Scandinavian Studies and Spanish

Scandinavian studies opens a window into a region of remarkable cultural and intellectual richness. The Nordic countries have produced influential literature, philosophy, film and political thought, and their societies, which are often characterised by high levels of equality, civic trust and social innovation, attract wide international interest. Spanish, meanwhile, is one of the world's most widely spoken languages, with a rich literary and cultural tradition spanning Europe and the Americas.

Studying both at the University of Edinburgh means developing genuine competence in two very different languages and a deep engagement with two distinct but equally fascinating cultural worlds.

This four-year full-time programme will develop your abilities in both Scandinavian languages and Spanish to an advanced level, alongside substantial engagement with the history, literature, film and culture of the Nordic region and the Hispanic world. You will develop the analytical and interpretive skills that come from serious engagement with literary and cultural texts, the comparative perspective that comes from studying two different language traditions, and the linguistic competence to engage with speakers of both language families in professional and personal contexts.

Graduates with high-level competence in Scandinavian languages and Spanish are distinctive in the UK graduate market. Careers in translation and interpreting, international business, diplomacy, journalism, the cultural sector, education and publishing are all open to them, and the combination of two language areas significantly broadens the range of organisations and countries in which they can work. The Nordic countries are significant trading partners and centres of innovation, and Spanish-speaking markets span multiple continents.

Many graduates also go on to postgraduate study in linguistics, Scandinavian studies, Hispanic studies, translation or related fields.