Program Overview

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Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies and Philosophy, MA

Introduction

Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies and Philosophy adds to your exploration of the lives and legacy of the Celtic, Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian peoples with an examination of life's ‘big questions’ – how we apply reasoning and argument to questions of fundamental importance to us humans past and present.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MA
• Duration: 48 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• UCAS Code: 7V52

Aberdeen has been a centre for Celtic studies for more than a century and is now a leading research centre in all aspects of the northern polar regions including its peoples and their societies. You will study languages, literature, culture and history, inspired by leading specialists in the history and literature of Britain, Ireland and Scandinavia in the Middle Ages, in medieval Celtic and Scandinavian literature and the cultural history of Ireland and Anglo-Saxon England.

What makes Philosophy at Aberdeen especially attractive is the breadth of courses, the user-friendly materials you will use and the experts who will teach you. In your first year alone you will study topics such as How Should One Live? Controversial Questions, and Experience, Knowledge and Reality.

The knowledge and skills you will develop in critical thinking, analysis and research from this subject combination will make you very attractive to employers across a range of sectors from arts, history and heritage to industry and the public sector, with particular application in media, advertising and marketing, information and communication technology, publishing, language teaching and health-related professions such as speech and language therapy.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.

What You'll Study

Year 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Academic Writing for Language & Literature (AW1008)
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
  • Experience, Knowledge and Reality (PH1023)
  • Ancient Empires: Religion, Power and Politics (DR152A)
• Optional Courses:
  • Select AT LEAST TWO of the following courses:
    • Modern Irish Language (CE1036)
    • Gaelic Scotland (GH1015)
    • Gaelic for Beginners A (GH1007)
    • Latin 1 (LT1009)
    • Latin 2 (LT1507)
    • Gaelic for Beginners 1B (GH1507)
    • Modern Irish Language 2 (CE1536)
  • Plus, select TWO from the following:
    • Controversial Questions (PH1027)
    • How Should One Live? (PH1522)
    • Logic and Argument (PH1518)
    • Environmental Ethics (PH1537)

Year 2

• Optional Courses:
  • Select AT LEAST TWO from the options below.
  • Plus select further courses of choice to make up 120 credit points, of which 45 credits must be from level 2 Philosophy courses.
  • Triumph and Tragedy: A Literary and Historic Tour of Gaelic Scotland (GH2515)
  • Love, Loss and Revival: Gaelic Ireland, 1700 to the Present (CE2063)
  • The Celts, Their Neighbours, and The Classical World (CE2536)
  • Otherworld: Lost Gods and Hidden Monsters of Medieval Scotland (GH2010)
  • Ancient Empires: Religion, Power and Politics (DR250A)
  • Scottish Folklore and Oral Traditions (EF2501)

Year 3

• Optional Courses:
  • Select 60 credit points of level 3 Celtic & Anglo-Saxon courses from the list below, plus 60 credits of level 3 philosophy courses.
  • Scottish Archaeology (AY3009)
  • Celtic Scotland: Gaelic Cultural Moments Middle Ages to Present (CE301E)
  • Introduction to Old English Language (CE3047)
  • Independent Study In Celtic & Anglo - Saxon Studies A (CE3099)
  • Myths, Legends and Poetry of the Mediaeval Gaels (GH3028)
  • Decolonial England: Languages and Identities from 450 to the Present (CE351D)
  • Independent Study In Celtic & Anglo - Saxon Studies A (CE3599)

Year 4

• Optional Courses:
  • Select ONE of the following dissertation options:
    • Dissertation in Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies (CE4598)
    • Philosophy Dissertation (PH402D)
  • Select further Level 4 Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies course(s) from the list below to gain 60 credits in the discipline.
  • Plus further Level 4 Philosophy course(s) to gain 60 credits in the discipline.
  • Dissertation in Celtic & Anglo - Saxon Studies (CE4598)
  • Dissertation (PH402D)
  • Independent Study In Celtic & Anglo - Saxon Studies B (CE4099)
  • Independent Study In Celtic & Anglo - Saxon Studies B (CE4599)
  • Celtic Scotland: Gaelic Cultural Moments Middle Ages to Present (CE401E)
  • Decolonial England: Languages and Identities from 450 to the Present (CE451D)
  • Introduction to Old English Language (CE4047)
  • Myths, Legends and Poetry of the Mediaeval Gaels (GH4028)

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

• Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course.
• Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course.
• Written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies and Philosophy?

Why Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies

• A unique programme in Scotland, emphasising critical thinking and small-group discussion, to gain in depth knowledge of history, literature and languages, plus transferable skills to boost your employability.
• All teaching is on the beautiful, late-medieval King’s College campus, and the surrounding countryside is rich in archaeological and historic remains of Scotland’s Celtic and Nordic past.
• Academic staff are leading international researchers who have published widely on Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, and Scandinavian literature and history, revealing new discoveries and debunking popular myths.
• A vibrant Celtic Society, one of the oldest, most famous and liveliest student societies in the University, organising social and cultural events, including Welsh and Irish-themed evenings and traditional music sessions.
• The spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library with brilliant study facilities, state-of-the-art technology, and rich, extensive collections and resources to inspire you through your programme.
• Small class sizes and plenty of group discussion and individual attention, with opportunity to explore your thoughts and ideas with staff and fellow students.
• A packed campus programme of lectures, café events, exhibitions, and the annual WayWord Literary festival.

Why Philosophy

• Famous philosophers who worked at the University include Thomas Reid, founder of the 18th century Scottish School of Common Sense Philosophy, and Alexander Bain, who helped lay the foundations for modern scientific psychology.
• The Aberdeen Philosophy in Education Group (APEG), which is unique in Scotland, trains students to discuss philosophical questions with local primary and secondary school pupils.
• Café Philosophique brings philosophers and the local community together, using popular films and novels to explore philosophical puzzles in an informal atmosphere.
• The Centre for the History and Philosophy of Science, Technology and Medicine acts as the focus for research, teaching and engagement in the history, philosophy, ethics, literature and museology of science, technology and medicine.
• The spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library offers superb collections, including early printed works of natural philosophy and medicine, the archives of Thomas Reid, and records of the Aberdeen Philosophical Society.
• We offer a packed programme of public events, lectures and debates, including the annual WayWORD literary festival, which attracts high-profile scientists, scholars, authors, actors and broadcasters to discuss and debate the big issues of today.
• The skills you learn in Philosophy—for example, to think and write clearly, to explain complex ideas, to challenge orthodoxy—lend themselves to many careers.
• Studying Philosophy will change how you think about things and how you approach life's challenges.
• Philosophy is interesting! Students from all disciplines often report that studying Philosophy was the most rewarding experience of their studies.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• SQA Highers:
  • Standard: AABB
  • Minimum: BBB
  • Adjusted: BB
• A LEVELS:
  • Standard: BBB
  • Minimum: BBC
  • Adjusted: CCC
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.

Fees and Funding

• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
• EU / International students: £20,800
• Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme.
• Home Students: £1,820

Careers

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.

Our Experts

Our courses in Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies and Philosophy are taught by experts in their field.

• Dr Paula Sweeney
• Dr Ulrich Stegmann
• Dr Beth Lord
• Dr Aideen O'Leary

Related Undergraduate Degrees

• MA Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies
• MA History and Philosophy
• MA Language & Linguistics and Philosophy

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