Content

In a world overflowing with text – from blogs and emails to novels and plays – the study of literature and language has never been more relevant and important.

Year 1: an introduction to literature including novels and other fiction, non-fiction, written and spoken poetry, and drama and screenplay, from the perspective both of the writer and the reader.

Year 2: core classes teach critical and creative writing through fiction, poetry, drama, and film, looking at texts from the past with critical tools from the present. Optional classes on The Construction of Scotland and Making the Modern Human.

Year 3: you have the opportunity to study abroad in Europe or North America; or continue your studies at Strathclyde with the option to take classes covering a range of areas, which might include Renaissance drama, Victorian literature, 20th century and contemporary literature, the American novel, theories of the body, working-class literature and culture, and language in business. In addition, you can take a creative writing class focused on either writing short fiction and poetry, or dramatic writing. You also have the opportunity to develop your CV by undertaking a work placement in an area linked to your studies, such as publishing, teaching, or media.

Year 4: single Honours students take five options and the dissertation in English. Joint Honours students either take two options and the dissertation in English, or write their dissertation in their other subject and take three English options. Options currently include Victorian Gothic, Contemporary Travel Writing, British Children’s Literature, Literature Mind and Brain, Wild in the Renaissance, Sixties Britain, Songs, Music and Literature, and 21st Century Science Fiction.

Entry Requirements

2026 entry requirements

Standard entry:
4 Highers at AAAA (first sitting) or 5 Highers at AAAAB (two sittings) including English plus Maths or Applications of Maths at National 5.

Widening access entry:
4 Highers at AABB (first sitting) or 5 Highers at AABBB (two sittings) including English plus Maths or Applications of Maths at National 5.

A Foundation Apprenticeship is accepted in place of a non-essential Higher.