
English Literature and History MA (Hons)
Course Overview - English Literature and History MA (Hons)
Through the critical reading of texts of all kinds, our joint honours programme in English Literature and History helps you understand todays world while shedding light on the past.
English Literature
Our 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 will explore the cultural contexts of writing in English from all over the world, from the late Middle Ages to the present.
History
History...
Through the critical reading of texts of all kinds, our joint honours programme in English Literature and History helps you understand todays world while shedding light on the past.<br/><br/><strong>English Literature</strong><br/><br/>Our 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.<br/><br/>You will explore the cultural contexts of writing in English from all over the world, from the late Middle Ages to the present.<br/><br/><strong>History</strong><br/><br/>History at Edinburgh is distinctive for its range of historical themes, chronological periods and geographical areas. You can choose from courses covering:<br/><br/><br/>* the early Middle Ages to the most recent past<br/><br/><br/>* Britain and Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas<br/><br/><br/>Further, our courses offer a rich variety of approaches to the past, including:<br/><br/><br/>* political history<br/><br/><br/>* cultural history<br/><br/><br/>* social history<br/><br/><br/>* economic history<br/><br/><br/>* intellectual history<br/><br/><br/>* gender history<br/><br/><br/>* global and transnational history<br/><br/><br/><strong>Why Edinburgh</strong><br/><br/>The historic city of Edinburgh is the first UNESCO World City of Literature. For centuries, it has been the home and muse of many great writers.<br/><br/>History has been taught at the University of Edinburgh since its foundation in 1583. We are the oldest department of English Literature in the UK, and one of the longest-established in the world.<br/><br/>From the Universitys Special Collections to the National Library of Scotland, the citys resources for studying literature and history are exceptional.<br/><br/>Our programme 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>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 your subjects. In addition to studying core courses, you will broaden your education and skill set by choosing option courses from a range of subjects and 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 Literature and History.<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 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
QVH1
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 |