Celtic MA (Hons)

Study Celtic at the University of Edinburgh and you will learn about extraordinarily rich cultures, from the Middle Ages to the 21st century.<br/><br/>At all levels of study on our four-year programme, we offer courses in the languages, literatures, histories, and cultures of the Celtic world.<br/><br/>You have the option to study Scottish Gaelic and build up to advanced competency in the language.<br/><br/>A choice of pathways through the programme enables you to develop your own interests in particular areas, periods and disciplines of Celtic studies.<br/><br/>Our expertise covers:<br/><br/><br/>* Scottish Gaelic from the late Middle Ages to the present, including language policy and revitalisation <br/><br/><br/>* the medieval literary tradition in Early Irish and Medieval Welsh - the most extensive in the whole of Europe <br/><br/><br/>* the rich oral tradition recorded from the 18th century to the present day <br/><br/><br/>* poetry from the 18th century golden age of Gaelic literature <br/><br/><br/>* 19th and 20th century responses to the rapid social, cultural, and linguistic changes in countries where the Celtic languages are spoken <br/><br/><br/>* the writing, song, and media production emerging from the lively and varied contemporary cultural scene in Gaelic Scotland, Ireland, and Wales<br/><br/><br/>**Language study**<br/><br/>If you choose to study Scottish Gaelic, it does not matter if you are a complete beginner; we stream our Year 1 classes to suit all levels of prior knowledge, or none.<br/><br/>You can also learn a medieval Celtic language at honours level (Years 3 and 4). Both Old Irish and Middle Welsh are available. For this path, you will study Celtic civilisation and literature in Years 1 and 2, with texts presented in English translation.<br/><br/>**Why Edinburgh**<br/><br/>Edinburgh has a long-established Gaelic community and a lively contemporary cultural scene.<br/><br/>As Scotlands capital city, its collections are outstanding, as are the Universitys own resources for the study of Celtic.<br/><br/>Our programme is extremely flexible. In Years 1 and 2, in addition to studying Celtic, you will choose option courses from a wide range of disciplines. You will then specialise as you progress through your honours years.<br/><br/>When you graduate, you will have the combination of broad cultural education and specialist knowledge valued by employers worldwide.