Gaelic Scotland BA (Hons)
Course code Q538
What is special about this course?
The BA (Hons) Gaelic Scotland* has been designed for those with an interest in Gaelic language and Gaelic culture. You will develop a good understanding of Gaelic issues and acquire skills relevant for employment in a wide range of sectors.
The Gaelic Scotland degree is about Gaelic, taught in English, with Gaelic language modules suitable for all levels of ability.
As well as the language strands, you will study elements of Gaelic history and literature, and examine issues related to the development of the Gaelic language and culture.
There is no requirement for Gaelic language skills on entry: the course caters for and will strengthen all levels of linguistic capability. You will have the opportunity to learn the language or develop your language skills depending on your starting point. The course includes a beginners, learners and improvers, and fluent language strand. The most appropriate strand for you will be assessed during the application process.
*subject to revalidation
Special features
- You will have the opportunity to learn about Gaelic language and culture, as well as developing your language skills
- No Gaelic skills are required at enrolment, these will be developed as part of the course
- You can study full-time or part-time to suit your personal circumstances
- You can study individual modules for personal or professional development
- International students can study online from their home country following the beginners language strand
Entry requirements
Entry to year one:
- 3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above OR
- 2 A levels at grade BC or above
- At least two should be from the list of relevant academic subjects
- Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
- International students, studying from their home country, whose first language is not English must meet language competency standards as noted on the international page of our website
Access routes
- NC Celtic Studies
Year 1 - CertHE
Core modules are:
- Gaelic story and song (S2)
- The Gaelic world 1 (S1)
- Introduction to Gaelic prose (S1)
You will also choose one option module in Semester 2.
Depending on the language strand being followed, you will also take the following modules:
- Beginners: Gaelic for Learners 1A (S1) and Gaelic for Learners 1B (S2)
- Learners and improvers: Cùrsa Adhartais module 5 (S1) and Cùrsa Adhartais module 6 (S2)
- Advanced and fluent speakers: Gàidhlig a h-Aon (S1 and S2) and Cultar nan Gàidheal (S1 and S2)
Year 2 - DipHE
Core modules are:
- Introduction to Gaelic poetry (S1)
- Folklore (S1)
Depending on the language strand being followed, you will also take the following modules:
- Beginners: Gaelic for Learners 2A (S1) and Gaelic for Learners 2B (S2), plus two optional modules.
- Learners and improvers and advanced and fluent speakers: Gàidhlig 2 (S1 and S2), and Onomastics (S2), plus two optional modules.
Year 3 - BA
Core modules are:
- Scotland in film (S1)
- Traditional culture (S1)
- Nationalism and national identity (S2)
- Research skills (S1)
You will also choose two optional modules.
Year 4 - BA (Hons)
Core modules are:
- Traditional culture in the 21st century (S1)
- Language policy in the workplace (S2)
- Dissertation (S1 and S2)
You will also choose two optional modules.
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time (structured)
- Part-time (unstructured)
- You will learn through a combination of video conference tutorials and online study via the university’s virtual learning environment (VLE) with support from your tutors
- International students undertaking the course from their home country can study online and by video conference, in real-time or recordings
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 4 years
- Part-time (structured): 8 years
Where can I study my course?
- Argyll
- HTC
- Inverness
- North, West and Hebrides
- Shetland
International applicants studying online from home should apply to UHI North, West and Hebrides.
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| 2023-24 | 2024-25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (120 credit modules) per year | £1,820 | £1,820 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £915 | £915 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £305 | £305 |
Rest of the UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland) or assessed as rest of the UK for fee status the following fees apply:
| 2023-24 | 2024-25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time online per year (120 credit modules) | £6,120 | £6,120 |
| Part-time online (per 20 credit module) | £1,020 | £1,020 |
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK studying online from their home country, or living in the UK but assessed as international for fee status, the following fees apply:
This includes EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled status in the UK and EEA and Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| 2023-24 | 2024-25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time online per year (120 credit modules) | £6,540 | £6,960 |
| Part-time online (per 20 credit module) | £1,090 | £1,160 |
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Once you have successfully completed your BA (Hons) Gaelic Scotland you might like to consider careers in:
- Tourism
- Community development
- Teaching
- Research
Can I progress into further study?
You can progress from the BA (Hons) Gaelic Scotland to the following postgraduate courses:
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
The course had a mix of Gaelic and English modules, which suited my level of Gaelic. It’s been the shortest 4 years of my life! It has given me the opportunity to follow the career I love: becoming a teacher and using what I have learned to teach children about the island they live on, including the history of the Gaelic language.
Kirsty Watt graduated with a BA (Hons) Gaelic Scotland at our UHI Outer Hebrides campus before continuing on to a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary).
I've passed all of my first year and am now working through my second year modules. I'm particularly enjoying the language, culture and identity module which is amazing as there are so many people on it from around the world. We discuss Gaelic of course but also so many other languages and how they have been affected by things like religion and oppression. My Gaelic is getting better and I am finding more opportunities to use it outside of university.
Cameron Spiers, second year student, BA (Hons) Gaelic Scotland.
I’d like a career in language planning and this course was the only one that offered modules in that area. I also wanted to learn more about Gaelic culture. I love the uniqueness of how the university works; with the variety of campuses that allows you to study without needing to move away.
Andrew-Michael Rae is studying on the BA (Hons) Gaelic Scotland.
Apply for Gaelic Scotland BA (Hons)
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.