Celtic Studies

Celtic Studies is a fascinating discipline, and this four-year degree will give you the opportunity to gain a unique insight into the culture, literature, history and languages of Britain, Ireland, Europe and beyond from the earliest period to the present day. As well as bringing the Celtic-speaking world to life, this course will also give you the chance to study individual Celtic languages.
Aberystwyth is renowned for its dedicated exploration of Celtic Studies and is the ideal location for those who wish to develop their interest in this subject. It is located in the heart of Welsh-speaking Wales, where the medieval and modern sit, with ease, side by side.
You don't have to be fluent in Welsh or Irish to study Celtic Studies, as this is an English-medium course. The equivalent Welsh-medium course is Cymraeg a'r Ieithoedd Celtaidd (Q562).

Why study Celtic Studies at Aberystwyth?

• International Reputation - The department is one of the liveliest academic and intellectual environments for Celtic studies in the world.

• A location like no other - On the west coast of Wales between Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains, you’ll be part of a friendly, outward-looking community - the ideal place to study the rich history and cultural heritage of the Celtic people and regions.

• Expertise - The department is a world-renowned centre for research and home to an inspirational team of world-leading experts in Welsh and Irish language and literature.

• Other Celtic Languages - You will have the opportunity to learn Scottish Gaelic and Breton as well as their respective literature.

• Student Satisfaction - In the recent student satisfaction survey, the Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies was top in the UK for Celtic Studies (NSS 2020).

• Wide Choice - You will have a wide choice of stimulating modules to choose from that reflect the latest research interests of our lecturers.

• A Vibrant Welsh Community - You will flourish in our vibrant, Welsh community. Not only do we have a Students Union, but UMCA (Undeb Myfyrwyr Cymraeg Aberystwyth) hosts many events and societies for those who wish to be part of the wider welsh community.

• Stimulating Events - Studying here will provide the opportunity to attend a wealth of public lectures, book launches, performances and talks in the Department itself and beyond.

• The National Library of Wales - The library is a stone throw away from our Penglais Campus. It is one of a kind in Wales, allowing students unlimited access to its rare collection of literature.

• The Centre of Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies - The Centre is a dedicated research institute, located alongside the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth.

• Irish Government Scholarship - You can apply to follow an intensive language course in Ireland, courtesy of the Irish Government.

This four-year degree has been designed to allow you to explore your interests in areas such as Welsh literature; women's poetry in Ireland, Scotland and Wales; early Irish saga literature; comparative Celtic philology; Gaelic bardic poetry; Old Irish and Middle Welsh; the Mabinogion; Celtic literature of landscape; King Arthur of the Welsh. The first year will enable you to consider the broad questions of identity, culture and literature, while introducing you to a modern Celtic language. In subsequent years you will concentrate on expanding and consolidating your knowledge of modern and historical Celtic languages, as well as the literature and culture of Celtic-speakers from the earliest history to the present day.

How will I be taught?
You will be taught through a combination of traditional lectures, seminars and other innovative teaching methods. In the seminars, the groups are smaller and the atmosphere more informal, to foster open discussion.
How will I be assessed?
Your work will be assessed through a combination of course work and examinations.