MA Scandinavian Studies and English Literature
UCAS code: RQ63
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: Full-time
School: Literatures, Languages and Cultures
College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Introducing MA Scandinavian Studies and English Literature
For centuries, English-speaking and Scandinavian cultures have had a profound international influence on literature and drama.
This joint honours programme aims to develop your critical, analytic, linguistic and creative skills by engaging with a broad range of texts and a variety of approaches to reading.
You do not currently need to know a Scandinavian language, as courses are available for beginners. Over the course of your four-year programme, you will learn to read, write and speak either Danish, Norwegian or Swedish to a high standard.
You will specialise in the modern language of Denmark, Norway or Sweden but, whichever you choose, you will also gain an understanding of the other two.
In English Literature, you will explore the cultural contexts of writing in English from the late Middle Ages to the present.
As you progress through the programme, you will also study courses selected on the basis of your own interests, developing a detailed knowledge of specific literary topics, periods or genres.
Why Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the only university in Scotland, and one of only two in the UK, to offer undergraduate honours programmes in Scandinavian Studies. We are the oldest department of English 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, and to be the home of the Northern Scholars programme.
As well as being distinctive in our programme offering, we are also unique in Scotland in offering students a full academic year abroad within the four-year honours programme, regardless of whether you spend the year studying or working. You will therefore spend Year 3 in either Norway, Denmark or Sweden.
One of the most attractive characteristics of this four-year programme is its flexibility.
In Years 1 and 2, your pre-honours years, you will choose option courses from a wide range of disciplines in addition to your core subjects of Scandinavian Studies and English Literature.
As well as broadening your education and skill set, this may enable you to change the focus of your programme in Years 3 and 4, your honours years.
Year 1
Scandinavian Studies
You will take an intensive beginners' language course in either Danish, Norwegian or Swedish.
Each course also involves studying literature and culture.
English Literature
In English 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
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.
Option courses
To broaden the scope of your study, you'll also choose option courses from a wide range offered by the University of Edinburgh.
These include two courses in Scandinavian Civilisation which provide an overview of important trends in the history, society, culture and politics of the Scandinavian and wider Nordic world, from the earliest times to the present.
We would encourage you to take one, or both, of these Scandinavian Civilisation options over the course of Years 1 and 2.
Other options include - but are not limited to - courses in:
Celtic and Scottish ethnology
linguistics and language sciences
business, economics and informatics
politics, social policy and social anthropology
art and architectural history
history, classics and archaeology
philosophy, divinity and law
You can also opt to study another language. We offer one of the widest ranges of languages of any UK university. The majority are suitable for complete beginners and include cultural study.
Year 2
Scandinavian Studies
You will continue with Danish Language 2, Norwegian Language 2 or Swedish Language 2, building on your linguistic knowledge from Year 1.
You will also take further courses in Scandinavian literature and languages. You can choose, for example, to develop your skills in understanding all three Scandinavian languages.
English Literature
You will be introduced to the study of English literature in its cultural and historical contexts, focusing on a selection of major periods.
The courses will explore the relationship between literary texts and the construction of national, international and imperial cultures.
Option courses
As in Year 1, you will also choose option courses from a wide range offered by the University of Edinburgh.
These include a great selection in European languages and cultures, allowing you to study literature, film and theatre in themed and comparative contexts.
Year 3
If international travel restrictions allow, you will spend your third year in either Denmark, Norway or Sweden, either studying or completing a work/teaching placement.
Whether studying or working, our graduates have told us how much the year abroad has benefited their broader life experience and skills, as well as their understanding of Scandinavian culture.
During your year abroad, we will aim to ensure your experience is as beneficial as possible to your final year, as well as to your wider language learning, cultural awareness and skills development.
You will complete prescribed work in both English Literature and Scandinavian Studies. For example, you will take an e-learning language course which will count as part of your Year 3 mark and prepare you for your final year courses in either Danish, Norwegian or Swedish.
