Scottish Literature MA
Scottish literature is the study of the poetry, drama, fiction and prose of Scotland from the 14th century to the most contemporary work.
The University hosts the only academic unit in the UK exclusively dedicated to the teaching of, and research into, Scottish literature. We are home to the Centre for Robert Burns Studies, which is engaged in the production of a new, multi-volume, scholarly edition of the works of Scotland’s national poet.
- September start
- Session dates
- Scottish Literature MA (Hons): Q201 4 year degree
- Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
- Degree options
- Study abroad available
Programme structure
Year 1
In your first year, you will study a wide range of texts from the past 250 years of Scottish literary history, showcasing Scotland’s contribution to world literature and the rich diversity of its literary tradition. The texts will range from eerie ballads, through historical epics, Gothic thrillers and radical contemporary works.
You will survey the work of many of the nation’s best-known writers within the context of key historical and cultural themes, while also delving into key genres in literary study, including novels, plays, poems and songs.
Year 2
You will explore the rich variety of Scottish literature from the medieval period until the end of the 18th century, including Scotland’s earliest play, c1550, by David Lyndsay; the great medieval 'Makars' (poets) Dunbar and Henryson; Allan Ramsay and Robert Burns from the 18th century 'Vernacular Revival'; and the early novel, as well as the ballad throughout the centuries.
You will also study other subjects in years 1 and 2: see Flexible degrees.
Years 3 and 4
If you progress to study Honours (years 3 and 4) you will explore in depth fresh approaches to Scottish literature.
You will have the opportunity to take innovative courses including our award-winning Robert Burns course, and experience special student placements in libraries, museums and other institutions as part of our Memorialising Scottish culture course. You can choose to specialise in different genres and periods from medieval literature to the contemporary scene.
Topics offered include beginnings to early modern, alternative Renaissances, popular literary enlightenment, textual editing, Scottish crime fiction, Scottish journeys, the Scottish short story, the long seventeenth century, modern Scottish poetry, Scottish fiction under late capitalism, contemporary Scottish literature and theory & criticism.
Course details
Year 1
- Scottish Literature 1A: The Fantastic and the Real
- Scottish Literature 1B: Stories We Tell Ourselves
In Year 1, you will study two courses from Scottish Literature with courses from two other subjects. See .
Scottish Literature Single Honours
If you intend to study Scottish Literature as a Single Honours degree, you will need to study Level 1 English Language and Linguistics in either Year 1 or Year 2.
Year 2
- Scottish Literature 2A: Early Scottish Literature & Language
- Scottish Literature 2B: Early Scottish Literature & Language
In Year 2, you will study two courses from Scottish Literature with courses from two other subjects. See
Scottish Literature Single Honours
If you intend to study Scottish Literature as a Single Honours degree, you will need to study Level 1 English Language and Linguistics in either Year 1 or Year 2.
Years 3 and 4
You will take courses making up 120 credits each year in years 3 and 4 in Single Honours Scottish Literature. For Joint Honours, you will take 60 credits in Scottish Literature each year, alongside 60 credits from your other degree subject. See Flexible degrees.
Example courses
These are examples of courses you may study in Years 3 and 4. Courses may not run every academic year due to staff research interests, student interest, timetabling etc.
- 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
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional
circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information,
please see: Student contract.
Our international links
You can spend up to a year of your degree studying abroad, normally in your third year. Glasgow is partnered with many universities in Europe; Scottish Literature students have recently studied in Canada (Vancouver and Toronto), Australia & New Zealand, Germany, Switzerland (Lausanne), and South-East Asia (Singapore), and we have an exchange agreement with Mainz (Germany). See Study abroad.
