Program Overview

Gaelic Foundations: Living Cultures at Beinn Mhàbu

Program Overview

The Gaelic Foundations Program is a broad-based interdisciplinary program for students looking to gain a deeper understanding of the history, literature, music, and dance of Gaelic culture of Nova Scotia. Delivered in English at the Gaelic College Mabou campus (Beinn Mhàbu), students will dive deeply into key aspects of Gaelic culture from the ancient past to present day.

Admission Requirements

• General Requirements for High School Graduates:
  • See CBU’s English Language Requirements.
• General Transfer Student Requirements:
  • In order to transfer to CBU, you must be in good academic standing at your current/previous institution.
  • You must meet the general admissions requirements (or the post-secondary equivalent) for the program.
  • To see if your institution is an articulation partner, please view our articulation agreements page.

Program Types and Duration

• Program Types: Degree
• Program Duration: 2 Year
• Fields of Study: Arts, Social Sciences & Culture
• Program Types: Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Arts Community Studies (BACS)

Tuition Fees

• Residents of Nova Scotia: $8,244 per year
• Residents of Canada: $9,527 per year
• International Residents: $18,515 per year

Program Structure

The program is structured into two years. The first year, or Foundation Year, provides students with a broad-based interdisciplinary understanding of Gaelic culture. The second year builds upon this foundation, blending Community Studies courses with immersive Beinn Mhàbu experiences and courses related to Gaelic Language & Cultural Sustainability.

Skills and Career Paths

• Skills gained from this program include:
  • Critical thinking
  • Effective oral and written communication
  • Research and debating skills
  • Deepened understanding of Gaelic culture
• Possible career paths can be found in the descriptions of the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Arts Community Studies programs.

Location and Cultural Significance

Cape Breton University is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw People. The Beinn Mhàbu campus, where the Gaelic Foundations Program is delivered, is situated in a recognized living Gaelic community, providing students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Gaelic culture.