History of Art and English Literature MA (Hons)

Level: Undergraduate

Subject: History of Art

Year of entry: 2026

Key facts

UCAS Code

VQ33

Award

MA (Hons)

Duration of study

4 years

Delivery

Full-time

Study location

Central Area

Start date

September 2026

School

Edinburgh College of Art

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Study abroad

Available

Placement

Available

Open days and events

About the degree programme

You will study the history of art and English literature in equal depth with this joint honours programme.

The history of art and English literature complement each other well. Both subjects benefit from shared methodologies and historical contexts, and many ideas and movements are shared across the visual arts and literature.

Our programme is extremely flexible. In Years 1 and 2, in addition to your core subjects, you will choose option courses from a broad list of disciplines, then specialise as you progress through your honours years.

History of art 

History of art will introduce you to art from different periods and world cultures. 

You will: 

  • learn how, and for whom, works of art were made 
  • situate artworks within visual and material culture more broadly 
  • explore the meanings of works of art and visual culture and the ways they continue to be interpreted

In Years 3 and 4 you will have the opportunity to:

  • specialise in particular aspects of the field
  • develop independent research projects
  • develop a dissertation
  • study abroad (Year 3)

English literature

Edinburgh is the first UNESCO World City of Literature. For centuries, it has been the home and muse of many great writers.

On this programme, you will develop your critical, analytic, linguistic and creative skills by engaging with a broad range of texts and a variety of approaches to reading. 

You will explore the cultural contexts of writing in English from the late Middle Ages to the present, and many different topics and genres. 

Studying literature prepares you to contribute to a society in which an understanding of texts of all kinds is crucially important. It shows an openness to ideas and perspectives other than your own, an essential attribute in many careers and a global marketplace.

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme is usually studied over 4 years, however, some students may be eligible to enter in the second year and complete the programme in 3 years.

How a joint degree programme works

A joint programme allows you to gain a well-rounded learning experience. You will have more exposure to different disciplines, allowing you to expand your knowledge and expertise.

Teaching on joint programmes is split across the two subject areas, and teaching will take place in locations associated with both subjects.

You will gain a different perspective through studying more than one subject and have a wider skill set that is highly attractive to future employers.

Programme benefits

  • We are the oldest department of English literature in the UK and one of the oldest in the world.
  • From the University's special collections to the National Library and Galleries of Scotland, the city's resources for studying art and literature are exceptional.
  • You will work alongside leading academics, many of whom are involved in curating at major international art institutions.
  • Our range of teaching specialisms is one of the broadest in the UK, including Asian, Islamic, Mesoamerican, and European premodern and contemporary art, and the global art market. In English Literature, we have expertise in many different genres and periods of literature written in English from around the world.
  • You will have the opportunity to study abroad.

Find your entry requirements

Use the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.

  1. Select the country or region where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.
  2. Select the qualification you are studying or studied.
United Kingdom,

Tuition fees for MA (Hons) History of Art and English Literature

View the tuition fees for one academic year of MA (Hons) History of Art and English Literature.

Tuition fees for this programme

Additional costs

You will pay for the costs of printing.

As part of your studies in history of art, there will be occasional costs associated with travel to visiting exhibitions.

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

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that a single student can potentially spend £1,023 to £2,043 on living costs each month, depending on your accommodation.

This estimate covers the costs of:

  • accommodation
  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel within Edinburgh
  • health and wellbeing costs

See a breakdown of living costs

Scholarships and funding

Funding information

You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section.

Funding

What you will study

In Year 1 you will take History of Art 1, covering the period from the fall of the Roman Empire until the end of the Counter-Reformation, including non-Western material.

You will take two literary studies courses exploring the nature and purpose of literary study. You will read works of literature written in English from around the world, and develop the skills needed for the critical close reading of poetry, drama and prose.

You will also choose from a wide range of option courses offered by the University of Edinburgh. You can, for example, choose to learn a language that complements the art and literature you are most interested in.

Languages are taught in their cultural context, which includes reading literature written in that language. We offer one of the widest ranges of languages of any UK university and the majority are suitable for complete beginners.

