MA Celtic and Linguistics
About this course
MA (Hons) in Celtic and Linguistics, an English Language and Linguistics and Celtic degree examining linguistic principles alongside the history, literature and cultural traditions of the Celtic world. Students choose between a Scottish Gaelic language pathway and a Celtic civilisation pathway, with options to study Old Irish or Middle Welsh at honours level. The first year introduces general language study alongside options 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. The second year continues with modules such as Heroes, Wonders, Saints and Sagas - covers medieval Welsh and Irish material and Songs, Swords, Rebels and Revivals - looks at texts from Gaelic Scotland and Early Modern and Modern Ireland, alongside further study of the structure and history of world languages and variation observed in the languages of the world.
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: ABB (required: no specific A level subjects required) IB: 34 points with 655 at HL
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 83%: 5 offers from 6 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 46 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 88%
- Learning opportunities: 79%
- Assessment and feedback: 70%
- Academic support: 87%
- Organisation and management: 75%
- Learning resources: 82%
- Student voice: 73%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 60 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 97%
- Left higher education: 1%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 3%
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: 50%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 25%
- Unemployed: 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 50 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 70%
- Baccalaureate: 10%
- Other HE qualification: 10%
- No formal qualifications: 10%
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
- variation observed in the languages of the world
- the structure and history of world languages
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Celtic and Linguistics 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 £3,000 more than the UK median for Linguistics.
What do graduates of MA Celtic and Linguistics at University of Edinburgh 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 Celtic and Linguistics 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 Linguistics at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 171 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for MA Celtic and Linguistics at University of Edinburgh?
83% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 5 offers from 6 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does MA Celtic and Linguistics 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 Linguistics at University of Edinburgh?
97% of students continued into their second year, and 1% left higher education.