Celtic

Study Celtic at the University of Edinburgh and you will learn about extraordinarily rich cultures, from the Middle Ages to the 21st century.

At all levels of study on our four-year programme, we offer courses in the languages, literatures, histories and cultures of the Celtic world.

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 covers:

• Scottish Gaelic from the late Middle Ages to the present, including language policy and revitalisation

• the medieval literary tradition in Early Irish and Medieval Welsh - the most extensive in the whole of Europe

• the rich oral tradition recorded from the 18th century to the present day

• poetry from the 18th-century golden age of Gaelic literature

• 19th and 20th-century responses to the rapid social, cultural, and linguistic changes in countries where the Celtic languages are spoken

• the writing, song, and media production emerging from the lively and varied contemporary cultural scene in Gaelic Scotland, Ireland, and Wales

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 at honours level (Years 3 and 4). Both Old Irish and Middle Welsh are available.

Why Edinburgh

Edinburgh has a long-established Gaelic community and a lively contemporary cultural scene. As Scotland's capital city, its collections are outstanding, as are the University's own resources for the study of Celtic.

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. You can study the Scottish Gaelic language, learn about Celtic civilisation and literature, or combine the two.

In addition to your core courses, you will broaden your education and skill set by choosing option courses from a range of disciplines. This may enable you to change or widen your focus by, for example, moving onto a joint honours programme.

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. 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.