Languages and Literature of Scotland

Languages and Literature of Scotland allows students to combine courses from the disciplines of Celtic and English to gain a knowledge and appreciation of the main linguistic and cultural traditions of Scotland, and of their inter-relations.

Why Aberdeen?

The linguistic and cultural history of Scotland is complex. A nation created from diverse elements - Celtic, Germanic and Norse - Scotland has always been multicultural, and even today has three main literary languages: Gaelic, Scots and English.

• An exciting combination of Gaelic, English and Scottish courses
• Strong teaching and research interests in Scottish literature in English and Scots
• Distinguished academic staff with a long history of excellence in research on Scottish literature
• Opportunity to gain knowledge and appreciation of the language and linguistic traditions of Scotland

Programmes

You may also be interested in

English, Literature in a World Context, Language and Linguistics, 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. Languages and Literature of Scotland is a Joint Honours degree.

First Year

Students aiming for Honours in Languages and Literature of Scotland join one of three Scottish Gaelic language streams: beginners, learners (Higher at ‘B’ or above), or native speakers (Higher at ‘Pass’ or above). In addition, students are given an introduction to Gaelic culture and literature at the appropriate level. Students must also take first year English courses.

Second Year

In Celtic, students continue to follow the Scottish Gaelic language courses and in English take 60 credits from the available second year literature and language courses.

Third and Fourth Year (Honours)

In their Honours years, students divide their time equally between Celtic and English. The Honours dissertation can be submitted in either subject.

Teaching and Assessment

In Gaelic language courses, classwork in the form of practical use of the written language always forms a considerable part of the assessment. In most other courses in Celtic, essays (or in some literature classes, textual exercises) also contribute to your overall mark. In tutorial groups, credit is given for regular attendance and for active participation, while in language-learning classes, conversational practice is assessed. There are a small number of advanced language courses in which examination marks count for over half of the assessment.

In English, regular subject discussions and argument in tutorial help to develop self-confidence and powers of expression. All classwork counts towards your assessment. It is marked and returned with comments, so that you know how you are getting on at every stage. The rest of  assessment comes from end-of-course examinations and from performance in tutorials and seminars.

Careers

Graduates in Languages and Literature of Scotland have received a thorough grounding in the sorts of writing, research, computational and presentation skills that are vital to many careers. Students can feel part of a thriving field that can lead them into careers as diverse as publishing, teaching, research, journalism, banking, arts and research funding, speech therapy and television and radio broadcasting.

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 Languages and Literature of Scotland.

Entrance Requirements

SQA Highers - BBBB
A Levels - BBB
IB - 30 points, 15 points at HL
ILC - BBBB

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