Celtic Civilisation/English Language

Celtic civilisation and English language together offer a distinctive window onto the cultural and linguistic history of the British Isles and the European world from which they emerged. Celtic civilisation encompasses the history, literature, material culture, art, religion and society of the Celtic peoples, from their earliest appearance on the European continent through the development of distinct traditions in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Brittany to the present day. English language study, by contrast, examines the structure, history and variation of the language, including how it works at the level of grammar and phonology, how it has changed over time, and how it varies across regions and social groups.

At the University of Glasgow, this part-time programme allows you to pursue both disciplines concurrently, developing expertise in the archaeology, literature and history of the Celtic world alongside a rigorous linguistic understanding of English. You will engage with primary sources in their original contexts, study the development of Celtic languages and cultures in relation to broader European history, and develop the analytical skills needed to interpret linguistic data and historical evidence. A year abroad is part of the programme, giving you the opportunity to study at an international partner institution and develop your research experience in a new environment.

Graduates who combine Celtic studies with English language research are well equipped for careers in academia, teaching, cultural heritage, archiving and libraries, arts administration and broadcasting. The skills developed through the programme, including close reading, historical analysis, argument construction and interdisciplinary thinking, are transferable to a wide range of professional contexts. Postgraduate study in Celtic studies, linguistics, medieval history or related areas is a natural route for those with research ambitions.