Scandinavian Studies and History

The languages, history, politics and culture of the Scandinavian countries have long had a considerable impact beyond the Nordic region.

Studying Scandinavian Studies and History helps us understand the contemporary world, and also sheds light on the past.

On our flexible joint honours programme, you have the opportunity to develop advanced spoken and written language skills in Danish, Norwegian or Swedish while exploring Scandinavian culture and diverse historical periods and themes.

No prior knowledge needed

You do not currently need to know a Scandinavian language, as Year 1 courses are available for beginners.

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

By Year 3, you will have the skills to spend the year abroad in Scandinavia.

Year 4 gives you the opportunity to gain advanced skills in translation and to write different types of texts in your chosen language.

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.

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

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.

History at Edinburgh is distinctive for its range of historical themes, chronological periods and geographical areas. You can choose from courses covering:

• the early Middle Ages to the most recent past

• Britain and Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas

Further, our courses offer a rich variety of approaches to the past, including:

• political history

• cultural history

• social history

• economic history

• intellectual history

• gender history

• global and transnational history

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 History.

Programme benefits

• Take the only programme of its kind in Scotland.

• Study over four years, including one abroad.

• Become fluent in a language.

• Try out different subjects in your first two years.

• Join societies related to what you're studying.

• Delve into fantastic libraries and collections.