Scottish Ethnology and English Literature

This innovative joint honours programme combines two related yet distinct approaches to the study of human cultural expression, past and present.

Based in the first UNESCO World City of Literature, it is the only full undergraduate programme of its kind in the UK.

A highlight of the programme is the chance to work with the rich range of materials in the School of Scottish Studies Archives. These include thousands of recordings in Scots, Gaelic, English, and dialects now extinct.

As well as our fantastic teaching staff, you will benefit from the expertise of our Traditional Artist in Residence and two Writers in Residence - one in Gaelic, and one in English Literature.

On this programme, you will gain the practical and intellectual skills to handle and interpret traditional resources, modern media and digital data.

Combining literature with ethnology shows an openness to ideas and perspectives other than your own, an essential attribute in many careers and a global marketplace.

Scottish Ethnology

Ethnology is the study of the culture and traditions of developed societies. It is sometimes described as being at the intersection where history and anthropology meet.

Focusing on Scotland, but also looking at comparative material from elsewhere, you will study the varying ways in which a modern European nation expresses itself culturally.

The programme explores questions like:

• How do customs, beliefs, social organisation, language, music and song help to create and shape identity in the modern world?

• How do we use and make sense of the past from within our present?

• How can this understanding help us to shape our future?

English Literature

Edinburgh is a remarkable place to study, write, publish, discuss and perform prose, poetry and drama. From the University's Special Collections to the National Library of Scotland, the city's resources for studying literature are exceptional.

We are the oldest department of English and Scottish Literature in the UK, one of the longest-established in the world. Study with us, and you will gain the skills needed for the critical close reading of poetry, drama and prose.

In Years 1 and 2, in addition to building your close reading skills, you will explore the cultural contexts of writing in English from the late Middle Ages to the present.

In Years 3 and 4, you will select courses on the basis of your own interests in specific topics, periods or genres of literary study.

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme is studied over 4 years. 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 gives you the chance to build your intercultural awareness in other areas of the arts, humanities, social sciences and beyond.

Your final two years will be your honours years. They will be tailored to your interests in specific topics, periods, genres, or approaches to Scottish Ethnology and English Literature.

Programme benefits

• Take the only programme of its kind in the world.

• Learn in the heart of Scotland's capital city - a UNESCO World City of Literature.

• Be inspired by traditional musicians, composers and storytellers.

• Delve into fantastic libraries, archives and collections.

• Try out different subjects in your first two years.

• Try your hand at creative writing and publishing.