MA Gaelic Studies and Language & Linguistics
About this course
MA in Gaelic Studies and Language & Linguistics, an undergraduate degree combining the study of Scottish Gaelic language, literature and culture with linguistic analysis of human communication. Core topics include Research Methods and Communication & Writing. The course includes an optional year abroad and allows students to choose between dissertations in Gaelic Studies or Language and Linguistics in the final year. The first year covers introductory foundations through Academic Writing for Language & Literature, Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen, Language Structure and use, and Gaelic Scotland, with optional language pathways available for beginners or fluent speakers. The second year continues with Triumph and Tragedy: A Literary and Historic Tour of Gaelic Scotland, Language in Society, Elements of English, and Otherworld: Lost Gods and Hidden Monsters of Medieval Scotland, alongside progressive language options. The third year centres on Gaelic Language A, developing advanced subject-based abilities in the language. The fourth year concludes with Gaelic Language B and offers a choice between a Dissertation in Gaelic Studies or a Dissertation in Language and Linguistics.
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 9 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 85%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 67%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 87%
- Learning resources: 98%
- Student voice: 80%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 75%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 15%
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: 20%
- Further study: 5%
- 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: 45%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 30%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 80 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 5%
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East of England: 1%
- London: 6%
- South East: 7%
- South West: 1%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 71%
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: 80%
- Access course: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
Modules
- Academic Writing for Language & Literature
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Language Structure and use
- Gaelic Scotland
- Gaelic for Beginners 1a
- Gaelic for Beginners 1b
- Gaelic Language 1a
- Gaelic Language 1b
- Living Language
- English Past and Present
- Triumph and Tragedy: A Literary and Historic Tour of Gaelic Scotland
- Language in Society
- Elements of English
- 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
- Gaelic Language B
- Dissertation in Gaelic Studies
- Dissertation in Language and Linguistics
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Gaelic Studies and Language & Linguistics at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £20,500 after 3 years, £26,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,000 and £34,000. The £26,500 median after five years is £3,500 less than the UK median for Linguistics.
What do graduates of MA Gaelic Studies and Language & Linguistics 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 Language & Linguistics at University of Aberdeen?
85% 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 Language & Linguistics at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 179 UCAS points.
Does MA Gaelic Studies and Language & Linguistics 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 Language & Linguistics at University of Aberdeen?
75% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.