 at C
• GCSE/IGSCE at C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate Grade C
• IB Standard Level at 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 (including Special Home Edition) 92 or above with 20 in each section. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• Cambridge English: Advanced or Proficiency overall 176 with 162 in each component.
• 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 degree you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

English language requirements

*(Revised 27 April 2020 to include TOEFL-iBT Special Home Edition.)

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 Discover Uni data available.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for MA Religious Studies and Scottish 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

• Enquiry Management Team
• Email: futurestudents@ed.ac.uk