MA Gaelic Studies and Politics
About this course
MA in Gaelic Studies and Politics, an undergraduate degree combining the study of Scotland's oldest living language and culture with the examination of political systems, governance, and international relations. Core topics include Research Methods, Project Management, Communication & Writing, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students may choose to undertake an optional year abroad. The first year introduces foundational themes through modules such as Gaelic Scotland, Politics & International Relations 1: Democracy and Governance, and Gaelic for Beginners 1a. Year two expands on these concepts with courses including Global Politics: Equality and Inequality, Otherworld: Lost Gods and Hidden Monsters of Medieval Scotland, and Triumph and Tragedy: A Literary and Historic Tour of Gaelic Scotland. In the third year, students tackle advanced language study alongside Research Methods in Politics and International Relations. The final year involves senior language coursework through Gaelic Language B alongside optional modules covering topics such as Scottish Politics, Gender and Politics, and International Migration and Europe, with opportunities to complete an independent dissertation.
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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 84 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 78%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 79%
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 21 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
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Customer service occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 130 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 5%
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 8%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 1%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 70%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
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
- Gaelic Scotland
- Politics & International Relations 1: Democracy and Governance
- Politics & International Relations 2: Power and Conflict
- Gaelic for Beginners 1a
- Gaelic for Beginners 1b
- Gaelic Language 1a
- Gaelic Language 1b
- Ideas and Ideologies in Politics and International Relations
- Global Politics: Equality and Inequality
- Otherworld: Lost Gods and Hidden Monsters of Medieval Scotland
- Gaelic for Advanced Beginners 2b
- Triumph and Tragedy: A Literary and Historic Tour of Gaelic Scotland
- Gaelic Language 2b
- Gaelic Language 2a
- Gaelic Language A
- Research Methods in Politics and International Relations
- Employer - Led Interdisciplinary Project
- International Security
- Political Parties in Britain
- Soviet and Post - Soviet Russian Foreign Policy
- International Terrorism Counterterrorism & International Relations
- Memory and Politics of the Past
- Human Rights in Global Politics
- The Global Politics of Secession
- Gaelic Language B
- Dissertation
- Comparative Constitutional Systems
- Extreme Right in Western Europe
- Maritime Security
- Political Islam: Islamist Ideologies and Practices
- International Migration and Europe
- Gender and Politics
- Northern Ireland: Small, Dirty War
- Corruption and Good Governance
- US Presidents
- Contemporary French Politics: Race, Religion and Social Change B
- War and Peace in International Politics
- International Political Psychology
- Scottish Politics
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Gaelic Studies and Politics at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £24,000 after 15 months, £23,000 after 3 years, £28,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £22,500 and £34,500. The £28,500 median after five years is £5,500 less than the UK median for Politics.
What do graduates of MA Gaelic Studies and Politics 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 Politics at University of Aberdeen?
90% 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 Politics at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 163 UCAS points.
Does MA Gaelic Studies and Politics 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 Politics at University of Aberdeen?
75% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.