Scandinavian Studies and Politics MA (Hons)

The languages, history, politics and culture of Denmark, Norway and Sweden have long had a considerable impact beyond the Nordic region.<br/><br/>Today, Scandinavian languages and cultures continue to expand in popularity, and the socio-economic concept of the Nordic Model is widely studied. This makes Scandinavian Studies and Politics a great joint honours combination.<br/><br/><strong>Scandinavian Studies</strong><br/><br/>On our programme, you have the opportunity to develop advanced spoken and written language skills in modern Danish, Norwegian or Swedish while exploring Scandinavian culture, past and present.<br/><br/>You do not currently need to know a Scandinavian language, as courses are available for beginners. By Year 3, you will have the skills to spend the year abroad in Denmark, Norway or Sweden.<br/><br/>While you will specialise in one Scandinavian language, you will also develop an understanding of the other two we teach to degree level. In Year 2, for example, you can choose to explore the similarities and differences between Danish, Swedish and Norwegian.<br/><br/><strong>Politics</strong><br/><br/>Politics studies the theory and practice of how societies are governed:<br/><br/><br/>* How do our political institutions create collective rules?<br/><br/><br/>* Who has the power to make collective rules?<br/><br/><br/>* What are the consequences of political decisions?<br/><br/><br/>* What is the nature of a just society, and how do we get there?<br/><br/><br/>Drawing on the expertise of leading academics and researchers in the field, you will explore the origins and present-day contexts of societal conflicts about power, participation, and resources. You will not only study the processes of governance at the local, national, and international levels, but also the morality of political action, and the limits of freedom and justice.<br/><br/><strong>Why Edinburgh</strong><br/><br/>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 also the proud home of the Northern Scholars Scheme which fosters cooperation between the Nordic and Baltic countries and Scotland.<br/><br/>As well as being distinctive in our subject offering, we are unique in Scotland in integrating a full academic year abroad into the four-year honours programme, regardless of whether you spend the year studying or working.<br/><br/>Our flexible programme incorporates a range of option courses, giving you the blend of specialist skills and broad intercultural awareness valued by graduate employers around the globe.<br/><br/><strong>How long it takes to complete this degree programme</strong><br/><br/>This programme is studied over 4 years, including a year abroad. 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. This may enable you to change the focus of your programme.<br/><br/>Your final two years will be your honours years. You will spend Year 3 abroad, gaining a lived experience of Scandinavian cultures. Year 4 will be tailored to your interests in specific topics or approaches to Scandinavian Studies and Politics.<br/><br/><strong>Programme benefits</strong><br/><br/><br/>* Take the only programme of its kind in Scotland.<br/><br/><br/>* Study over four years, including one abroad.<br/><br/><br/>* Become fluent in a language.<br/><br/><br/>* Try out different subjects in your first two years.<br/><br/><br/>* Join societies related to what youre studying.<br/><br/><br/>* Delve into fantastic libraries and collections.<br/>