Postgraduate study

As global dynamics shift, an in-depth knowledge of diverse languages, literatures and cultures becomes ever more relevant, critical and sought after. Influencing the world since 1583, the University of Edinburgh is the ideal place to further your understanding.

The School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC) offers both focused and interdisciplinary programmes in one of the widest range of languages of any UK university, and in the oldest department of English Literature in the UK - one of the longest established in the world. We are a leading centre for the study of film, including exhibition and curation, and for intermediality, comparative literature, playwriting, and translation.

Our international community is based at the heart of the University of Edinburgh, drawing connections between people and cultures both within and beyond our School, and thriving on our place in a global festival city. Events range from research and work-in-progress seminars, to reading groups, conferences, workshops, performances, and online journals and forums, many of which are student-led.

Our graduates tell us that they value LLC’s friendliness, the connections they have made and the in-depth guidance of our staff, who are experts in their field and passionate about what they do. We are proud of our traditions, but we are also a place of bold experimentation, always curious.

Why take a postgraduate programme?

​Whether taught or research-based, a postgraduate programme is an excellent opportunity to strengthen your existing skills, develop new ones, sharpen your focus on the aspects of your subject that interest you most, and make an original, positive contribution to learning in the arts and humanities. By the end of your programme, you will have planned, managed and completed an independent piece of research or creative work under expert supervision, preparing you for a range of careers, including further research.

I came to Edinburgh as a postgraduate student myself and have witnessed since then how the various departments of language, literary and cultural study have really grown into a School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures. I like the fascinating and inspiring research and teaching that is going on in the School, and I really enjoy working with students and staff who bring such a diversity of experiences to LLC. Just hearing different languages as I'm walking down the corridors in 50 George Square makes me feel like I'm part of an international community.

Dr Frauke Matthes, Director of Postgraduate Research

What can I study?

How and when do I apply?

If you’d like to study on any of our postgraduate programmes, you apply through the University of Edinburgh’s online Degree Finder and its associated application service, EUCLID.

Before choosing the Degree Finder entry for your programme, it’s worth reading the University’s general guide to applying for Postgraduate Study, which includes advice on writing a personal statement, choosing your referees and more.

Take me to the guide to applying for Postgraduate Study on the University of Edinburgh website

Degree Finder gives you in-depth information about what you can expect from each of our postgraduate programmes, as well as advice on entrance requirements, start dates, fees and scholarship opportunities for that programme.

Applications to start a postgraduate programme in September 2025 will open in October 2024.

Take me to Degree Finder for postgraduate study

Fees and funding

Fees depend on your own circumstances and the programme you’re studying.

The University of Edinburgh Tuition Fees website has all the information you need about your fee status, how much you’ll pay to study your chosen programme, and the University’s Fee Policy.

Take me to the Tuition Fees website

There are a number of funding opportunities, such as scholarship and tuition fee discount schemes, available to our postgraduate students. You can find out which awards you can apply for, and how loans can help finance your study, on our funding pages.

Take me to more information on funding for postgraduate study