Gaelic Studies

Gaelic Studies is a wide-ranging discipline covering Gaelic language, literature and culture, with an emphasis on the modern world. Links with other Celtic languages, especially Modern Irish, are explored.

Why Aberdeen?

• The Department has a strong reputation for its teaching of Gaelic to students with no previous knowledge of the language, and also welcomes students who have already studied Gaelic, or who are native speakers
• The Department is pioneering a specially designed short residential language course to bring students to fluency and continues to be one of the best places in the world to learn Gaelic. Students can progress to Honours level whatever their standard on entry
• Enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff with a wealth of teaching experience
• A range of entry levels (from absolute beginner to native speaker)
• A range of degree options are available
• The student-run Celtic Society is famous for its musical events, ceilidhs and trips, and it provides an opportunity to use Gaelic in an informal, social context
• A unique summer school giving students the chance to practice their Gaelic in a natural environment

Programmes

You may also be interested in

Celtic Civilisation, Celtic Studies, English, English and Scottish Literature, European Studies, French, German, Hispanic Studies, Scottish Studies

Study Abroad

Study abroad information

The opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. See www.abdn.ac.uk/thedifference for more information.

Courses are available from first to fourth year. There are Single and Joint Honours degrees and a Designated degree in Gaelic Studies. It is possible to combine Gaelic Studies with Celtic Civilisation as a Joint Honours degree.

First and Second Year

Students in Gaelic Studies join one of three Scottish Gaelic language streams: beginners, learners (Higher at ‘B’ or above), or native speakers (Higher at ‘Pass' or above). Classes concentrate equally on the four language skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. In addition, students are given an introduction to Gaelic culture and literature. Native speakers follow a specially tailored course throughout their four years.

Third and Fourth Year (Honours)

Students in third and fourth year have a core of language work, and make their own selection from a range of optional courses which changes from year to year. They cover aspects of the literature, culture and history of the Gaelic-speaking community, and sometimes branching out into other Celtic languages. Single Honours students write a dissertation on a specialised topic of their choice, and Joint Honours students may also choose to do so instead of one of their options.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching is generally in small groups, with an emphasis on seminars and tutorials. Assessment is by a mixture of continuous assessment and oral and written examinations. Students will have around five hours of classes per week in first year, rising to around 10 hours per week for Single Honours students in third and fourth year.

Careers

Employment opportunities for graduates fluent in Scottish Gaelic are very good. Broadcasting, teaching, lecturing, the print media and librarianship are among the careers on which our students have successfully embarked. With the launch of a new digital Gaelic TV channel there is a high increase in demand for Gaelic graduates to work in the media. Other careers make use of the excellent communicative, analytical and organisational skills of our Gaelic graduates in a range of business and creative contexts. Some of our graduates go on to postgraduate research.

Finding your direction

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success.  The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us – from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen.
• More information on the Careers Service.
• More information on careers prospects and employability with a degree in Gaelic Studies.

Entrance Requirements

SQA Highers - BBBB
A Levels - BBB
IB - 30 points, 15 points at HL
ILC - BBBB (B2 or above)

For further details of entrance requirements click here

Please click on the links below to find out more information on funding in your area.

• Scotland and EU (Excluding England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Rest of UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• International
• Scholarships

Related Links

• Scholarships
• Entrance Scholarships
• Funding Database
• England Wales and Northern Ireland Finance Guide