Scottish literature is the study of the poetry, drama, fiction and prose of Scotland, in English and Scots, from its beginnings in the 14th century to the most contemporary work.

Programme structure

Scottish literature is one of the oldest vernacular literatures in Europe, predominantly written in Scots and English.

There is some work in Latin and contemporary community languages as well.

Year 1

Initially you will be introduced to the rise of the great tradition of Scottish fiction, looking at work by Scott, Hogg and Galt down to Gibbon, Gunn and the moderns like Spark, Kelman and Galloway. Among the poets you study are MacDiarmid, Muir, MacCaig, Morgan and Lochhead. Twentieth-century drama is also covered.

You will also study two other subjects of your choice in year 1: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Year 2

The following year you will explore older Scottish literature and language, including the great medieval Makars (poets), Dunbar and Henryson, and the great morality play Ane Satyre of the Thrie Estaitis. Eighteenth-century writing, including Ramsay, Smollett and Burns, is also an important part of the programme.

You will also study two other subjects in year 2: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Years 3 and 4

If you do well in first and second years, you may progress to two further years of study for an Honours degree (years 3 and 4).

You will explore in depth new theoretical approaches to Scottish literature, and study widely in different periods and aspects, from Medieval Scottish literature through the work of Burns and Scott, to the contemporary scene.

The topics offered to students at Honours level include history of Scots (language), history of the Scottish book (language) from beginnings to early modern (pre-1700), Augustans and Romantics, Victorian literature and the 1920s Literary Renaissance, contemporary Scottish literature, Modern Scottish poetry, and beginnings to early modern.

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Career prospects

Academic entry requirements
for entry in 2014

MA

Highers: AAAA or AAABB (including English and a humanities subject or a language (including Gaelic) at grades A/B or B/A) in first sitting = unconditional offer.

Applicants who achieved AAAB or AABBB (including English and a humanities subject or a language (including Gaelic) at grades A/B or B/A) at their first sitting WILL receive an offer from the University. This offer may be conditional (on second sitting results) or unconditional, depending on how many applications are received from students who have attained these grades.

Additional offers, either conditional or unconditional, MAY be made to applicants who achieved AABB or ABBB at their first sitting. A decision re these applications will be made in March 2014 once all applications have been reviewed.

A-levels: AAB.

IB: A minimum of 34 points is required to be considered for an offer. Actual offers will specify subjects and grades to be attained at Higher Level.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

For further information about English language, please contact the Language Centre.

Tuition fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details. If you’re from outside the EU, please see International students for more information.

Scholarships

We offer a wide range of scholarships to our undergraduates, including both home/EU and international students. The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That’s why we’ve invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding over the last year.
 
For a full list of scholarships including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please see:

• Scholarships