MA Scandinavian Studies and History
About this course
MA (Hons) in Scandinavian Studies and History, a German and History degree exploring the history, politics and culture of Scandinavian countries. The programme includes a compulsory year abroad spent studying or working in Scandinavia. First-year courses are available for absolute beginners. The first year introduces foundational historical periods alongside optional subjects ranging from linguistics to politics. Year two offers courses such as Cultural Responses to War and Crime and Detection in Literature. The third year consists of a full academic year abroad through study or work placements in one or two destinations. The final year focuses on advanced language competencies, including spoken Danish, Norwegian or Swedish, translation into English, and specialized writing tasks.
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: ABB (required: no specific A level subjects required) IB: 34 points with 655 at HL
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What students say
Based on about 144 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 73%
- Assessment and feedback: 69%
- Academic support: 85%
- Organisation and management: 74%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 59%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 265 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 93%
- Left higher education: 5%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 2%
What graduates do next
Based on about 6 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 20%
- Unemployed: 10%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 305 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 4%
- London: 36%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 3%
- Scotland: 38%
Who gets in
Based on about 285 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 82%
- Baccalaureate: 7%
- Access course: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 2%
- No formal qualifications: 7%
Modules
- a wide-ranging core course focused on key skills and habits, and showcasing the variety of topics available at Edinburgh, including in modern history
- one of two courses, covering either: the medieval period the early modern period
- the medieval period
- the early modern period
- linguistics and language sciences
- Celtic and Scottish ethnology
- business, economics and informatics
- politics, social policy, social anthropology and international relations
- art and architectural history
- history, classics and archaeology
- philosophy, divinity and law
- Cultural Responses to War
- Migration, Exile, Diaspora
- Crime and Detection in Literature
- Gender and Culture
- The Coming-of-Age Narrative
- Introduction to European Cinema
- Dynamics of Language and Power
- Languages Beyond University
- study in one or two destinations
- work in one or two destinations
- study in one destination and work in another
- two semesters at a single institution
- one semester at two different institutions (in different destinations)
- Student Wellbeing Service
- Student Counselling
- Student Disability and Learning Support
- University emergency helpline (available 24 hours a day)
- spoken Danish, Norwegian or Swedish
- essay, commentary and summary writing in your Scandinavian language
- translation from your Scandinavian language into English
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Scandinavian Studies and History at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 3 years, £34,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £45,000. The £34,500 median after five years is £2,000 more than the UK median for German and Scandinavian studies.
What do graduates of MA Scandinavian Studies and History at University of Edinburgh do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Scandinavian Studies and History at University of Edinburgh?
90% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Scandinavian Studies and History at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 188 UCAS points.
Does MA Scandinavian Studies and History at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Scandinavian Studies and History at University of Edinburgh?
93% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.