MA French and Gaelic Studies
About this course
MA in French and Gaelic Studies, a languages and cultural studies degree exploring the history, literature and society associated with French and Scottish Gaelic. Core topics include Research Methods and Communication & Writing. This five-year undergraduate course includes a compulsory year abroad. The first year introduces foundational linguistic studies and cultural contexts through compulsory courses such as Academic Writing for Language & Literature, Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen, and Gaelic Scotland, alongside optional beginner or qualified language routes. The second year continues language development and historical exploration with compulsory modules including Revolution and Revolt in Modern and Contemporary France, Decentering France: Social Movements and Cultural Transformation, Otherworld: Lost Gods and Hidden Monsters of Medieval Scotland, and Triumph and Tragedy: A Literary and Historic Tour of Gaelic Scotland, paired with appropriate language options. Later stages advance proficiency through compulsory honours study such as Junior Honours French Language, Senior Honours French Language, Gaelic Language A, and Gaelic Language B. Students may also complete a final-year independent research project by choosing optional modules including Dissertation in French or Dissertation in Gaelic Studies.
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 7 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 100%
- Learning opportunities: 100%
- Assessment and feedback: 92%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 96%
- Learning resources: 97%
- Student voice: 84%
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: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 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: 10%
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: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 45 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 5%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 15%
- South East: 5%
- Scotland: 65%
- Northern Ireland: 5%
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: 95%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Modules
- Academic Writing for Language & Literature
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Gaelic Scotland
- Beginners French Language 1
- Beginners French Language 2
- French Culture and Society: from Occupation to Decolonisation
- The Global City in Text and Film
- Gaelic for Beginners 1a
- Gaelic for Beginners 1b
- Qualified French Language 1
- Qualified French Language 2
- Gaelic Language 1a
- Gaelic Language 1b
- Revolution and Revolt in Modern and Contemporary France
- Decentering France: Social Movements and Cultural Transformation
- Otherworld: Lost Gods and Hidden Monsters of Medieval Scotland
- Triumph and Tragedy: A Literary and Historic Tour of Gaelic Scotland
- Advanced Introductory French Language 1
- Advanced Introductory French Language 2
- Gaelic for Advanced Beginners 2a
- Gaelic for Advanced Beginners 2b
- Advanced French Language 1
- Advanced French Language 2
- Gaelic Language 2a
- Gaelic Language 2b
- Junior Honours French Language
- Gaelic Language A
- Senior Honours French Language
- Gaelic Language B
- Dissertation in French
- Dissertation in Gaelic Studies
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA French and Gaelic Studies at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £25,000 after 3 years, £30,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,000 and £36,500. The £30,000 median after five years is £4,000 less than the UK median for French studies.
What do graduates of MA French 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 French and Gaelic Studies at University of Aberdeen?
100% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA French 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 181 UCAS points.
Does MA French and Gaelic Studies at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on MA French and Gaelic Studies at University of Aberdeen?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.