
Scottish Studies MA (Hons)
Course Overview - Scottish Studies MA (Hons)
As Scotlands capital city and seat of the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh is the ideal place for Scottish Studies.
On this interdisciplinary programme, you will explore what we can learn from Scotlands past and present, and how we can help shape its future.
Based within the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, you will discover how literature, music and the visual arts have helped to shape Scottish identity. Ethnographical courses will explore heritage, the creative arts and cultural expression.
You will also consider the complex relationship betw...
As Scotlands capital city and seat of the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh is the ideal place for Scottish Studies.<br/><br/>On this interdisciplinary programme, you will explore what we can learn from Scotlands past and present, and how we can help shape its future.<br/><br/>Based within the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, you will discover how literature, music and the visual arts have helped to shape Scottish identity. Ethnographical courses will explore heritage, the creative arts and cultural expression.<br/><br/>You will also consider the complex relationship between culture and politics, as you draw parallels with other countries. This takes advantage of the University of Edinburghs excellent links with Scotlands key political, cultural and historical institutions.<br/><br/>You can tailor your degree by choosing courses from a wide range of disciplines across the University that share a common interest in the study of Scotland. For example, you can opt to study aspects of:<br/><br/><br/>* Celtic civilisation and Scottish Gaelic<br/><br/><br/>* history and archaeology<br/><br/><br/>* politics and sociology<br/><br/><br/>Whichever combination of courses you choose, you will apply arts, humanities and social sciences approaches in your learning.<br/><br/>You will benefit from a close community of learners and teachers who are immersed in Scottish culture beyond the classroom.<br/><br/>A highlight of the programme is the chance to work with the rich range of materials in the School of Scottish Studies Archives. These materials include thousands of hours of recordings of songs, music, stories, rhyme and verse in Scots, Gaelic and English, as well as in dialects now extinct.<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. You will take courses on conceptualising, creating and visualising Scotland, and be introduced to the study of oral material from our archives.<br/><br/>In addition to your core courses, you will broaden your education and skill set by choosing option courses from a range of disciplines. This gives you the chance to study different aspects of Scotland, or other countries political systems, histories, languages and cultures.<br/><br/>Your final two years will be your honours years. They will be tailored to your interests in specific topics or approaches to Scottish Studies. Towards the end of your programme, you will complete a dissertation.<br/><br/><strong>Programme benefits</strong><br/><br/><br/>* Learn in the heart of Scotlands capital city.<br/><br/><br/>* Take a truly interdisciplinary approach to the study of the nation.<br/><br/><br/>* Study over four years, giving you choice and flexibility.<br/><br/><br/>* Delve into fantastic libraries, archives and collections.<br/><br/><br/>* Join societies related to what you are studying.<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
Q501
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: no specific Higher subjects required. National 5s: English at C.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
34
34 points with 655 at HL. Required subjects: HL: no specific subjects required. SL: English at 5.
A level
A,B,B
ABB. Required subjects: A levels: no specific A level subjects required. GCSEs: English at C or 4.
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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 |