Program Overview

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Gaelic Studies and Politics, MA

Introduction

Gaelic Studies and Politics 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 adds an in-depth focus on the role of politics, different political systems, and how democracy interacts and influences economies. You will be ideally suited to a career in politics, media or business and with skills transferable to many other sectors of employment.

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: QL52

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.

In Politics, you will explore different political systems, making and implementing policy, nationalism and concepts of democracy and how we vote.

You will be taught by experts in political parties and elections, energy politics, European integration, regionalism and politics, human rights and development issues and conflict and security and who appear regularly as experts in the media commenting on national, European and international issues and events as they unfold.

You will graduate with many options for careers in international business, local and national government, politics, NGOs, media, and many other possibilities. Many Aberdeen graduates are today household names in politics and journalism, senior figures in global business, international affairs and diplomacy and leading thinkers, authors and experts in their fields.

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)
  • Gaelic Scotland (GH1015)
  • Politics & International Relations 1: Democracy and Governance (PI1018)
  • Politics & International Relations 2: Power and Conflict (PI1518)
  • Gaelic for Beginners 1a (GH1007)
  • Gaelic for Beginners 1b (GH1507)
  • Gaelic Language 1a (GH1013)
  • Gaelic Language 1b (GH1513)

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • GH2006 Gaelic Folklore
  • Ideas and Ideologies in Politics and International Relations (PI2009)
  • Global Politics: Equality and Inequality (PI2508)
  • Otherworld: Lost Gods and Hidden Monsters of Medieval Scotland (GH2010)
  • Gaelic for Advanced Beginners 2b (GH2509)
  • Triumph and Tragedy: A Literary and Historic Tour of Gaelic Scotland (GH2515)
  • Gaelic Language 2b (GH2513)
  • Gaelic Language 2a (GH2013)

Year 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Gaelic Language A (GH3022)
  • Research Methods in Politics and International Relations (PI3084)

Year 4

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Gaelic Language B (GH4022)

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 Politics?

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 Politics and International Relations

• A core curriculum with topical themes of conflict and security, representation and democracy, comparative politics and policy.
• Special focus on the Middle-East, Latin America, North and South Asia, the Nordic Countries, Central and Eastern Europe – as well as Scotland, the UK and the EU.
• Staff with specialist expertise in political parties and elections, democracy, energy politics, European integration and regionalism, human rights and development issues, interest groups, nationalism, conflict resolution and more.
• Opportunities to take advantage of spending your second year studying abroad, in Europe, Japan, Hong Kong or North America.
• The spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, combining a top-class study environment with state-of-the-art technology, and extensive reference collections for your studies.
• A packed campus programme of events, seminars, invited speakers and the annual May festival, engaging prominent influencers, interest groups and public in debating major political issues such as Scottish independence and EU membership.
• All the history and legacy of being part of a university developed over 500 years of national and international political turbulence, social change, and emerging democracy.

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.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen
• More information on the Careers and Employability Service

Our Experts

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change.