English Literature

Edinburgh is the first UNESCO World City of Literature, a fantastic literary city which many greats of English, Scottish and world literature have called home.

On this programme, you will develop your critical, analytic, linguistic and creative skills by engaging with a broad range of texts and a variety of approaches to reading.

You will explore the cultural contexts of writing in English from the late Middle Ages to the present, and select honours courses on the basis of your own interests in specific topics, periods or genres.

Studying literature prepares you to contribute to a society in which an understanding of texts of all kinds is crucially important. It shows an openness to ideas and perspectives other than your own, an essential attribute in many careers and a global marketplace.

Why Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a remarkable place to study, write, publish, discuss and perform prose, poetry and drama.

We are the oldest department of English and Scottish Literature in the UK, one of the longest-established in the world.

From the University's Special Collections to the National Library of Scotland, the city's resources for studying literature are exceptional.

Our programme is very flexible. In Years 1 and 2, in addition to studying English Literature, you will choose option courses from a broad list of disciplines. You will then specialise as you progress through your honours years.