
Scottish Literature and History MA (Hons)
Course Overview - Scottish Literature and History MA (Hons)
Through the critical reading of texts of all kinds, our joint honours programme in Scottish Literature and History helps you understand todays world while shedding light on the past.
Studying a combination of literature and history shows an openness to ideas and perspectives other than your own, an essential attribute in many careers and a global marketplace.
Scottish 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 readin...
Through the critical reading of texts of all kinds, our joint honours programme in Scottish Literature and History helps you understand todays world while shedding light on the past.<br/><br/>Studying a combination of literature and history shows an openness to ideas and perspectives other than your own, an essential attribute in many careers and a global marketplace.<br/><br/><strong>Scottish 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/>After an introduction to the essential skills needed for critical close reading, you will specialise in Scottish Literature as you move through the literary side of your studies.<br/><br/>You will explore the cultural contexts of all major periods of Scottish literature from the late Middle Ages to the present.<br/><br/>In your honours years, you will select courses on the basis of your own interests, choosing from a wide range of options in different topics, periods and genres.<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/>Edinburgh is the first UNESCO World City of Literature. For centuries, it has been the home and muse of many great writers. From the Universitys Special Collections to the National Library of Scotland, the citys resources for studying literature and history are exceptional.<br/><br/>We are the oldest department of English and Scottish Literature in the UK, and one of the longest-established in the world. Our Writers in Residence have included some of Scottish literatures most significant contemporary authors.<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 Scottish 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 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
QVJ1
Institution Code
E56
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
A,B,B,B
ABBB by end of S5 or AABB/ABBBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: English at B.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
34
34 points with 655 at HL. Required subjects: HL: English at 5.
A level
A,B,B
ABB. 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 |