Scandinavian Studies and Social Policy, MA (Hons)

Course summary

The languages, politics and culture of Denmark, Norway and Sweden have long had a considerable impact beyond the Nordic region. Today, Scandinavian languages and cultures continue to expand in popularity, and the socio-economic concept of the Nordic Model is widely studied. Scandinavian Studies and Social Policy make an excellent joint honours choice by combining the study of:

• a modern language in its cultural, social and political context

• the distribution of welfare and wellbeing within societies, and the policies which influence that distribution

• option courses from a wide range of disciplines

Scandinavian StudiesOn our programme, you have the opportunity to develop advanced spoken and written language skills in modern Danish, Norwegian or Swedish while exploring Scandinavian culture, past and present. You do not currently need to know a Scandinavian language, as courses are available for beginners. By Year 3, you will have the skills to spend the year abroad in Denmark, Norway or Sweden. While you will specialise in one Scandinavian language, you will also gain an understanding of the other two we teach to degree level. In Year 2, for example, you can choose to explore the similarities and differences between Danish, Swedish and Norwegian. Social PolicyYou will focus on social and economic change, what causes it, and its consequences for society. Reflecting on how policies are developed, you will learn about the policy-making process in the UK. You will also study the influence of international bodies such as the EU and OECD. We deal with a wide array of policy areas, for example:

• health and welfare

• education and labour markets

• family and childhood

We work closely with:

• governments

• NGOs

• third sector and interest representation groups

• international organisations and other external actors

International comparative analyses are one of our main strengths, and we place a strong emphasis on providing our students with empirical research skills. Why EdinburghEdinburgh is the only university in Scotland, and one of only two in the UK, to offer undergraduate honours programmes in Scandinavian Studies. As well as being distinctive in our subject offering, we are also unique in Scotland in integrating a full academic year abroad into the four-year honours programme, regardless of whether you spend the year studying or working.We are the proud home of the Northern Scholars Scheme which fosters co-operation between the Nordic and Baltic countries and Scotland. Our flexible programme incorporates a range of option courses, giving you the blend of specialist skills and broad Intercultural Competence valued by graduate employers around the globe.

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