MA Scottish Literature
About this course
MA in Scottish Literature, an English Literature and Politics and International Relations degree exploring poetry, drama, fiction, and prose from the fourteenth century to the contemporary period. Core topics include Research Methods. The department houses a dedicated academic unit and the Centre for Robert Burns Studies. The first year introduces the discipline through Scottish Literature 1A: The Fantastic and the Real and Scottish Literature 1B: Stories We Tell Ourselves. The second year continues with Scottish Literature 2A: Early Scottish Literature & Language and Scottish Literature 2B: Early Scottish Literature & Language. The later years offer extensive choices allowing students to focus on specific historical periods, genres, and critical approaches. Representative options include Modern Scottish Poetry, Contemporary Scottish Literature, Scottish Fiction under Late Capitalism, and Robert Burns. Students conclude their studies by completing either a Dissertation in Scottish Literature or an Applied Dissertation with Placement 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: ABB or BBB (Additional requirements: A-level English or another Humanities subject.) IB: 34 (6,5,5) (Additional requirements: English HL6 or Humanities HL6 with English SL6.) Scottish Higher: BBBB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5 Typically offers will be made at AAAAB by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher Additional requirements: Higher English and a Higher Humanities subject at AA. (AB or BA may be considered). Scottish Higher (widening access): MD20 : BBBB (also other target groups*) MD40 : AABB* Additional requirements: Higher English and a Higher Humanities subject. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.
See the highest paying Social Sciences degrees in the UK →
See the highest paying Languages & English degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 84 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 97%
- Learning opportunities: 86%
- Assessment and feedback: 83%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 80%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 87%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 215 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 92%
- Left higher education: 8%
What graduates do next
Based on about 30 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 62%
- Working and studying: 17%
- Further study: 12%
- Unemployed: 6%
Most common jobs
- Administrative occupations: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 10%
- Media Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 60%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 150 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 1%
- London: 20%
- South East: 2%
- South West: 1%
- Scotland: 70%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 210 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 85%
- Baccalaureate: 2%
- Access course: 9%
- Other HE qualification: 2%
- Other qualifications: 2%
Modules
- Scottish Literature 1A: The Fantastic and the Real
- Scottish Literature 1B: Stories We Tell Ourselves
- Scottish Literature 2A: Early Scottish Literature & Language
- Scottish Literature 2B: Early Scottish Literature & Language
- Dissertation in Scottish Literature
- Applied Dissertation with Placement in Scottish Literature
- From the Beginnings to the Early Modern in Older Scots Literature (1375-1501)
- Memorialising Scottish Culture and Literature
- Modern Scottish Poetry
- Scottish Writers
- Scottish Fiction under Late Capitalism
- Scottish Journeys
- Scottish Literature: Theory and Criticism
- Alternative Renaissances
- Contemporary Scottish Literature
- Popular Literary Enlightenment, 1710 - 1790
- Textual Editing: Scottish Texts
- Robert Burns
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Scottish Literature at University of Glasgow earn?
The median salary is £27,000 after 15 months, £21,500 after 3 years, £29,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,500 and £35,000. The £29,000 median after five years is £5,000 less than the UK median for Politics.
What do graduates of MA Scottish Literature at University of Glasgow do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Scottish Literature at University of Glasgow?
97% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Scottish Literature at University of Glasgow?
The typical offer is ABB at A level. The average entrant had 182 UCAS points.
Does MA Scottish Literature at University of Glasgow include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Scottish Literature at University of Glasgow?
92% of students continued into their second year, and 8% left higher education.