Scandinavian Studies and Philosophy

Philosophy has been at the core of Western intellectual life for at least 2,500 years. Studying Scandinavian Studies and Philosophy helps you understand the contemporary world, as well as shedding light on the past.

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, 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 develop 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.

Philosophy

Studying philosophy allows you to think about some of the great philosophical questions in a clear, disciplined and systematic manner.

Philosophy:

* introduces you to the thinking of some of the great philosophers of the past and present

* illuminates the connections between diverse areas of human experience

* makes you more aware of the assumptions that form the basis of your beliefs

Why Edinburgh

As a world-leading historic, festival and capital city, Edinburgh is the ideal place to study a language in its cultural context. Philosophy has been taught at the University since its foundation in 1583 and we are 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 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.

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.