Other options include, but are not limited to, courses in:

  • business, economics and informatics
  • politics, social policy, social anthropology and international relations
  • history, classics and archaeology
  • Celtic and Scottish ethnology
  • linguistics and English language
  • philosophy, divinity and law
Find courses

The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry.

You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme.

Find Year 1 courses (2025-2026 academic year)

In Year 2 you will study History of Art 2, which covers the 18th century to the present day.

You will be introduced to the study of English literature in its cultural and historical contexts through a survey of literature from the late Medieval period to the mid-20th century. These courses explore the relationship between literary texts and the construction of national, international and imperial cultures.

You will also choose option courses from a wide range offered by the University. You can opt to continue studying a subject you took in Year 1, or choose to do something completely different.

Find courses

The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry.

You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme.

Find Year 2 courses (2025-2026 academic year)

In Year 3 you will: 

  • choose from a selection of honours-level history of art and English literature courses 
  • complete a history of art independent project

Skills development options include two courses in reading theory, which will help you prepare if you choose to do your dissertation in English literature in Year 4. Between them, the courses will introduce you to key issues, concepts and developments in literary theory and criticism.

You will be encouraged to reflect on the critical reading skills you have gained in your pre-honours years, and given the concepts and vocabulary to develop these further.

You will also have the opportunity to study abroad in Year 3.

Find courses

The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry.

You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme.

Find Year 3 courses (2025-2026 academic year)

You will select courses that build on your subject choices in Year 3. 

You will also write a dissertation in either history of art or English literature.

Find courses

The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry.

You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme.

Find Year 4 courses (2025-2026 academic year)

Study abroad

You will have the opportunity to study abroad in Year 3 of this degree at one of our partner universities.

If international travel restrictions allow, you may be able to choose where you study from our selection of international partners.

A study abroad experience will allow you to immerse yourself in a different culture, enrich your learning and enhance your future job opportunities.

Your study abroad options

Field trips

Throughout the programme, courses may include field trips to local galleries, museums and archives with an emphasis on learning about artworks and objects.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will be taught through: 

  • lectures 
  • seminars and tutorials
  • individual supervisions 
  • museum and gallery visits
  • independent study

In addition to classes, and to get the most out of your courses, you will need to read widely.

Assessment

Our courses use a variety of assessment methods, including:

  • coursework (including essays)
  • exams
  • oral presentations
  • podcasts
  • online discussion forums
  • participation in tutorials and seminars

Coursework is generally completed throughout the year, while exams and assessments take place at the end of a teaching block. 

In Years 3 and 4 you will complete at least one independent project and a longer dissertation.

Support for your studies

ECA’s Student and Academic Support Service (SASS) supports students throughout their studies in all degree programmes at ECA.

You will have a dedicated Student Adviser, based within SASS, who is specially trained to support you during your studies. Your Student Adviser will be your first point of contact for any support, including questions about your studies or your well-being. Your Student Adviser can support you with:

  • personal or wellbeing issues that you are facing, including how to access specialist support
  • queries related to your programme, such as course enrolments, programme transfers and academic progression
  • applying for extensions and special circumstances
  • advice about how to take a break from your studies
  • registering with the Disability and Learning Support Service

If you’re unsure who to ask, you can contact your Student Adviser as a first point of contact.

Support for your studies

Our academic staff

You'll join a community of experts in the history of art and English literature.

You can explore the ECA People Directory to discover more of the staff you will learn from in history of art.

ECA People Directory

English Literature at the University of Edinburgh brings together specialists in all periods and genres of literature and literary analysis. Staff are based in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures on George Square.

Where you will study

Study location

Most of our teaching takes place in the University's Central Area or within the Edinburgh College of Art (ECA).

Academic facilities

Based around the Main Library, the Central Area has excellent: 

  • computing and audiovisual resources 
  • support services
  • social spaces
  • collections 
Investing in our learning environment

Edinburgh College of Art is excited to be undertaking a capital redevelopment of ECA’s Lauriston Campus over the next 3 years, from April 2024 to April 2027.

The project aims to maximise the use of existing space, improve accessibility, and create a vibrant campus that fosters collaboration and innovation.​

The project involves refurbishing and repurposing various spaces across the Lauriston campus, including technical facilities, student and teaching spaces, and the relocation of the Reid School of Music from Alison House to the Lauriston Campus. New social spaces, seminar rooms, and studios are being created to accommodate our growing community.

