Scottish History/Scottish Literature

Scottish history and Scottish literature together form a deeply enriching combination for those interested in the culture, identity, and society of Scotland from the earliest period to the present day. Scottish history is a discipline that sits at the intersection of national and European historical scholarship, concerned with the political, social, religious, and economic history of Scotland across all periods, from the medieval kingdom through the Reformation and Enlightenment to the industrial age and contemporary Scotland. Scottish literature carries the literary tradition in Scots, Gaelic, and English from the makars of the medieval period through Robert Burns and Walter Scott to the extraordinary flourishing of contemporary Scottish writing.

At the University of Glasgow, this part-time programme allows you to engage with both disciplines at your own pace, supported by the university's world-leading researchers in Scottish history and literature. The Centre for Scottish and Celtic Studies at Glasgow addresses Scottish history in a genuinely cross-disciplinary environment, encouraging students to engage with the full breadth of Scottish cultural and historical scholarship. A year abroad is incorporated into the programme, giving you the opportunity to study at a partner institution overseas and to bring a comparative perspective to your understanding of Scottish history and culture.

You will develop skills in historical analysis and archival research alongside close reading of literary texts and the ability to situate both in their cultural and political contexts. The combination builds a particularly rich understanding of Scottish identity and culture in their full complexity.

Graduates go on to work in education, heritage management, museums, archives, cultural organisations, journalism, and research. Many pursue postgraduate study in Scottish history, Scottish literature, Celtic studies, or related fields. The analytical and communicative skills the degree develops are also valued across a wide range of professional contexts.