Scandinavian Studies and Politics MA (Hons)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Edinburgh

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by language, culture, and how societies are governed, the MA (Hons) Scandinavian Studies and Politics at the University of Edinburgh is a unique degree that blends all three. You’ll master a Scandinavian language (Danish, Norwegian, or Swedish), explore the rich history and culture of the Nordic region, and develop a deep understanding of political systems, ideologies, and global issues — preparing you for an exciting career with an international outlook.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your journey starts with learning the basics of a Scandinavian language from scratch, quickly building your speaking, reading, and writing skills. Alongside language classes, you’ll explore Scandinavian culture and society, and dive into key political ideas through modules like Politics and International Relations 1A and 1B and Political Thinkers. You can also broaden your interests by choosing optional courses in areas such as history, sociology, or philosophy.

Year 2
You’ll strengthen your language skills and gain a deeper appreciation of Nordic literature and culture. In politics, you’ll study Comparative Politics in a Globalised World, analysing how different political systems work and how they respond to global challenges. Optional modules — like Gender and Culture or Cultural Responses to War — allow you to shape your degree around your interests.

Year 3 – Study Abroad
This is where the degree really comes to life. You’ll spend your third year studying or working in Denmark, Norway, or Sweden, fully immersing yourself in the language and culture. It’s a chance to live like a local, improve your fluency, and even research political issues in your host country — giving you valuable international experience before you graduate.

Year 4 – Honours Year
In your final year, you’ll refine your advanced language skills in translation, speaking, and writing, and choose specialist modules in both Scandinavian Studies and Politics. You’ll also complete a dissertation — an independent project that lets you explore a topic you’re passionate about and showcase everything you’ve learned.

Focus areas: Scandinavian languages and cultures; political theory and systems; comparative and international politics

Learning outcomes: Gain fluency in a Scandinavian language, deep cultural understanding, and the ability to think critically about political issues on a global scale.

Professional alignment (accreditation): A fully accredited MA (Hons) degree from the University of Edinburgh, designed to give you internationally relevant skills in languages, culture, and politics.

Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Edinburgh ranks 3rd in the UK for Modern Languages and 3rd in the UK for Arts & Humanities (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This degree is all about taking your learning beyond the classroom and turning it into real-world experience. From immersive language practice to living and studying in Scandinavia, you’ll gain the kind of hands-on skills that employers value. Throughout your degree, you’ll use dedicated study spaces, digital tools, and research facilities, while also learning how to work collaboratively through seminars, translation projects, and group discussions. Most importantly, you’ll spend a year abroad — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live, study, and even work in a Scandinavian country, where you’ll put everything you’ve learned into practice in a real cultural and political environment.

Here’s how you’ll build those practical skills step by step:

Year Abroad immersion: Spend up to 30 weeks living and studying in Denmark, Norway or Sweden, taking university courses, working on research projects, or even gaining professional experience — all while developing fluency and cultural confidence.
Specialist language facilities: Use the Scandinavian Studies Resource Centre, screening rooms, and computing labs for translation practice, media projects, and language analysis.
Collaborative learning: Take part in seminars, group projects, and translation workshops where you’ll debate ideas, work as a team, and present your findings — building communication and teamwork skills.
Research-driven assessments: From oral exams to long essays and your final dissertation, you’ll work on real research tasks that mirror what professionals do in academia, government, and international organisations.
World-class libraries and archives: Access over 16,000 Scandinavian Studies resources, plus national museums and cultural collections that support your projects and deepen your understanding of Nordic society.
Expert support for your year abroad: A dedicated Year Abroad Office and language coordinators guide you every step of the way, from choosing a host institution to planning your academic and cultural experience.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a degree in Scandinavian Studies and Politics opens doors to an incredible range of global careers. You’ll leave Edinburgh with strong language skills, cultural intelligence, and a deep understanding of how politics shapes societies — all of which are highly valued by employers around the world. Many graduates go on to work in government, diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, media, or cultural sectors. Typical roles include diplomat or foreign service officer, policy analyst, translator or interpreter, and researcher in think tanks or NGOs.

Here’s how Edinburgh helps you turn your degree into a successful career:

Career services that work for you: The university’s dedicated Careers Service offers one-to-one coaching, CV and interview support, networking events, and internship placements — all designed to help you stand out in the job market.
Strong employment outcomes: Around 80% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, with average starting salaries of about £28,000–£32,000, depending on your field.
Real-world connections: Through the Employ. Ed internship programme and close links with employers in government, NGOs, and cultural institutions, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to build experience before you graduate.
A degree that’s recognised worldwide: Your MA (Hons) from Edinburgh — ranked among the top 10 UK universities for employability — carries strong weight with employers and can help launch an international career.
Diverse career destinations: Alumni work in diplomacy, public affairs, cultural organisations, journalism, translation, education, and global business — proving how versatile this degree can be.

Further Academic Progression:
Many students choose to deepen their expertise with postgraduate study. You could pursue a Master’s by Research (MRes) in Scandinavian language or politics, a taught Master’s in International Relations, Translation Studies, or Cultural Policy, or even a PhD building on your undergraduate dissertation. These advanced paths open doors to leadership roles in academia, policy, and beyond.