MA Gaelic Studies and German
About this course
An MA in Gaelic Studies and German, this five-year undergraduate degree combines the study of Scotland's oldest living language with a major European language and culture. Core topics include Research Methods and Communication & Writing. The programme includes a compulsory year abroad spent in Germany or Austria. The first year introduces foundational online study alongside choices such as Gaelic Scotland, Academic Writing for Language & Literature, Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen, Gaelic for Beginners 1a, Gaelic for Beginners 1b, German for Beginners 1, German for Beginners 2, Background to German for Beginners 1, The Global City in Text and Film, Gaelic Language 1a, Gaelic Language 1b, German Language 1, German Language 2, and Modern German Culture 1. Year two builds on this with compulsory modules including The Global City in Text and Film, Modern German Culture 3, Otherworld: Lost Gods and Hidden Monsters of Medieval Scotland, and Triumph and Tragedy: A Literary and Historic Tour of Gaelic Scotland, alongside options like Gaelic for Advanced Beginners 2a, Gaelic for Advanced Beginners 2b, German Language (Advanced Introductory) 1, Gaelic Language 2a, Gaelic Language 2b, German Language 3, German Language 4, and German Language (Advanced Introductory) 2. Year four focuses on advanced study through Gaelic Language A and German Junior Honours Language Study. The final year includes compulsory modules such as Gaelic Language B and German Language Study for Senior Honours, with optional modules allowing students to undertake a Dissertation in Gaelic Studies or a Dissertation in German.
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 11 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 89%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 83%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 78%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 91%
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: 85%
- Gained a higher qualification: 5%
- 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: 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: 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 10 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 85%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- A degree: 10%
Modules
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Academic Writing for Language & Literature
- Gaelic Scotland
- Gaelic for Beginners 1a
- Gaelic for Beginners 1b
- German for Beginners 1
- German for Beginners 2
- Background to German for Beginners 1
- The Global City in Text and Film
- Gaelic Language 1a
- Gaelic Language 1b
- German Language 1
- German Language 2
- Modern German Culture 1
- The Global City in Text and Film
- Modern German Culture 3
- 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
- German Language (Advanced Introductory) 1
- Gaelic Language 2a
- Gaelic Language 2b
- German Language 3
- German Language 4
- German Language (Advanced Introductory) 2
- Gaelic Language A
- German Junior Honours Language Study
- Gaelic Language B
- German Language Study for Senior Honours
- Dissertation in Gaelic Studies
- Dissertation in German
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Gaelic Studies and German 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 £2,500 less than the UK median for German and Scandinavian studies.
What do graduates of MA Gaelic Studies and German 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 Gaelic Studies and German at University of Aberdeen?
89% 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 German at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 158 UCAS points.
Does MA Gaelic Studies and German at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Gaelic Studies and German at University of Aberdeen?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.