Program Overview

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Introduction to Celtic Studies

Celtic Studies provides the opportunity to combine language study with a range of courses on the medieval and modern Celtic cultures of the British Isles. You will have the opportunity to study the medieval and modern cultures of Celtic-speaking peoples with scholars at the cutting edge of research, and learn a Celtic language of the British Isles.

Programme Structure

Years 1 and 2

In the first two years, you will take courses from the Celtic Civilisation and/or Gaelic programmes. You will also study other subjects in years 1 and 2.

Years 3 and 4

If you progress to Honours Celtic Studies, you will study various aspects of Celtic societies in their historical and cultural contexts. You will study at least one language:

• Early Gaelic
• Medieval Welsh
• Modern Scottish Gaelic
• Modern Irish

You can also choose from a range of courses on specific aspects of Celtic culture and literature.

Course Details

Courses you will take as part of a Celtic Studies programme may include:

Year 1

• Celtic Civilisation 1A
• Celtic Civilisation 1B
• Gaelic 1 (Beginners)
• Gaelic 1 (Intermediate)
• Gaelic 1 (Advanced)

Year 2

• Celtic Civilisation 2A
• Celtic Civilisation 2B
• Gaelic 1 (Intermediate)
• Gaelic 1 (Advanced)

Years 3 and 4 (Honours)

(Not all courses listed will be available in each session)

• Sgilean Canain 3
• Sgilean Canain 3
• Gaelic (Beginners) for Honours Students
• Gaelic (Intermediate) for Honours Students
• Introduction To Early Gaelic (Old And Middle Irish)
• The Folklore of Gaelic Scotland
• Early Gaelic Literature In Translation
• Celtic Place-Names Of Scotland
• An 19Mh Linn Tro Shuilean Nan Gaidheal
• Introduction To Modern Irish
• Early Gaelic Poetry
• Medieval Ireland 800 - 1100
• Dissertation (Celtic) Joint Honours

Entry Requirements

For Entry in 2026

You should refer to the entry requirements for both subjects and the degree award when applying for a joint honours degree programme.

Summary of Entry Requirements for Celtic Studies

• SQA Higher Entry Requirements: BBBB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer. Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5. Typically, offers will be made at AAAAB by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher. Additional requirements: Higher English and a Higher Humanities subject at AA. (AB or BA may be considered).
• SQA Higher Adjusted Entry Requirements*** (by end of S5 or S6): **MD20: BBBB (also other target groups). MD40: AABB. Additional requirements: Higher English and a Higher Humanities subject. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.
• A-Level Standard Entry Requirements: ABB BBB. Additional requirements: A-level English or another Humanities subject.
• IB Standard Entry Requirements: 34 (6,5,5). Additional requirements: HL English and HL Humanities subject.

English Language Requirements

For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training): 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0.
• TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome): 90 overall with Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21.
• Pearsons PTE Academic: 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests.
• Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169.
• Oxford English Test: 7 overall with no subtest less than 6.
• LanguageCert Academic SELT: 70 overall with no subtest less than 60.
• Password Skills Plus: 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0.
• Trinity College Tests: Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests.

Career Prospects

Recent graduates have entered a range of careers including primary and secondary teaching; working with museums and government heritage bodies; publishing and book marketing; music; entrepreneurship. Others have gone on to further study and to pursue successfully a career in research and academic work.

Degrees and UCAS Codes

When applying, you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:

• MA (Hons): Celtic Studies: Q504 (4 years)
• Other combinations available, including Celtic Studies/Ancient History, Celtic Studies/Archaeology, Celtic Studies/Central & East European Studies, and more.

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where youre from.

Scholarships

The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. Scholarships available include:

• World Changers Glasgow Scholarship UG (EU): A tuition fee discount of Ł5,000 for every year of study.
• World Changers Global Excellence Scholarship: An annual tuition fee discount, based on the academic college of your chosen degree.
• World Changers RUK Excellence Scholarship: A Ł1,000 award for each year of study for students who have attained academic excellence in one sitting at A Level.
• Beaconhouse Schools: A 15% discount on the first year of tuition fee.
• Care Experienced and Estranged Student Bursary: A bursary to support students who have been in care or are living independently due to family estrangement.
• Undergraduate Talent Scholarships: Scholarships to support students who could face financial difficulties in taking up their place to study at the University.
• Sanctuary Scholarships: A full tuition fee waiver along with financial support for living costs for applicants with Refugee or Asylum Seeker status.
• The Dima Alhaj Scholarship: A scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate taught applicants.
• Glasgow Highland Society Scholarship: Grants of up to Ł500 for new and continuing students.