MA Anthropology and Gaelic Studies
About this course
MA in Anthropology and Gaelic Studies is a joint degree exploring social anthropology alongside the history, literature and language of Scottish Gaelic society. Core topics include Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Communication & Writing. Students may undertake an optional year abroad as part of their studies. The first year introduces the fundamentals of social anthropology and Gaelic Scotland, with compulsory courses such as Introduction to Anthropology: Peoples of the World, Introduction to Anthropology: Questions of Diversity, and Gaelic Scotland, alongside language study options for beginners and fluent speakers. The second year examines key anthropological debates, colonial expressions, and medieval Scottish folklore through compulsory modules including Key Debates in Anthropology, Reimagining Colonialism, Otherworld: Lost Gods and Hidden Monsters of Medieval Scotland, and Triumph and Tragedy: A Literary and Historic Tour of Gaelic Scotland. The third year advances theoretical and linguistic competence with compulsory modules such as Anthropological Theory and Gaelic Language A. The final year centres on advanced language study through Gaelic Language B and offers a choice of dissertations, including Dissertation in Anthropology By Scholarship, Dissertation in Gaelic Studies, and Dissertation in Anthropology By Fieldwork.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBC IB: 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL. SL in English is also required. SQA Highers: BBBB. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DMM in related subjects. Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B.) GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C/4 is also required for Accountancy, Economics and Finance programmes. Irish Leaving Certificate: Five subjects at Higher at H3.
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What students say
Based on about 84 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 78%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 79%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 75%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 21 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Administrative occupations: 20%
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Welfare and housing associate professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 130 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 5%
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 8%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 1%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 70%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 80%
- Access course: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
Modules
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Introduction to Anthropology: Peoples of the World
- Introduction to Anthropology: Questions of Diversity
- Gaelic Scotland
- Academic Writing for Social Sciences
- Gaelic for Beginners 1a
- Gaelic for Beginners 1b
- Gaelic Language 1a
- Gaelic Language 1b
- Key Debates in Anthropology
- Reimagining Colonialism
- Otherworld: Lost Gods and Hidden Monsters of Medieval Scotland
- Triumph and Tragedy: A Literary and Historic Tour of Gaelic Scotland
- Gaelic for Advanced Beginners 2a
- Gaelic for Advanced Beginners 2b
- Gaelic Language 2a
- Gaelic Language 2b
- Anthropological Theory
- Gaelic Language A
- Gaelic Language B
- Dissertation in Anthropology By Scholarship
- Dissertation in Gaelic Studies
- Dissertation in Anthropology By Fieldwork
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Anthropology and Gaelic Studies at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £24,000 after 15 months, £23,000 after 3 years, £28,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £22,500 and £34,500. The £28,500 median after five years is £2,000 less than the UK median for Anthropology.
What do graduates of MA Anthropology and Gaelic Studies at University of Aberdeen do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Anthropology and Gaelic Studies at University of Aberdeen?
90% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Anthropology and Gaelic Studies at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 163 UCAS points.
Does MA Anthropology and Gaelic Studies at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Anthropology and Gaelic Studies at University of Aberdeen?
75% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.