MA English Language and Literature
About this course
MA (Hons) in English Language and Literature, a joint honours degree in English Language and Linguistics and English Literature covering both linguistic systems and literary texts. Students study texts and cultural contexts ranging from the Middle Ages to the present day alongside the development of the English language. The first year introduces the study of language and English alongside poetry, drama, and prose. The second year focuses on linguistic theory as well as the structure and history of English. The third year offers optional modules including English Historical Syntax, Global Englishes, Stylistics, and Scots and Scottish English.
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: from A*A*A to AAA (required: English Literature or combined English at B) IB: 34 points with 655 at HL
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 34%: 62 offers from 181 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 13 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 86%
- Learning opportunities: 73%
- Assessment and feedback: 72%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 78%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 72%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 435 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 38%
- South East: 8%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 32%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 35 students who started
- A levels: 75%
- Baccalaureate: 20%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
- No formal qualifications: 5%
Modules
- Linguistics and English Language 1A offers a brief introduction to the study of language in general and of English in particular.
- Linguistics and English Language 1B will help you develop the tools and knowledge needed to investigate the different subsystems of language.
- poetry
- drama
- prose
- linguistic theory
- the structure and history of English
- English Historical Syntax
- Global Englishes
- Stylistics
- Scots and Scottish English
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA English Language and Literature at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £27,000 after 3 years, £33,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £44,000. The £33,000 median after five years is £5,000 more than the UK median for English language.
Are students happy with the teaching on MA English Language and Literature at University of Edinburgh?
86% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA English Language and Literature at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is AAA at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 182 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for MA English Language and Literature at University of Edinburgh?
34% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 62 offers from 181 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does MA English Language and Literature at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA English Language and Literature at University of Edinburgh?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.