MA Celtic and English Language
About this course
MA (Hons) in Celtic and English Language, a joint honours degree centred on English Language and Linguistics and Celtic. The programme explores the cultural and linguistic history of the Celtic world alongside the evolution and structure of the English language. The first year covers introductory modules including Celtic Civilisation 1A: Barbarians, Saints and Scholars, Celtic Civilisation 1B: Domination, Dislocation and Defiance, Linguistics and English Language 1A - this offers a brief introduction to the study of language in general and of English in particular, and Linguistics and English Language 1B - this will help you develop the tools and knowledge needed to investigate the different subsystems of language. Year 2 advances into medieval and modern material through modules such as Heroes, Wonders, Saints and Sagas - covers medieval Welsh and Irish material, Songs, Swords, Rebels and Revivals - looks at texts from Gaelic Scotland and Early Modern and Modern Ireland, the structure and history of world languages, and variation in English over time and across geographical space. Year 3 examines current issues in the discipline, the history of Scots, Old and Middle English, Global Englishes and dialects.
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Entry requirements
A level: ABB (required: no specific A level subjects required) IB: 34 points with 655 at HL
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What students say
Based on about 16 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: 75%
- Assessment and feedback: 74%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 76%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 74%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 35 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 435 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 38%
- South East: 8%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 32%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 80%
- Baccalaureate: 10%
- Access course: 5%
- No formal qualifications: 5%
Modules
- Scottish Gaelic language pathway
- Celtic civilisation pathway
- Celtic Civilisation 1A: Barbarians, Saints and Scholars
- Celtic Civilisation 1B: Domination, Dislocation and Defiance
- Linguistics and English Language 1A - this offers a brief introduction to the study of language in general and of English in particular
- Linguistics and English Language 1B - this will help you develop the tools and knowledge needed to investigate the different subsystems of language
- Scottish ethnology
- linguistics and language sciences
- European languages and cultures
- Asian studies
- Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies
- business, economics and informatics
- politics, social policy, social anthropology and international relations
- art and architectural history
- history, classics and archaeology
- philosophy, divinity and law
- Heroes, Wonders, Saints and Sagas - covers medieval Welsh and Irish material
- Songs, Swords, Rebels and Revivals - looks at texts from Gaelic Scotland and Early Modern and Modern Ireland
- the structure and history of world languages
- variation in English over time and across geographical space
- current issues in the discipline
- the history of Scots, Old and Middle English, Global Englishes and dialects
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Celtic and English Language at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £27,000 after 3 years, £33,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £44,000. The £33,000 median after five years is £5,000 more than the UK median for English language.
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Celtic and English Language at University of Edinburgh?
88% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Celtic and English Language at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 162 UCAS points.
Does MA Celtic and English Language at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Celtic and English Language at University of Edinburgh?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.