You can find more about the project at the below link:

Building work starts at ECA’s Lauriston Campus - Edinburgh College of Art

Virtual tour

You can take a closer look at the Edinburgh College of Art and explore our facilities and campus with our virtual tour.

Take a virtual tour of Edinburgh College of Art

Career paths

This programme prepares you for a range of careers, including:

  • curatorships in galleries and museums
  • art journalism
  • publishing and media
  • art dealing
  • tourism
  • graphics
  • advertising
  • heritage management
  • auctioneering

Some graduates use their skills and experience for careers in management or teaching, while some choose to go on to further study.

Throughout this degree programme, you will learn a range of research skills which are both necessary for further study and highly transferable to a range of careers.

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals.

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies.

With the Careers Service, you can:

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions

Visit the Careers Service website

Further study

After you complete your programme, you may want to go onto further study at Edinburgh or a different university. You could progress to:

  • a masters degree
  • a postgraduate diploma or certificate
  • a PhD
  • a second undergraduate degree

Find out about options for further study 

Postgraduate degrees you might be interested in could include:

How to apply

You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline.

Guidance on applying through UCAS

What you need to apply

As part of your application, you will need:

  • your academic qualifications
  • a personal statement
  • evidence of your English language skills (with relevant qualifications)
  • a reference

How we select

If you have met, or are predicted to meet, all our entry requirements by the relevant deadline, then your application will go into our selection process.

As part of this selection process, we will review all the information you submit in your UCAS application when we decide who to select for this degree programme.

How we select applicants

When to apply

  • 2026 entry UCAS deadline: 14 January 2026 (6:00pm GMT)

This is the deadline for all UK, EU and international applicants to non-medicine and veterinary medicine programmes.

To find out if any degree programmes have spaces after 14 January 2026, search the University of Edinburgh on the UCAS website.

Search degrees that are open on the UCAS website

Key application dates and deadlines

After you apply

After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:

Applying as an international student

As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS.  

Find out more about applying through UCAS  

Visas and immigration 

If you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme.  

Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process. 

Applying for a visa  

Agents  

An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student. 

We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact.  

Find contact details for an education agent

What our students say

What is it really like to study here? Our students share their experiences on our social media.

You can find out what a day in the life is like for an Edinburgh College of Art Student, from late nights in the library to their favourite walks around the city!

Instagram: Edinburgh College of Art

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 16 August in the year of your entry to the University.

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

We have multiple student societies for art, literature and drama enthusiasts. 

Our large creative arts community has lots to offer, including: 

  • reading and writers' groups 
  • poetry slams 
  • publishing opportunities 
  • peer-assisted learning 
  • a fantastic Writer-in-Residence 
  • annual student writing prizes

Our societies and sports clubs will help you meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sports clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Our vibrant capital is a blend of culture, history, nature and modern city life. A fantastic place to live, it is also the perfect location to study the history of art and English literature.

Edinburgh’s dynamic cultural scene boasts the largest collection of historic buildings, museums, art galleries and theatres of any city in Scotland.

The University of Edinburgh’s museums and galleries include:

  • the Talbot Rice Gallery
  • Centre for Research Collections
  • St. Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room and Music Museum

Edinburgh is home to several major annual festivals, each bringing talent from around the world to our streets and stages, making the celebration of diversity an intrinsic part of the city’s culture. These include the:

  • Festival Fringe
  • Film Festival
  • Art Festival
  • Book Festival
  • Jazz & Blues Festival

Some of our students even participate in our annual festivals.

You can take advantage of other galleries, museums and literary venues in Edinburgh, including: 

  • the four National Galleries of Scotland 
  • Scottish Poetry Library 
  • Writers' Museum 
  • Scottish Storytelling Centre 
  • National Library of Scotland

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include:

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustment

Health and wellbeing support services

Contact us

Contact us through our enquiry team if you have any questions about this programme.

Open days, events and visits

Find out when our next open days will be taking place

Open days, events and visits

Chat to our students on Unibuddy

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

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