At undergraduate level, we offer students three degree areas in Celtic and Gaelic. These are single or joint honours degrees in Gaelic Studies (MA) and Celtic Studies (MA) and a joint degree in Celtic Civilisation (MA). If you are a prospective student, the following short guide may help you decide which suits you best.
Gaelic Studies
Gaelic Studies concentrates on modern Scottish Gaelic language, literature and society. There are three distinct language streams in the degree course: for absolute or near beginners, for those with Higher Gaelic (learners), and for those with Higher Gàidhlig (native speakers). The beginners’ intensive course helps students work towards fluency in both reading and writing in as short a time as possible, while the courses for those who have done Gaelic already focus on improving accuracy and increasing students’ vocabulary and range of expression. In addition to the language, from first year onwards our students have the chance to learn about areas like folklore, literature, language planning, linguistics and sociolinguistics. The MA in Gaelic Studies can be taken as a single or joint honours programme. It combines well with many subjects, including Geography, English, Anthropology and History.
Celtic Studies
Celtic Studies (as distinct from the degree programme in Celtic Civilisation) concentrates on the study of the history, culture and languages of the Celtic-speaking peoples. Celtic Studies includes both the Celtic Civilisation courses and a language component. We aim to offer students as wide a range of Celtic languages as possible. At present, in addition to offering modern Gaelic, Old Gaelic and Brittonic Languages are compulsory areas of study at Levels 3 and 4 in this degree. The MA in Celtic Studies can be taken as a single or joint honours degree. It combines well with many subjects, including Gaelic Studies, English, History and Scandinavian Studies.
Celtic Civilisation
Celtic Civilisation (as distinct from the more language-oriented degree programme in Celtic Studies) covers the history, art and literatures of the many peoples who have spoken Celtic languages throughout Europe. In Celtic Civilisation all literature is studied in English translation. Students learn about the Celtic peoples, including the Gauls, the Picts, the Britons and the Gaels. Courses cover a very broad time period, from the earliest traces in Classical sources right up to relatively modern times. Offered as a Joint Honours Programme only, Celtic Civilisation combines well with many subjects, including Celtic Studies, History and History of Art, Archaeology and Anthropology.