Entry requirements
for entry in 2027
Admissions guidance
English language
For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
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Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
Tests taken up to 20 January 2026
- 90 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Tests taken from 21 January 2026
- 92 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 22; Listening 20; Speaking 23; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford ELLT
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
LanguageCert Academic SELT
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Trinity College Tests
- Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
School Qualifications
- IGCSE English First Language, grade C
- IGCSE English Second Language, grade A
- A Level English, grade C
- International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
- International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
- SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
- SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
International School Qualifications
- Brunei: O-Level English Language 1120 grade B and above
- Denmark: Studentereksamen English at 7
- European Baccalaureate: English as Language 1 pass, if taken as Language 2 grade 7, if taken as Language 3 grade 7.5
- Finland: Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen English grade C or 4
- France: International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) / Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) grade 12
- Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone: West African Examination Council (WAEC) / Senior Secondary School Certificate English grade C6
- Germany: German Abitur English Grade 11
- Hong Kong: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
- India: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) / All India School Certificate (ISC) English at 80%
- Kenya: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) English grade B
- Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) grade 7
- Norway: Vitnemal English grade 4 or above
- Singapore: Cambridge International O Level English Language (1128 Singapore only) at Grace C; Singapore Integrated Programme Secondary 4 English Language at grade B
- South Africa: National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Independent Exam Board (IEB) Grade 4 (English as Home Language) OR Grade 4 (English as First Additional Language)
- Sweden: Avgangsbetyg / Fullständigt Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan English grade VG
- Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at English at Ordinary Level grade C
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Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
- Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
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Pre-sessional courses
We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:
- English for Academic Study: Pre-sessional courses
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- St Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
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FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact External Relations
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
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.
Further information about English language: English for Academic Study
Careers and future opportunities
Graduate destinations
The following are examples of roles that graduates are in 15 months after completing their programme:
- Teacher
- Associate Bid Writer
- Recruitment Officer
- Library Assistant
- Lifelong Learning Library Advisor
- Marketing & Events Officer
- Assistant Editor
- Digital Content Marketing Specialist
- Publicity Assistant
- Junior Project Manager.
Example job titles are taken from responses received through the HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. Graduates surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Job prospects
Graduate Outcomes data shows that:
- 93.3% of students are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating
- 75.4% of those in work are in graduate-level employment
- The average professional salary after 15 months is £29,161.
This university-level data is from HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. It relates to graduates who completed their programme in 2023–24 and were surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Skills development
As well as building subject specific knowledge and skills throughout your degree, you’ll also develop transferable skills by:
- Analysing Scottish poetry, prose and drama across six centuries, applying critical and theoretical frameworks with precision.
- Evaluating literary movements, historical contexts and cultural shifts shaping Scottish writing.
- Communicating sophisticated arguments clearly in writing and discussion, using appropriate critical vocabulary.
- Interpreting key Scottish authors and texts in depth, discussing their themes, forms and cultural significance.
- Researching independently, producing extended critical writing that demonstrates originality and evidence‑based reasoning.
Careers & employability support
Our Careers, Employability & Opportunity team are here to support you at every stage of your career journey. They’ll provide you with opportunities to explore your options, connect with employers in the UK and abroad, build your confidence and develop in demand skills.
You’ll have access to a wide range of support and resources that are designed to help you plan and prepare for your future including: masterclasses, 1:1 career coaching, a dedicated jobs board, employer events and much more.
Isabella Linton, Policy Assistant, School of Critical Studies, 2025
My degree helped me develop strong transferable skills that I use every day, including researching complex issues, analysing evidence critically, communicating clearly and understanding different perspectives. These have been invaluable in my role, particularly when turning complex information into practical recommendations.
The programme’s focus on people also helped me develop empathy, cultural awareness and the ability to engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives. It taught me to ask good questions, challenge assumptions and approach complex issues with curiosity and compassion. My degree provided a strong foundation for a career focused on positive social change.
Degrees and UCAS codes
When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
MA (Hons)
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
Scholarships
The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.
The scholarships shown are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.
International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
Application deadlines
- 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 13 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
- 30 June: international students.
We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.
It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
How to apply for Advanced Entry
Apply for year 2 (Y2) on your UCAS application. If the specific subject is unavailable for Advanced Entry or your application for year 2 entry is unsuccessful, you will be automatically considered for year 1 entry. You do not have to submit a separate UCAS application.
More information about this programme
- Centre for Robert Burns Studies
- Abbotsford Library Project
- The Songs of James Hogg
- The Andrew Tannahill Fund
Subject league tables
QS World University Rankings [English Language & Literature]
