MA Gaelic Studies and Geography
About this course
MA in Gaelic Studies and Geography, a joint arts degree combining the study of Scottish Gaelic language, literature and culture with human and physical geography. Core topics include Statistics, Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Communication & Writing. Students may optionally undertake a year abroad as part of their studies. The first year covers foundational topics through compulsory modules such as Academic Writing for Language & Literature, Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen, Gaelic Scotland, Creating the Anthropocene, and The UN Sustainable Development Goals: Transforming Our World, alongside optional language choices like Gaelic for Beginners 1a. Year 2 introduces geographical and cultural study via Otherworld: Lost Gods and Hidden Monsters of Medieval Scotland, Space, Economy and Society, Skills and Techniques in Geosciences, and Triumph and Tragedy: A Literary and Historic Tour of Gaelic Scotland, with further choices including Physical Environments and Mapping and Monitoring the Environment. Year 3 advances the curriculum with Gaelic Language A, Approaches to Geography, and Research Design. Year 4 concludes the programme with Gaelic Language B, as well as optional modules including Dissertation in Gaelic Studies, Geographical Issues, and Geography Dissertation.
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 13 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 88%
- Learning opportunities: 86%
- Assessment and feedback: 84%
- Academic support: 78%
- Organisation and management: 54%
- Learning resources: 97%
- Student voice: 64%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 7 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 15%
- 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 215 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 3%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 6%
- South East: 4%
- South West: 2%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 72%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Modules
- Academic Writing for Language & Literature
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Gaelic Scotland
- Creating the Anthropocene
- The UN Sustainable Development Goals: Transforming Our World
- Gaelic for Beginners 1a
- Gaelic for Beginners 1b
- Gaelic Language 1a
- Gaelic Language 1b
- Otherworld: Lost Gods and Hidden Monsters of Medieval Scotland
- Space, Economy and Society
- Skills and Techniques in Geosciences
- Triumph and Tragedy: A Literary and Historic Tour of Gaelic Scotland
- Physical Environments
- Environment and Society
- Mapping and Monitoring the Environment
- Gaelic for Advanced Beginners 2a
- Gaelic for Advanced Beginners 2b
- Gaelic Language 2a
- Gaelic Language 2b
- Gaelic Language A
- Approaches to Geography
- Research Design
- Gaelic Language B
- Dissertation in Gaelic Studies
- Geographical Issues
- Geography Dissertation
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Gaelic Studies and Geography at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £27,500 after 15 months, £25,500 after 3 years, £32,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,500 and £37,000. The £32,000 median after five years is £2,500 less than the UK median for Human geography.
What do graduates of MA Gaelic Studies and Geography at University of Aberdeen do next?
75% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Gaelic Studies and Geography at University of Aberdeen?
88% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Gaelic Studies and Geography at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 164 UCAS points.
Does MA Gaelic Studies and Geography at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Gaelic Studies and Geography at University of Aberdeen?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.