MA English Literature and Classics
About this course
MA (Hons) in English Literature and Classics, a joint honours degree in English Literature and Classics and English Literature and Classics. The first year covers the foundations through poetry, drama, prose and the history and culture of the Greek and Roman worlds. The second year builds on this with ancient history, classical art and archaeology and classical literature in translation.
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 A*AA (required: English Literature or combined English at B) IB: from 39 points with 666 at HL to 36 points with 665 at HL
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 28%: 43 offers from 156 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 10 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 55%
- Assessment and feedback: 48%
- Academic support: 85%
- Organisation and management: 73%
- Learning resources: 82%
- Student voice: 69%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 28 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 11%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 7%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 60%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 30%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 50 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 10%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 45%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 5%
- Wales: 5%
- Scotland: 30%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- No formal qualifications: 5%
Modules
- poetry
- drama
- prose
- the history and culture of the Greek and Roman worlds
- or, ancient Greek language
- or, Latin language
- Celtic and Scottish ethnology
- business, economics and informatics
- politics, social policy, social anthropology and international relations
- art and architectural history
- history, classics and archaeology
- linguistics and English language
- philosophy, divinity and law
- ancient history
- classical art and archaeology
- classical literature in translation
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA English Literature and Classics at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £26,000 after 3 years, £32,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,000 and £43,000. The £32,000 median after five years is £4,000 more than the UK median for Literature in English.
What do graduates of MA English Literature and Classics at University of Edinburgh do next?
81% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA English Literature and Classics at University of Edinburgh?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA English Literature and Classics at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 39 points in the IB. The average entrant had 176 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for MA English Literature and Classics at University of Edinburgh?
28% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 43 offers from 156 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does MA English Literature and Classics 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 Literature and Classics at University of Edinburgh?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.