Celtic and Linguistics

This joint honours programme gives you the opportunity to develop your social scientific understanding of language while exploring the extraordinarily rich cultures of the Celtic world.

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

Celtic

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

A choice of pathways through the programme enables you to develop your interests in particular areas, periods and disciplines of Celtic studies.

As well as rich literary and oral traditions, from the medieval to the present, our expertise covers:

• sociolinguistics - the relationship between language and society

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

• contemporary language policy and revitalisation

Celtic language study

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

Linguistics

Linguistics examines how language works, describing how sounds, words, sentences and conversations combine to express and create meaning.

You will also study different aspects of language, including:

• its uses in everyday life

• how its use varies across society and evolves over time

• how it is mastered by children

As you progress through the programme, you will have the opportunity to plan and test scientific hypotheses about linguistic phenomena using specialist linguistics and phonetics equipment.

On our programme, linguistics topics of particular relevance to students of Celtic typically include:

• variation in the languages of the world

• the structure and history of European Languages

• first and second languages acquisition and child bilingualism

• Global Englishes

Programme benefits

• Learn in the heart of Scotland's capital city, a cultural treasure trove.

• Study over four years, giving you the choice and flexibility to try out different things.

• Specialise in different aspects of Celtic studies and linguistics as you move through your degree.

• Choose from various pathways, including language learning and optional time abroad.

• Explore fantastic libraries, collections and archives at the University and in the city.

• Join societies, attend events, and gain the skills and confidence for life after university.

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, social sciences and beyond.

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