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English Literature at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS

Course options

2026 - 2027
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

This Masters by Research (MScR) programme is ideal if you would like to complete a short piece of independent research in English literature. The programme is a good stepping-stone to a PhD, but is equally of value as a stand-alone qualification. An MScR programme is likely to suit you if:

  • you have a clear idea what you would like to write your masters dissertation about, right from the beginning of the programme
  • you would like to be part of a large and supportive postgraduate community, while working independently
On this programme:
  • you will take courses in research skills and methods
  • you will complete two research assignments, each of 6,000 words
  • you will audit two taught option courses relative to your research interests
  • you will write a 15,000 word dissertation under the guidance of an experienced and well-published supervisor
Join us at the heart of Scotland’s capital and festival city - a UNESCO World City of Literature. Having first offered courses on ‘rhetoric and belles lettres’ over 250 years ago, we are the oldest department of English Literature in the world. Our interdisciplinary environment brings together specialists in all periods and genres of English and Scottish literature and literary analysis. Given the breadth and depth of our expertise, we are able to support students wishing to develop research projects in any field of Anglophone literary studies. These include:
  • American studies
  • literary and critical theory
  • the history of the book
  • gender and sexuality studies
  • global Anglophone literatures, where our specialisms include Pacific, African, South Asian, and African-American writing
Our research themes include:
  • digital humanities
  • economic humanities
  • environmental humanities
  • literature and medicine
We are a community of writers and readers. Our expert staff include a dedicated Writer-in-Residence, and the University is home to multiple groups and societies dedicated to publishing and performing, as well as to discussion and debate. Our resources for the study of literature are exceptional.

Modules

See the University of Edinburgh website for detailed programme information.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for individual programmes vary, so please check the details for the specific programme you wish to apply for on the University of Edinburgh website. You will also need to meet the University’s language requirements.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Tuition fees vary between degree programmes. Find the specific fees for your chosen programme on our website.
English Literature at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS