MA English and Scottish Literature
About this course
MA in English and Scottish Literature, an undergraduate degree focusing on the study of classic and modern literary works, poetry, and drama from various historical periods. Core topics include Research Methods and Communication & Writing. Students can optionally complete a year abroad during their studies. The first year introduces foundational texts and critical theory through modules such as Acts of Reading, Controversial Classics, and Rethinking Reading. The second year explores drama and broader cultural themes with modules like Encounters with Shakespeare, alongside optional choices including The Tragedy of Knowledge and Power, Empire and Equality. In the third year, students examine specialised topics ranging from medieval and Renaissance literature to modernism and Scottish writing, with compulsory study in Haunted Texts and optional modules such as Knights, Virgins and Viragos: Chaucer and Medieval Writing and Modernism: Make IT New. The final year centres on an independent research project through the compulsory module Dissertation in Scottish Literature.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBC IB: 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL. SL in English is also required. SQA Highers: BBBB. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DMM in related subjects. Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B.) GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C/4 is also required for Accountancy, Economics and Finance programmes. Irish Leaving Certificate: Five subjects at Higher at H3.
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What students say
Based on about 32 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 99%
- Organisation and management: 86%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 81%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 50 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 17 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Teaching Professionals: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Customer service occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 50%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 65 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 6%
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- London: 6%
- South East: 4%
- South West: 1%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 75%
Who gets in
Based on about 65 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 92%
- A degree: 4%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Modules
- Academic Writing for Language & Literature
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Acts of Reading
- Controversial Classics
- Rethinking Reading
- Encounters with Shakespeare
- The Tragedy of Knowledge
- Power, Empire and Equality
- Haunted Texts (EL35KN)
- Page and Stage: Renaissance Writings 1500 - 1640 (EL30CP)
- Knights, Virgins and Viragos: Chaucer and Medieval Writing (EL35DQ)
- Modernism: Make IT New (EL30FF)
- American Voices: Self and Society, 1850 - 1930 (EL30RD)
- Sympathy for the Devil: Scottish Short Stories (EL30QA)
- Britain and the Nineteenth - Century World (EL35SB)
- Romanticism (EL30XR)
- Fallen Women and Self - Made Men (EL35VC)
- Art and Atrocity: Representations of Violence and Trauma (EL35UT)
- Creative Writing: Creativity and Craft (EL35YB)
- Landscapes of Film and Literature (FS35ZB)
- Landmarks of Modern Austrian Literature
- Playful Fictions: Cervantes, Borges, Cortazar
- Dissertation in Scottish Literature
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA English and Scottish Literature at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £20,500 after 3 years, £27,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,000 and £34,000. The £27,500 median after five years is £1,500 less than the UK median for English studies.
What do graduates of MA English and Scottish Literature at University of Aberdeen do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA English and Scottish Literature at University of Aberdeen?
91% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA English and Scottish Literature at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 162 UCAS points.
Does MA English and Scottish Literature at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA English and Scottish Literature at University of Aberdeen?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.