Scandinavian Studies and Social Policy

The languages, politics and culture of Denmark, Norway and Sweden have long had a considerable impact beyond the Nordic region.

Today, Scandinavian languages and cultures continue to expand in popularity, and the socio-economic concept of the Nordic Model is widely studied.

Scandinavian Studies and Social Policy make an excellent joint honours choice by combining the study of:

• a modern language in its cultural, social and political context

• the distribution of welfare and wellbeing within societies, and the policies which influence that distribution

• option courses from a wide range of disciplines

Our flexible programme incorporates a range of option courses, giving you the blend of specialist skills and broad cultural education valued by graduate employers around the globe.

Scandinavian Studies

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

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, as courses are available for beginners. 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 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.

Additionally, we are 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.

Social Policy

You will focus on social and economic change, what causes it, and its consequences for society.

Our programme reflects how policies are developed; for example, you will learn about the policy-making process in the UK. You will also study the influence of international bodies such as the European Union (EU) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

We deal with a wide array of policy areas, for example:

• health and welfare

• education and labour markets

• family and childhood

We work closely with:

• governments

• NGOs

• third sector and interest representation groups

• international organisations and other external actors

International comparative analyses are one of our main strengths, and we place a strong emphasis on providing our students with empirical research skills.

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 both of your subjects. In addition to studying core courses, you will broaden your education and skill set by choosing option courses from a range of subjects and 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 abroad in either Denmark, Norway or Sweden. Year 4 will be tailored to your interests in specific topics in or approaches to Scandinavian Studies and Social Policy.

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 are studying.

• Delve into fantastic libraries and collections.