Venues

Central Campus

Content

The languages, history, politics and culture of Denmark, Norway and Sweden have long had a considerable impact beyond the Nordic region.

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.

Year 1:
You will take an intensive beginners' language course in either Danish, Norwegian or Swedish. You will develop your spoken and written language skills, and study aspects of literature and culture. You will study three compulsory courses in Politics - Politics and International Relations 1A - Concepts and Debates, Politics and International Relations 1B - The Global Dimension and Political Thinkers (an introduction to political theory).

Year 2:
You will continue with Danish Language 2, Norwegian Language 2 or Swedish Language 2, building on your linguistic knowledge from Year 1. You will study Comparative Politics in a Globalised World.

Year 3:
You will spend Year 3 in either Denmark, Norway or Sweden. This is when you will really deepen your knowledge of your chosen Scandinavian language by speaking it daily and immersing yourself in local cultures.

Year 4:
You will take advanced language classes in commentary and summary writing, in translation between the Scandinavian languages and English, and in spoken Danish or Norwegian or Swedish. In addition to these core courses, you will also choose from a wide range of specialist, honours-level courses in both Scandinavian Studies and Politics.

You will also normally complete a dissertation or a long essay on a topic proposed by yourself in consultation with your supervisor.

Entry Requirements

2026 entry requirements

Standard entry:
4 Highers at ABBB (first sitting) or 4 or 5 Highers at AABB/ABBBB (two sittings) plus a language other than English at B and English at National 5.

Widening access entry:
4 Highers at ABBB (two sittings) plus a language other than English at B and English at National 5. Highers at BBB must be achieved in one sitting.