Scottish Studies

Scottish Studies allows students to learn about the linguistic and literary heritage of Scotland in its broadest sweep by drawing on the expertise of the English Department and the Celtic Department, while also setting Scottish culture in its historical context through the study of Scottish History.

Why Aberdeen?

• The University has lively teaching and research departments of Celtic and Gaelic, English and History, all of which offer courses relating to the study of Scotland.
• This multi-disciplinary degree programme allows students to learn from distinguished specialists in the distinct departments, and contextualises their studies in an overarching framework.
• The University of Aberdeen is home to two major research institutes with Scottish culture at their core: the Research Institute of Irish and Scottish Studies and the Elphinstone Institute.
• Situated in the north of Scotland, Aberdeen's cultural identity is vibrant: celebrating the traditional and embracing the modern. Studying here offers an excellent opportunity to study Scotland's diverse heritage in an exciting location

 

Programmes

You may also be interested in

English, Gaelic Studies, History, Languages and Literature of Scotland

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 levels 1 to 4. Scottish Studies is a General Honours degree taught jointly by the Departments of Celtic and Gaelic, English and History.

First and Second Year

To qualify for entry to Honours in Scottish Studies, students must take at least one level 1 and one level 2 course in each of the three departments.

Third and Fourth Year (Honours)

In the third and fourth years, students must gain at least three-quarters of the credits needed for the degree equally from studies in Gaelic, English and History. The remainder will normally come from one or more of these disciplines, and a dissertation will normally be written for one of them.

Courses on offer typically include:

• Gaelic language
• Scottish Detective Fiction
• Class, Identity and Nationalism in Scotland, 1832-1914
• Gaelic Renaissance Poetry
• Burns
• The Scottish Highlands and Islands, c.1850-1950
• Gaelic Language and Identity
• Local Horror: The New Scottish Gothic
• Stewart Scotland, 1406-1603
• Power and Prejudice: Gaelic in Modern Society
• Scotland in the Modern World: Scottish Literature 1785-1935

Teaching and Assessment

In Gaelic langauge 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.

In History courses, first and second year, teaching involves three one-hour lectures per week and a weekly hour-long tutorial. At Honours level classes are are either seminar-based or a mixture of leactures and seminars. Courses are assessed by examination alone; or by a combination of examination and continuous assessment.

 

Careers

A degree in Scottish Studies generates opportunities across a range of employment possibilities and those fluent in Scottish Gaelic may find employment opportunities particularly good. Broadcasting, journalism, teaching and librarianship are among the career options open to Scottish Studies graduates. The analytical, oral and written skills you develop during your studies are highly sought after by all prospective employers.

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 Scottish Studies.

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