Edinburgh is the first UNESCO World City of Literature, a fantastic literary city which many writers have called home. Scotland's capital has a long-established Gaelic community and a lively contemporary cultural scene.
Drawing on Edinburgh's exceptional resources, this joint honours programme gives you the opportunity to study the literatures, languages and cultures of the Celtic world alongside writing from a vast range of English-speaking cultures and all major periods in history.
Our four-year programme is extremely flexible. During your time with us, you will study a range of subjects, with the option to take courses in other areas of the humanities and social sciences. You will specialise as you progress through your honours years.
When you graduate, you will have the combination of broad cultural education and specialist knowledge valued by employers worldwide.
Study Celtic at the University of Edinburgh and you will learn about extraordinarily rich cultures, from the Middle Ages to the present day.
At all levels of study on our four-year programme, we offer courses in the languages, literatures, histories, and cultures of the Celtic world.
You have the option to study Scottish Gaelic and build up to advanced competency in the language.
A choice of pathways through the programme enables you to develop your own interests in particular areas, periods and disciplines of Celtic studies.
Our expertise covers:
Scottish Gaelic from the late Middle Ages to the present, including language policy and revitalisation
the medieval literary tradition in Early Irish and Medieval Welsh - the most extensive in the whole of Europe
the rich oral tradition recorded from the 18th century to the present day
poetry from the 18th century golden age of Gaelic literature
19th and 20th century responses to the rapid social, cultural, and linguistic changes in countries where the Celtic languages are spoken
the writing, song, and media production emerging from the lively and varied contemporary cultural scene in Gaelic Scotland, Ireland, and Wales.
Graduating with a four-year Master of Arts degree from the University of Edinburgh shows intellectual maturity, resilience, and flexibility.
The skills you will be able to demonstrate to employers include the ability to:
understand, analyse and articulate complex issues and concepts
manage your time to meet deadlines on different types of project
work independently and as part of a group
In addition to these qualities, graduating in Celtic and English Literature indicates that you have a nuanced understanding of other cultures and societies and how they shape our world. This gives you the Intercultural Competence that is so valued by employers internationally.
