Course summary
The MLitt in Ethnology and Folklore is unique in the UK. Through a wide variety of teaching contexts including seminars, field trips, guest lectures, and workshops, students gain a broad and in-depth understanding of the disciplines of Ethnology, Folklore, and Ethnomusicology. These disciplines are built on the study of culture in context and they use ethnographic methodologies to explore how people create meaning and shape the world around them through shared creative culture. Through case studies of Scottish and international materials, the course will show how disciplinary concepts can be used to investigate important issues in contemporary society. Through a wide range of practical and theoretical training, graduates from a variety of backgrounds will gain a sound knowledge of the concepts, skills, and methodologies of the disciplines. Assessments, including essays, ethnographic reports, podcasts, and films, will ensure students are prepared for professional or academic work, including doctoral research, after graduation.
Modules
The programme is taught by the Elphinstone Institute, a centre for the study of Ethnology, Folklore, and Ethnomusicology at the University of Aberdeen. Established in 1995 in celebration of the quincentenary of the university's founding, the Institute researches and promotes the culture of the North and North-East of Scotland in context. You will learn ethnographic methodologies and theoretical perspectives that will shape your future interactions with the world around you. These skills are applicable in a wide range of situations and will prepare you well for both academia and professional jobs in contexts such as heritage, tourism, museums and curation, entrepreneurship, and more. Skills learned in the course will be equally applicable to Scottish and international contexts.
Assessment method
By course work, by written examinations, or by a combination of these, as prescribed for each course, and by submission of a dissertation (MLitt candidates only).
How to apply
International applicants
When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country and to arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs. In addition, it is important to check all immigration requirements regularly and before travelling, as they can change. Students without the necessary visa will be refused entry to the UK. You should allow plenty of time to organise your visa and ensure you are aware of all your responsibilities under the terms and conditions of your visa. Please note that the advice provided via the University is the Student Visa category of the UK's Points Based Immigration Scheme. For further information, please visit the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.
Entry requirements
Normally a good undergraduate degree in a humanities or social science subject.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 6.0 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 21 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. DI code is 0818 |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online test is not accepted. |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE) - Pass (valid for 1 year). Academic English Preparation Programme undertaken at other UK HEI - accredited by BALEAP and within 1 year of start of course. | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | C | Overall - 176 with: Listening - 162 or above; Reading - 162 or above; Speaking - 162 or above; Writing - 169 or above. |
To study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, through the degree you undertook or are undertaking at university, or through a recognised English language test. Postgraduate Higher requirements are used by the Schools of Business; Divinity, History and Philosophy; Education; Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture; Law; and Social Sciences. The MSc in Oil and Gas Enterprise Management and the MSc in Integrated Petroleum Geoscience also make use of the Postgraduate Higher requirements. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £11077 | Year 1 |
| EU | £23800 | Year 1 |
| England | £11077 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £11077 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £11077 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £11077 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £23800 | Year 1 |
| International | £23800 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Tuition fees given are at the full-time rate. The part-time fee rate for taught postgraduate programmes is 50% of the relevant full-time fee rate.
Sponsorship information
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships: www.abdn.ac.uk/study/funding/. The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme: The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen.
Provider information
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of External Relations
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX