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 language of many highly influential literary and cultural works.

Studying Scandinavian Studies and Classics helps us understand the contemporary world, as well as shedding light on the past. Our joint honours programme incorporates a range of option courses, giving you the blend of specialist skills and broad Intercultural Competence 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 can opt to take a Latin, Greek or a non-language pathway through Classics. You will explore the scholarship and literature of the classical world that gave rise to Western society.

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 co-operation between the Nordic and Baltic countries and Scotland.

Studying over four years enables you to choose courses, including from other disciplines, that match your own interests, expertise and employability needs.