If international travel is not possible, you will be offered an alternative means of engaging with your subjects, enabling you to meet your learning outcomes and preparing you for your final year.
Year 4
You will develop advanced spoken and written skills in your chosen Scandinavian language and can choose from a wide range of specialist courses in both Scandinavian Studies and English Literature.
This will enable you to explore different periods, topics and approaches according to your area of interest.
You will also complete your dissertation or long essay.
Our facilities
On campus
When you are on campus, you can expect to spend most of your time in the University of Edinburgh's Central Area - in class, in the library, or in one of the University’s many social spaces.
The Central Area is located on the edge of Edinburgh's historic Old Town, surrounded by lots of green space.
Take a virtual tour of the Central Area
Libraries, collections and centres
Based in the Main University Library, the Centre for Research Collections is unique in the UK. The Centre brings together a collection of more than 400,000 rare books and six kilometres of archives and manuscripts. It also houses the University’s collections of art, historical musical instruments and other objects.
The University's literary treasures include a truly exceptional collection of early Shakespeare quartos and other early modern printed plays, and the Corson Collection of works by and about Sir Walter Scott.
Modern literature and poetry are particularly well represented, with the W.H. Auden collection and the libraries of Lewis Grassic Gibbon, Hugh MacDiarmid and Norman MacCaig.
The Library also holds books, journals and databases for the study of Scandinavian Studies, including around 7,500 titles in Swedish, 5,400 in Danish, and 3,600 in Norwegian.
Events and activities
The Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) supports more than 300 student-led societies and clubs, including the Scandinavian Society. It also promotes opportunities with local charities through its volunteering centre.
EUSA also supports LitPALS - the Peer-Assisted Learning Scheme for English Literature where students across year groups help each other with specific study skills, topics or themes.
Across the University, there are a lot of opportunities to get involved in:
reading and writers' groups
poetry slams
creative writing and publishing
student theatre
Staff and student editors publish creative writing in nine European languages – including Norwegian, Swedish and Danish – in the online magazine, Babble. Launch nights typically include readings and performances.
We also have a fantastic Writer-in-Residence who organises talks and workshops by visiting writers and runs our annual writing prizes. Their drop-in sessions give you the chance to:
share your work
get feedback
meet other student writers
get inspiration and prompts for new work
We are proud to host the Northern Scholars programme which fosters co-operation between scholars of the Nordic countries, the Baltic countries and Scotland, largely through events such as:
public lectures
workshops
the involvement of visiting guests in teaching and learning activities
In the city
A UNESCO World City of Literature, Edinburgh is a remarkable place to study, write, publish, discuss and perform prose, poetry and drama.
The city has excellent links with the Nordic nations, and many Scandinavian shops and cafes.
In addition to a fantastic range of publishing houses, bookshops, theatres, galleries, and cinemas, you will study near the:
National Library of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh Central Library
Scottish Poetry Library
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Writers’ Museum
We have strong links with the Edinburgh International Book Festival, which annually welcomes around 1,000 authors to our literary city.
Study abroad
If international travel restrictions allow, you will spend Year 3 abroad (a minimum of 30 weeks), in either Denmark, Sweden or Norway.
This is your chance to immerse yourself in Scandinavian culture, and to develop your broader life experience and skills towards life after university.
How will I learn?
Courses are taught through a combination of:
lectures
seminars
tutorials
e-learning
You will be expected to undertake substantial reading each week in preparation for classes, particularly in English Literature.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through a combination of exams and coursework.
Skills and experience
Combining a language with literature to degree level demonstrates that you are a good communicator, a resilient problem solver, and someone open to other cultures and new ideas – what employers value as Intercultural Competence.
Beyond the linguistic, literary and critical skills you will develop on this joint honours programme, and the nuanced understanding you will gain of other cultures and societies, graduating with a four-year Master of Arts degree from the University of Edinburgh shows high-level intellectual strength and flexibility.
