
English and Scottish Literature MA (Hons)
Course Overview - English and Scottish Literature MA (Hons)
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 all major periods of Scottish literature. At honours level, you will specialise in specific topics, periods or genres.
Studying literature prepares you to con...
Edinburgh is the first UNESCO World City of Literature. For centuries, it has been the home and muse of many great writers.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>You will explore the cultural contexts of writing in English, from the late Middle Ages to the present, and all major periods of Scottish literature. At honours level, you will specialise in specific topics, periods or genres.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/><strong>Why Edinburgh</strong><br/><br/>Edinburgh is a remarkable place to study, write, publish, discuss and perform prose, poetry and drama.<br/><br/>We are the oldest department of literature in the UK, one of the longest-established in the world. Our expertise covers writing in English from around the globe.<br/><br/>Our Writers in Residence have included some of Scottish literatures most significant contemporary authors.<br/><br/>From the Universitys Special Collections to the National Library of Scotland, the citys resources for studying literature are exceptional.<br/><br/><strong>How long it takes to complete this degree programme</strong><br/><br/>This programme is studied over 4 years. This enables us to build choice and flexibility into your studies, giving you time to explore options, find what you like and build your skills.<br/><br/>Your first two years will be your pre-honours years. They will give you a good grounding in literary study. In addition to studying core courses in literature, you will broaden your education and skill set by choosing option courses from a range of disciplines. This gives you the chance to build your intercultural awareness in other areas of the arts, humanities, social sciences and beyond.<br/><br/>Your final two years will be your honours years. They will be tailored to your interests in specific topics, periods, genres, or approaches to English and Scottish Literature.<br/><br/><strong>Programme benefits</strong><br/><br/><br/>* Study over four years, giving you choice and flexibility.<br/><br/><br/>* Try out different subjects in your first two years.<br/><br/><br/>* Learn in the heart of Scotlands capital, a UNESCO World City of Literature.<br/><br/><br/>* Join societies related to what you are studying.<br/><br/><br/>* Delve into fantastic libraries and collections.<br/><br/><br/>* Try your hand at creative writing and publishing.<br/>
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
14/09/2026
Campus
Central area campus
Application Details
14 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
QQ32
Institution Code
E56
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
A,A,A,B
AAAB by end of S5 or AAAA by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: English at B.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
40
37
From 40 points with 766 at HL to 37 points with 666 at HL. Required subjects: HL: English at 5.
A level
A*,A*,A*
A*,A,A
A*A*A* - A*AA. Required subjects: A levels: English Literature or combined English at B.
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Fees and funding
Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Scotland | £1,820 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,535 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
EU, International | £29,600 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |