Scandinavian Studies and Classics

Many of the basic concepts underlying Western society found expression for the first time in ancient Greek or Latin. Together with Danish, Norwegian and Swedish, they are also the languages of many highly influential literary and cultural works.

Studying Scandinavian Studies and Classics helps us understand the contemporary world, and also sheds light on the past. Our joint honours programme incorporates a range of option courses, giving you the blend of specialist skills and broad cultural knowledge valued by graduate employers around the globe.

Scandinavian Studies

Scandinavian languages and cultures are increasingly popular. The region's television, film and literature attract global critical acclaim, and the socio-economic concept of the Nordic Model is widely studied.

On our programme, you have the opportunity to develop advanced spoken and written language skills in modern Danish, Norwegian or Swedish while exploring Scandinavian culture, past and present.

You do not currently need to know a Scandinavian language. By Year 3, you will have the skills to spend the year abroad in Denmark, Norway or Sweden.

While you will specialise in one Scandinavian language, you will also develop an understanding of the other two we teach to degree level. In Year 2, for example, you can choose to study the similarities and differences between Danish, Swedish and Norwegian.

Classics

You will explore the highly influential scholarship and literature of the classical world that gave rise to Western society, opting to take a Latin, Ancient Greek or non-language pathway through Classics.

Why Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the only university in Scotland, and one of only two in the UK, to offer undergraduate honours programmes in Scandinavian Studies.

As well as being distinctive in our subject offering, we are also unique in Scotland in integrating a full academic year abroad into the four-year honours programme, regardless of whether you spend the year studying or working.

We are the proud home of the Northern Scholars Scheme which fosters cooperation between the Nordic and Baltic countries and Scotland.

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme is studied over 4 years, including a year abroad. 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.

Your first two years will be your pre-honours years. They will give you a good grounding in your subjects. In addition to your core courses, you will broaden your education and skill set by choosing option courses from a range of disciplines. This may enable you to change the focus of your programme.

Your final two years will be your honours years. You will spend Year 3 studying abroad, gaining lived experience of Scandinavian culture. Year 4 will be tailored to your interests in specific topics or approaches to Scandinavian Studies and Classics.

Programme benefits

• Take the only programme of its kind in Scotland.

• Study over four years, including one abroad.

• Become fluent in one or more languages.

• Try out different subjects in your first two years.

• Join societies related to what you're studying.

• Delve into fantastic libraries and collections.