Scandinavian Studies and English Language

Scandinavian Studies and English Language is a degree that combines the linguistic and cultural richness of the Nordic world with the scientific study of the English language as a linguistic system. Scandinavian Studies gives you access to the languages, literatures, histories, and contemporary cultures of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, countries that have made contributions to world culture, design, politics, and social organisation far out of proportion to their size. English Language, studied as linguistics rather than literature, examines how the English language works as a system of sound, grammar, meaning, and social use, drawing on the methods of modern linguistic science.

At the University of Edinburgh, this four-year, full-time MA (Hons) develops proficiency in Danish, Norwegian, or Swedish alongside rigorous training in English linguistics. You will engage with the historical and contemporary contexts of the Scandinavian languages, developing the cultural understanding that genuine linguistic competence requires. The programme includes a mandatory year abroad in Scandinavia, giving you the sustained immersion in the language and culture that is essential for achieving the level of fluency and cultural sensitivity the degree aims to produce.

Graduates with this combination of Scandinavian language expertise and English linguistics training are well placed for careers in translation, interpreting, language services, journalism, Scandinavian cultural organisations, international business, and academic research in linguistics or Nordic studies. The rigorous linguistic training is also valuable in applied linguistics, language teaching, and natural language processing. Postgraduate study in Scandinavian languages, linguistics, applied linguistics, or Nordic studies provides routes to further specialisation.