MA Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies and Gaelic Studies
About this course
MA in Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies and Gaelic Studies, an arts degree exploring the history, literature, and languages of early societies in Britain, Ireland, and Scandinavia. Core topics include Research Methods and Communication & Writing. Students may optionally choose to spend a year abroad during their studies. The first year introduces foundational themes through compulsory modules such as Barbarians, Romans, Gods and Warriors, Ancient Empires: Religion, Power and Politics, and Gaelic Scotland, alongside optional language choices in Gaelic, Irish, or Latin. The second year continues with historical and cultural topics in modules like Love, Loss and Revival: Gaelic Ireland, 1700 to the Present, The Celts, Their Neighbours, and The Classical World, and Otherworld: Lost Gods and Hidden Monsters of Medieval Scotland. In the third year, advanced study begins with compulsory Gaelic language instruction alongside optional modules such as Scottish Archaeology, Introduction to Old English Language, and Myths, Legends and Poetry of the Mediaeval Gaels. The final year focuses on advanced linguistic proficiency through Gaelic Language B and offers independent research opportunities via options like Dissertation in Celtic & Anglo - Saxon Studies and Dissertation in Gaelic Studies, alongside further specialized study in modules such as Celtic Scotland: Gaelic Cultural Moments Middle Ages to Present.
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 10 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 70%
- Left higher education: 15%
- 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
- Secretarial and related occupations: 15%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- 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 10 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 75%
- Access course: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 20%
Modules
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Academic Writing for Language & Literature
- Barbarians, Romans, Gods and Warriors
- Ancient Empires: Religion, Power and Politics
- Gaelic Scotland
- Gaelic for Beginners 1a
- Gaelic for Beginners 1b
- Gaelic Language 1a
- Gaelic Language 1b
- Modern Irish Language for Beginners 1
- Modern Irish Language for Beginners 2
- Latin 1
- Latin 2
- Love, Loss and Revival: Gaelic Ireland, 1700 to the Present
- The Celts, Their Neighbours, and The Classical World
- Ancient Empires: Religion, Power and Politics
- Scottish Folklore and Oral Traditions
- Triumph and Tragedy: A Literary and Historic Tour of Gaelic Scotland
- Otherworld: Lost Gods and Hidden Monsters of Medieval Scotland
- Gaelic for Advanced Beginners 2a
- Gaelic for Advanced Beginners 2b
- Gaelic Language 2a
- Gaelic Language 2b
- Gaelic Language A
- Scottish Archaeology
- Celtic Scotland: Gaelic Cultural Moments Middle Ages to Present
- Introduction to Old English Language
- Independent Study In Celtic & Anglo - Saxon Studies A
- Myths, Legends and Poetry of the Mediaeval Gaels
- Decolonial England: Languages and Identities from 450 to the Present
- Gaelic Language B
- Dissertation in Celtic & Anglo - Saxon Studies
- Dissertation in Gaelic Studies
- Celtic Scotland: Gaelic Cultural Moments Middle Ages to Present
- Introduction to Old English Language
- Independent Study In Celtic & Anglo - Saxon Studies B
- Myths, Legends and Poetry of the Mediaeval Gaels
- Decolonial England: Languages and Identities from 450 to the Present
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies 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 £500 more than the UK median for Celtic studies.
What do graduates of MA Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies 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 Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies 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 Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies 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 Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies 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 Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies and Gaelic Studies at University of Aberdeen?
70% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.