Program Overview

Uncover Scotland's past and help shape its future. This joint honours programme gives you the opportunity to study the languages, literatures and cultures of the Celtic world side-by-side with the history of Scotland.
Celtic

Study Celtic at the University of Edinburgh and you will learn about extraordinarily rich cultures, from the Middle Ages to the present day.

At all levels of study on our four-year programme, we offer courses in the languages, literatures, histories, and cultures of the Celtic world.

You have the option to study Scottish Gaelic and build up to advanced competency in the language.

A choice of pathways through the programme enables you to develop your own interests in particular areas, periods and disciplines of Celtic studies.

Our expertise covers:

• Scottish Gaelic from the late Middle Ages to the present, including language policy and revitalisation
• The medieval literary tradition in Early Irish and Medieval Welsh - the most extensive in the whole of Europe
• The rich oral tradition recorded from the 18th century to the present day
• Poetry from the 18th century golden age of Gaelic literature
• 19th and 20th century responses to the rapid social, cultural, and linguistic changes in countries where the Celtic languages are spoken
• The writing, song, and media production emerging from the lively and varied contemporary cultural scene in Gaelic Scotland, Ireland, and Wales

Language study

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.

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
Scottish History

We offer unrivalled expertise in Scottish History, with courses covering the political, intellectual, economic, social and cultural history of Scotland from the medieval period to the recent past.

These courses deal with the great events, movements and ideas that have defined the Scottish past, and with the individuals, communities and institutions that have shaped Scottish life.

Particular emphasis is given to:

• The history of Edinburgh
• Scotland's evolving relationship with the other parts of the British Isles
• The significant influence of Scots across the wider world