The skills you will be able to demonstrate to employers when you graduate include the ability to understand, analyse and articulate key concepts, and to work to varied briefs to deadline, both independently and in groups.
Opportunities at home and away
As there are relatively few graduates from UK universities specialising in the Scandinavian languages, there are excellent opportunities for those who do learn Danish, Norwegian or Swedish.
Speakers of one language are widely understood in all Scandinavian countries and both Swedish and Danish are official working languages of the EU.
Graduates who have studied a combination of language and literature can be found in every kind of career, especially those that place a premium on thinking that is both disciplined and imaginative. Wherever you are based in the world, your skills will make you stand out.
Within the private, public, not-for-profit, and for-benefit sectors, previous graduates have gone on to career pathways in:
business, finance and commerce
communications, marketing, advertising and public relations
education, outreach, advocacy and training
journalism, broadcasting and media
leisure, tourism and travel
politics, policy work, diplomacy, civil service and law
publishing, culture, heritage and the arts
research, development and venture acceleration
translating and interpreting
Further study
The enhanced research skills you will develop on a four-year programme, particularly in your honours years, are a valuable asset if you wish to continue studying at postgraduate level. At the University of Edinburgh, for example, we typically offer:
MSc by Research degrees in Scandinavian Studies and in English Literature
Taught MScs in Playwriting, Creative Writing and different periods of English Literature
MSc programmes in Comparative Literature, Intermediality and Translation Studies
Beyond literature, cultural study and associated fields, your degree will prepare you for further study in almost any humanities and social science discipline.
Careers advice
We have an excellent Careers Service. Throughout your time with us, we will encourage you to identify and hone your employability skills, including through peer initiatives such as Life After LLC (Literatures, Languages and Cultures) where you can draw inspiration from our graduates.
Standard entry requirement
The standard entry requirement is:
- SQA Highers: AABB-ABBB by end of S5 or AAAB-AABB/ABBBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
- A Levels: AAB - ABB.
- IB: 36 points with 665 at HL - 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. National 5s: a language other than English at B.
- A Levels: English Literature or combined English at B. GCSEs: a language other than English at B or 6.
- IB: HL: English at 5. SL: a language other than English at 5.
Additional requirements
Language requirement
For degrees that have a subject requirement of a language other than English, students may not use their own native language to meet this requirement. In these instances, English or an alternative language other than native will be acceptable.
Find out more about entry requirements
International applicants
We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
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.
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
- GCSE at C or 4
- Level 2 Certificate at 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: total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.
- TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 162 in each component.
- Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
- PTE Academic: total 62 with at least 54 in each component.
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, PTE Academic, TOEFL or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.
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 Scandinavian Studies and English Literature
Additional costs
As long as international restrictions allow, you will spend Year 3 abroad. The costs incurred will depend on where you decide to go, and how you spend your time.
Some study placements at language schools may charge a fee, but we will normally reimburse you for tuition costs as long as your activity has been approved. You will be responsible for associated travel costs such as flights and visas.
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.
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- Scandinavian Studies and English Literature (MA) RQ63
- Scandinavian Studies and History (MA) RV61
- Scandinavian Studies and Linguistics (MA) RQ61
- Scandinavian Studies and Philosophy (MA) RV65
- Scandinavian Studies and Politics (MA) RL62
- Scandinavian Studies and Social Policy (MA) RL64
- Scandinavian Studies and Spanish (MA) RR64
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10 degrees in Scandinavian Studies
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- Scandinavian Studies and Classics (MA) QR86
- Scandinavian Studies and English Language (MA) QR36
- Scandinavian Studies and English Literature (MA) RQ63
- Scandinavian Studies and History (MA) RV61
- Scandinavian Studies and Linguistics (MA) RQ61
- Scandinavian Studies and Philosophy (MA) RV65
- Scandinavian Studies and Politics (MA) RL62
- Scandinavian Studies and Social Policy (MA) RL64
- Scandinavian Studies and Spanish (MA) RR64