Celtic and Scottish History

Uncover Scotland's past and help shape its future. This joint honours programme gives you the opportunity to study the languages, literatures and cultures of the Celtic world side-by-side with the history of Scotland.

Celtic

At all levels of study on our four-year programme, we offer courses in the languages, literatures, histories, and cultures of the Celtic world, from the Middle Ages to the 21st century.

You have the option to study Scottish Gaelic and build up to advanced competency in the language.

A choice of pathways through the programme enables you to develop your own interests in particular areas, periods and disciplines of Celtic studies. Our expertise ranges from the medieval literary tradition to sociolinguistics and contemporary language policy and revitalisation.

Language study

If you choose to study Scottish Gaelic, it does not matter if you are a complete beginner; we stream our Year 1 classes to suit all levels of prior knowledge or none.

You can also learn a medieval Celtic language in Years 3 and 4. Both Old Irish and Middle Welsh are available.

Scottish History

We offer unrivalled expertise in Scottish History, with courses covering the political, intellectual, economic, social and cultural history of Scotland from the medieval period to the recent past.

These courses deal with the great events, movements and ideas that have defined the Scottish past, and with the individuals, communities and institutions that have shaped Scottish life.

Particular emphasis is given to:

• the history of Edinburgh

• Scotland's evolving relationship with the other parts of the British Isles

• the significant influence of Scots across the wider world

Why Edinburgh

Founded in the early 12th century, Edinburgh has a long and rich history. Today, it has a well-established Gaelic community and a lively contemporary cultural Celtic scene.

As Scotland's capital city, its national and local collections are outstanding, as are the University's own resources for the study of Celtic and Scottish History.

Our programme includes option courses from a wide range of disciplines, taking you from generalist to specialist over the course of your studies.

When you graduate, you will have the combination of broad cultural education, transferable skills and in-depth knowledge valued by employers worldwide.

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme is studied over 4 years. This enables us to build choice and flexibility into your studies, giving you time to explore options, find what you like and build your skills.

Your first two years will be your pre-honours years. They will give you a good grounding in your subjects. In addition to studying core courses, you will broaden your education and skill set by choosing option courses from a range of disciplines. This gives you the chance to build your intercultural awareness in other areas of the arts, humanities and social sciences.

Your final two years will be your honours years. They will be tailored to your interests in specific topics, periods, or approaches to Celtic Studies and Scottish History. If you have chosen to study Scottish Gaelic, you'll progress to advanced language study in these years.

Programme benefits

• Study over four years, giving you choice and flexibility.

• Learn in the heart of Scotland's capital city.

• Try out different subjects in your first two years.

• Join societies related to what you are studying.

• Delve into fantastic libraries and collections.