English Literature and Classics MA (Hons)

Many of the basic concepts underlying Western society found expression for the first time in ancient Greek or Latin, and - together with English and Scots - they are the language of many highly influential literary works. Studying Scottish Literature and Classics helps us understand the world in which we live now, as well as shedding light on the past, and prepares you to contribute to a society in which an understanding of texts of all kinds is crucially important. This 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 all major periods of Scottish literature from the late Middle Ages to the present, and the highly influential scholarship and literature of the classical world. You can opt to take a Greek, Latin or non-language pathway through Classics study. In your honours years (Years 3 and 4), you will study research-led courses selected on the basis of your own interests in both Scottish Literature and Classics, developing a detailed knowledge of a topic or set of texts within each period. We are the oldest department of English Literature in the UK, one of the longest established in the world. Edinburgh is the first UNESCO World City of Literature, a fantastic literary city which many greats of Scottish literature have called home.