English Literature and Classics, MA (Hons)

Many of the basic concepts underlying Western society were expressed for the first time in ancient Greek or Latin. Together with English, they are the language of many highly influential literary works. Studying English Literature and Classics helps you understand the contemporary world, as well as shedding light on the past. This joint honours programme aims to develop your critical, analytic, linguistic, and creative skills by engaging with a broad range of texts and a variety of approaches to reading. You will explore the cultural contexts of writing in English from the late Middle Ages to the present, and the highly influential scholarship and literature of the classical world. You can opt to take a Greek, Latin or non-language pathway through Classics. Why Edinburgh We are the oldest department of English Literature in the UK, and one of the longest established in the world. We are proud to be based in the first UNESCO World City of Literature, a fantastic literary city which many greats of English and Scottish literature have called home. Our four-year degree gives you choice and flexibility in what you study. In Years 1 and 2, you can choose option courses from a wide range of disciplines in addition to English Literature and Classics. In your honours years (Year 3 and 4), you will study research-led courses selected on the basis of your own interests in specific topics, periods or literary genres.