Program Overview

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Gaelic Studies and Language & Linguistics, MA

Introduction

Gaelic Studies and Language & Linguistics at Aberdeen combines all the advantages of the in-depth study of the language, literature and culture of Scotland’s oldest language – as a native speaker or complete beginner. The programme offers a fascinating exploration of how human language evolved, how we learn languages and how they differ and change over time. You will gain the all-round knowledge and skills to open up a wide variety of careers.

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: QQ51

We have been teaching Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) and culture for a hundred years, led by teachers and researchers passionate about Gaelic and whose work directly influences Scottish policy on keeping Gaelic alive, healthy and important in Scotland today.

You will learn more about Scotland's oldest living language and develop your Gaelic skills in a friendly and supportive environment, with opportunities to get involved with northern Scotland’s Gaelic-interest community through clubs, activities, networks and organisations.

Language & Linguistics takes you on a deeper exploration of language, analysing this fascinating human attribute to understand ourselves and human societies more fully. You will study how the brain processes speech and language, how we acquire languages as children and adults, how they vary and change over time, social factors and different dialects of English.

Our understanding of language grows all the time with new discoveries in neuroscience, animal behaviour, archaeology, sociology and psychology, bringing new applications of linguistics in industry, medicine and forensic science.

This subject combination will make you very attractive to employers, especially 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)
• Language Structure and use (LN1507)
• Gaelic Scotland (GH1015)

Optional Courses

Select ONE of the following options: Beginners

• Gaelic for Beginners 1A (GH1007)
• Gaelic for Beginners 1B (GH1507)

Intermediate/Advanced

• Gaelic Language 1A (GH1013)
• Gaelic Language 1B (GH1513)

Plus two courses from the following LN courses:

• Living language (LN1005)
• Language Myths (LN1006)
• English Past and Present (LN1008)

Plus select further credit points from courses of choice to gain a total of 120 credits.

Year 2

Compulsory Courses

• Triumph and Tragedy: A Literary and Historic Tour of Gaelic Scotland (GH2515)
• Language in Society (LN2008)
• Elements of English (LN2515)
• Otherworld: Lost Gods and Hidden Monsters of Medieval Scotland (GH2010)

Optional Courses

Select ONE of the following options: Beginners

• Gaelic for Advanced Beginners 2A (GH2009)
• Gaelic for Advanced Beginners 2B (GH2509)

Intermediate/Advanced

• Gaelic Language 2A (GH2013)
• Gaelic Language 2B (GH2513)

Plus further courses of choice to make up 120 credit points.

Year 3

Compulsory Courses

• Gaelic Language A (GH3022)

Optional Courses

Select further courses in Level 3 Gaelic to make up 60 credits in the discipline, plus 60 credit points from level 3 courses in Language and Linguistics courses.

Year 4

Compulsory Courses

• Gaelic Language B (GH4022)

Optional Courses

Select ONE of the following dissertation options:

• Dissertation in Gaelic Studies (GH4507)
• Dissertation in Language & Linguistics (LN4501)

Plus select further courses in level 4 Gaelic and level 4 Language and Linguistics to make up 60 credits in each discipline.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• __Individual Projects
• __Lectures
• __Research
• __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 Gaelic Studies and Language & Linguistics?

Why Gaelic Studies

• A warm welcome for students whatever your level of Gaelic, and long-standing experience in teaching this fascinating language to complete beginners.
• Student-run Celtic Society famous for its musical events, ceilidhs and trips, and a great opportunity to use Gaelic in an informal, social context.
• Strong tradition of commitment to Gaelic, and a University Gaelic Language Plan to promote and develop Gaelic in the University in line with the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005.
• The spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, with an extensive Gaelic collection and treasures.
• An opportunity to study abroad at the University College Cork.

Why Language and Linguistics

• A vibrant linguistics research and teaching community, and the benefits this study brings to other subjects such as modern languages, anthropology, sociology and history.
• Researchers revealing new insight into how spoken English is changing, including evidence gathered from tracking TV and radio soaps over the years.
• Major research partnerships such as the study of witness testimonies following the 1641 Irish Rebellion, with language revealing the social, economic, cultural and political situation in 17th century Ireland, giving clues on sectarianism today.
• Award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library with top-class study facilities and literary treasures collected over 500 years charting the power of the written word from ancient papyri and medieval manuscripts to contemporary e-books and other media.
• A packed campus programme of events, exhibitions, invited speakers and the annual WayWord literary festival, attracting internationally acclaimed authors, broadcasters and public figures to discuss the written and spoken word in various languages.

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

• Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year:
  • 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.

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.