History of Art and English Literature (MA)

Introducing MA History of Art and English Literature

You will study the history of art and English literature in equal depth with this joint honours programme.

History of art

History of art will introduce you to art from different periods and world cultures.

You will:

• learn how, and for whom, works of art were made
• situate artworks within visual and material culture more broadly
• explore the meanings of works of art and visual culture and the ways they continue to be interpreted

In Years 3 and 4 you will have the opportunity to:

• specialise in particular aspects of the field
• develop independent research projects
• develop a dissertation
• study abroad (Year 3)

English literature

Studying English literature will develop your:

• critical skills
• analytic skills
• linguistic skills
• creative skills

You will:

• study a broad range of texts and different approaches to reading
• gain an understanding of the cultural contexts of writing in English from the late Middle Ages to the present

In Years 3 and 4 you will also choose research-led courses based on your interests. These will help you develop a detailed knowledge of specific topics, periods or genres.

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 heart of the first UNESCO World City of Literature.

From the University's special collections to the National Library and Galleries of Scotland, the city's resources for studying art and literature are exceptional.

The history of art and English literature complement each other well. Both subjects benefit from shared methodologies and historical contexts, and many ideas and movements are shared across the visual arts and literature.

Our programme is extremely flexible. In Years 1 and 2, in addition to your core subjects, you will choose optional courses from a broad list of disciplines, then specialise as you progress through your honours years.

Standard entry requirement

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: AABB by end of S5 or AAAB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. (Revised 18/04/2024 to lower entry requirements from AAAB by S5, or AAAA by S6.)
• A Levels: AAB. (Revised 18/04/2024 to lower entry requirements from AAA.)
• IB: 36 points with 665 at HL. (Revised 18/04/2024 to lower entry requirements from 37 (666).)

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 34 points with 655 at HL.

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA: Highers: English at B.
• A Levels: English Literature or combined English at B.
• IB: HL: English at 5.

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international student and your school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to the University you may be eligible for admission to this degree programme through our International Foundation Programme.

International Foundation Programme

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 at C
• GCSE at C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate at C
• IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 162 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 54 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 5 in each component.*

We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT, or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.

English language requirements

(*Revised 24 May 2024 to change PTE Academic requirement from total 62 with at least 54 in each component, and to clarify that we do not accept PTE Academic online. Revised 29 August 2024 to add Oxford ELLT requirements.)

This programme prepares you for a range of careers, including:

• curatorships in galleries and museums
• art journalism
• publishing and media
• art dealing
• tourism
• graphics
• advertising
• heritage management
• auctioneering

Some graduates use their skills and experience for:

• careers in management or teaching
• further study