MA Gaelic Studies and History
About this course
MA in Gaelic Studies and History, an undergraduate degree exploring the language, literature, culture, and social development of Gaelic Scotland alongside broader historical contexts. Core topics include Communication & Writing, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Historical Research, and Research Methods. Students may undertake an optional year abroad as part of their studies. The first year introduces foundational concepts through compulsory modules such as Academic Writing for Language & Literature, Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen, Gaelic Scotland, and Making History, alongside optional language choices for beginners or fluent speakers. Year two continues with modules including Otherworld: Lost Gods and Hidden Monsters of Medieval Scotland and Triumph and Tragedy: A Literary and Historic Tour of Gaelic Scotland, alongside progressive language options. Year three builds expertise through Gaelic Language A and Thinking History, while optional study spans areas like architecture or medical history. The final year involves advanced language work through Gaelic Language B alongside flexible options such as a Dissertation in Gaelic Studies, Undergraduate Dissertation in History, and various special subjects exploring European and international history.
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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 32 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 92%
- Assessment and feedback: 85%
- Academic support: 97%
- Organisation and management: 87%
- Learning resources: 95%
- Student voice: 84%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 60 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 88%
- Left higher education: 11%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 1%
What graduates do next
Based on about 41 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 12%
- Further study: 13%
- Unemployed: 1%
Most common jobs
- Secretarial and related occupations: 15%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 60%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 40%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 35%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 80 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 4%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 13%
- South East: 3%
- South West: 2%
- Scotland: 68%
- Northern Ireland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 80 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 91%
- A degree: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 8%
Modules
- Academic Writing for Language & Literature
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Gaelic Scotland
- Making History
- Gaelic for Beginners 1a
- Gaelic for Beginners 1b
- Gaelic Language 1a
- Gaelic Language 1b
- 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
- Gaelic Language A
- Thinking History
- Architecture and Power
- History of Medicine (ME33HM)
- Painting in Tudor and Early Stuart England
- Gaelic Language B
- Dissertation in Gaelic Studies
- History in Practice
- Undergraduate Dissertation in History
- Special Sub: Enlightenment Compared: Ireland, Scotland, Central Europe
- Special Subject: History of the Israeli Palestinian Conflict
- Special Sub: the Child as Subject in the British World
- Spec Sub: Court Society in Late Medieval Europe (C. 1300 – C. 1500)
- Special Sub:european Constitutional Monarchies in the Long 19thcentury
- Special Sub.: Britain and Revolutionary Russia 1917 - 1924
- Special Subject: Myths of the North
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Gaelic Studies and History at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £24,000 after 3 years, £28,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,500 and £38,500. The £28,000 median after five years is £2,500 less than the UK median for History.
What do graduates of MA Gaelic Studies and History at University of Aberdeen do next?
90% 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 History at University of Aberdeen?
94% 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 History at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 165 UCAS points.
Does MA Gaelic Studies and History 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 History at University of Aberdeen?
88% of students continued into their second year, and 11% left higher education.