Program Overview

The BA Celtic Studies degree scheme at Aberystwyth University gives you the opportunity to study Welsh alongside other Celtic languages, including Irish, Scottish Gaelic, and Breton. You will also have the opportunity to study their literature, medieval and modern. You will be able to improve your conversational and written skills in the modern languages, and read texts in the medieval and early modern languages, as well as learn about the languages and cultures of the ancient Celts, and how they helped to shape modern Europe.  

There will be an opportunity to spend a semester abroad in one of our partner institutions in Ireland, Brittany or elsewhere in Europe.  

The Celtic Studies course is designed to be accessible to those who have no prior knowledge of any Celtic language.

Celtic Studies is a fascinating discipline, and this four-year degree will give you the opportunity to gain a unique insight into the culture, literature, history and languages of Britain, Ireland, Europe and beyond from the earliest period to the present day. As well as bringing the Celtic-speaking world to life, this course will also give you the chance to study individual Celtic languages.  

Aberystwyth is renowned for its dedicated exploration of Celtic Studies and is the ideal location for those who wish to develop their interest in this subject. It is located in the heart of Welsh-speaking Wales, where the medieval and modern sit, with ease, side by side. Where better to study Welsh together with some of Europe’s other oldest languages.

You don't have to be fluent in Welsh or Irish to study Celtic Studies, as this is an English-medium course. The equivalent Welsh-medium course is Cymraeg a'r Ieithoedd Celtaidd (Q562).

By choosing to study Celtic Studies in Aberystwyth you will be joining a department that is one of the liveliest academic and intellectual environments for Celtic studies in the world. You will be taught by an inspirational team of world-leading experts in Welsh and Irish language and literature and you will have a wide choice of stimulating modules to choose from that reflect the latest research interests of our lecturers. You will also have an opportunity to apply for a scholarship to follow an intensive language course in Ireland, courtesy of the Irish Government. 

To complement your studies, you will be able to benefit from a programme of stimulating events by attending a wealth of public lectures, book launch evenings, performances and talks in the Department itself and elsewhere. You can also take advantage of the collections of rare literature in the National Library of Wales which is situated very near Penglais Campus, and enjoy the social elements of the Welsh community here.