Viking and Medieval Nordic Studies

Examine the history, culture and society of Viking and Medieval Scandinavia at one of Scotland’s ancient Universities. Explore medieval Nordic texts and artefacts and Old Norse-Icelandic language with internationally renowned academics in their areas of expertise and research.

Our postgraduate degree offers a broad and interdisciplinary overview of early Scandinavian Studies while allowing you to specialise in themes and topics of interest. Acquire an understanding of the Old Norse-Icelandic language, literature, myths, history, and society of early Scandinavia, using primary sources in the original language and English translation.

Aberdeen is one of the few places in the UK to have a specialist Centre for early Scandinavian Studies, giving you the unique opportunity to interact with our dynamic postgraduate community and experts in the field while receiving specialist training and research skills development. There are opportunities to contribute to various projects within the Centre for Scandinavian Studies, including our online journal, Apardjón, named after the Old Norse word for Aberdeen.

You are taught in small-group classes, giving you the space to participate in group discussions and receive guidance from our experts in the field. Our students study in beautiful Old Aberdeen, benefitting from a vibrant campus experience and charming green spaces, with easy access to our compact and student-friendly city centre.

We deliver a stimulating programme of events, including research seminars with talks from external speakers, postgraduate workshops, field trips to Scandinavian sites and archives, and student symposia.

Our master’s degree provides scope to advance into different career paths. Acquire transferable skills in critical thinking, teamwork, oral and written communication, problem-solving, and project management to boost your employability. Many of our MLitt graduates have progressed on to study for a PhD. Others have gone into careers in education, the creative industry, museums and heritage sector, education, media, and communication.