Scandinavian Studies and English Literature MA
Central Area Campus, United Kingdom
Scandinavian Studies and English Literature MA (Hons)
University of Edinburgh
Scandinavian Studies & English Literature
Program Overview: Scandinavian Studies and English Literature MA (Hons)
This joint honours programme brings together two rich literary and cultural traditions, combining the study of English literature with the languages and cultures of Scandinavia. You will develop critical, analytic, linguistic, and creative skills by engaging with a broad range of texts and approaches to reading across both disciplines.
You do not need prior knowledge of a Scandinavian language to begin this programme, as courses are available for complete beginners. Over the course of four years, you will learn to read, write, and speak either Danish, Norwegian, or Swedish to a high standard, while also exploring English literature from the late Middle Ages to the present day.
A distinctive feature of this programme is the compulsory Year Abroad in Year 3, where you will spend a minimum of 30 weeks in Denmark, Norway, or Sweden. Based in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, the programme is situated in Edinburgh, the first UNESCO World City of Literature, providing an exceptional environment for literary study.
Key Program Highlights
- One of only two universities in the UK offering undergraduate honours programmes in Scandinavian Studies, and the only one in Scotland
- Full academic year abroad in Denmark, Norway, or Sweden integrated into the four-year programme
- Study in Edinburgh, the first UNESCO World City of Literature, at the oldest department of English Literature in the UK
- No prior knowledge of a Scandinavian language required — courses start at beginner level
Curriculum & Modules
The programme is structured across four years, with the first two years building foundational skills in both English Literature and your chosen Scandinavian language, and the final two years (including a Year Abroad) allowing you to specialise in areas of personal interest. You will complete a dissertation or long essay in your final year.
Introduction to English Literary Studies
40 creditsDevelop essential skills for the critical close reading 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.
Scandinavian Language (Danish, Norwegian, or Swedish)
40 creditsBegin learning your chosen Scandinavian language from beginner level, building reading, writing, and speaking skills progressively throughout the programme to reach an advanced level.
Scandinavian Culture and Society
20 creditsExplore Scandinavian and wider Nordic culture past and present, examining the region's history, politics, literature, and societal models including the widely studied Nordic Model.
English Literature Honours Courses
40 creditsFocus on selected literary periods, topics, and approaches according to your area of interest, building detailed knowledge of specific genres, eras, or critical methodologies in English literature.
Year Abroad in Scandinavia
120 creditsSpend a minimum of 30 weeks studying or working in Denmark, Norway, or Sweden, immersing yourself in the language and culture while completing an e-learning course to prepare for your final year.
Dissertation or Long Essay
40 creditsBuilding on all the knowledge and skills developed over four years, including independent research skills, you will complete a dissertation or long essay on a topic of your choosing.
Elective Courses
Admission Requirements
Admission to this programme is competitive and based on academic qualifications, personal statement, and reference. No prior knowledge of a Scandinavian language is required. All applications and inquiries should be submitted through Uni4Edu.
Academic Requirements
- SQA HighersABBB by end of S5 or AABB/ABBBB by end of S6 (BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6)
- A LevelsABB
- International Baccalaureate34 points with 655 at Higher Level
- Subject RequirementsNo specific A Level subjects required
- Scandinavian LanguageNo prior knowledge required — beginner courses available
English Language Requirements
- IELTS AcademicTotal 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component
- TOEFL iBTTotal 92 with at least 20 in each component
- Cambridge C1 Advanced / C2 ProficiencyTotal 176 with at least 162 in each component
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
The University of Edinburgh offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities for international students at the undergraduate level. Scholarships are competitive and typically awarded based on academic merit, interview performance, and personal statements. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on the best funding options for your circumstances.
Edinburgh Global Undergraduate Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships available to international fee-paying students demonstrating outstanding academic achievement. These awards are designed to support talented students from around the world in accessing education at Edinburgh.
Carnegie Trust Undergraduate Tuition Fee Grants
VariesAvailable to eligible Scottish-domiciled students, these grants from the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland can help cover tuition fees for undergraduate programmes at Scottish higher education institutions.
External Scholarships and Funding Sources
Varies by awardA range of external funding opportunities are available including government-sponsored scholarships, charitable trust awards, and country-specific funding. Uni4Edu can help you identify and apply for external scholarships relevant to your nationality and circumstances.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduating with a four-year MA (Hons) from Edinburgh demonstrates intellectual maturity, resilience, and flexibility. Combining a language with literature to degree level shows intercultural competence — a quality highly valued by employers globally. The programme equips you with linguistic, literary, critical, and analytical skills applicable across a wide range of careers.
Potential Career Paths
Sectors and Employers
Rankings & Recognition
The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world and is recognised for its exceptional strength in Arts and Humanities, including English Literature. It is a member of the Russell Group, the League of European Research Universities, and Universitas 21.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| English Language & Literature | QS World Rankings | #6 |
| Arts & Humanities | QS World Rankings | #9 |
| Modern Languages & Linguistics | REF 2021 (Research Power) | Top 3 in UK |
| Research Power (Overall) | REF 2021 | #4 in UK |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
Similar Programmes
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Modern Languages and Philosophy, Ethics and Religion BA (Hons)
Prifysgol Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
May 2026
Gross Tuition
18000 £
Master's & Postgraduate
12 months
Translation - MA
London Metropolitan University, London, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
April 2025
Gross Tuition
20000 £
Master's & Postgraduate
12 months
Conference Interpreting - PG Dip
London Metropolitan University, London, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
April 2025
Gross Tuition
7550 £
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Foreign Languages and Cultures: Italian Studies and Romance Languages, German Language and Communication
Vytautas Magnus University, , Lithuania
Earliest Intake
December 2025
Gross Tuition
4160 €
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Scandinavian Studies and Classics MA
University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
January 2026
Gross Tuition
29600 £
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
