Venues

Central Campus

Content

You will specialise in the modern language of Denmark, Norway or Sweden but, whichever you choose, you will also gain an understanding of the other two we teach to degree level, and the skills to spend a year abroad in Scandinavia.

In English Literature, you will hone the essential skills needed for the critical close reading of poetry, drama and prose. You will explore the cultural contexts of writing in English from the late Middle Ages to the present.

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 take two literary studies courses concentrating on 2 genres from poetry, drama and prose.

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 be introduced to the study of English literature in its cultural and historical contexts via a survey of literature from the late Medieval period to the mid-twentieth century.

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 Scandinavian culture.

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 English Literature.

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) including English plus a language other than English at National 5 at B.

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