Scottish Literature and Classics

Many of the basic concepts underlying Western society found expression for the first time in ancient Greek or Latin. Together with English and Scots, they are the languages of many highly influential literary works.

Our joint honours programme explores the cultural contexts of Scottish Literature from the late Middle Ages to the present, and the highly influential scholarship and literature of the classical world.

Studying a combination of literature and classics helps us understand the world in which we live now, as well as shedding light on the past. It shows an openness to ideas and perspectives other than our own, an essential attribute in many careers and a global marketplace.

Scottish Literature

Our programme aims to develop your critical, analytic, linguistic and creative skills by engaging with a broad range of texts and a variety of approaches to reading.

After an introduction to the essential skills needed for critical close reading, you will specialise in Scottish Literature as you move through the literary side of your studies.

You will explore the cultural contexts of all major periods of Scottish literature from the late Middle Ages to the present.

In your honours years, you will select courses on the basis of your own interests in specific topics, periods or genres of Scottish Literature.

Classics

Classics will introduce you to the history, cultures, languages, and literatures of some of the world's most important civilisations.

You can choose to take a Greek, Latin or non-language pathway through this side of the programme.

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. Our Writers-in-Residence have included:

* Jenni Fagan

* Liz Lochhead

* Sorley Maclean

* Norman MacCaig

* Michael Pedersen

* Alan Warner

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

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