Celtic Civilisation/Scottish History

Celtic civilisation and Scottish history is a combination that brings together the deep roots of Celtic culture with the specific national story of Scotland, exploring how the Gaelic and Brythonic traditions that shaped the British Isles intersect with, inform, and sometimes run counter to the political and cultural history of one of Europe's most distinctive nations. Celtic civilisation immerses you in the history of the Celts from their earliest presence on the European continent, examining the development of their societies, literature, material culture, art, and religion from ancient times through to the contemporary British Isles. Scottish history engages with the full sweep of Scotland's past, from the early medieval period through the Union, the Enlightenment, industrialisation, and the contemporary era.

At Glasgow, this four-year degree allows you to pursue both areas seriously, developing the source-critical skills and interpretive frameworks needed to handle historical and literary evidence from very different periods and traditions. Celtic civilisation modules will draw on written sources in Old Irish, Welsh, and Latin alongside material and visual evidence. Scottish history will train you in the methods of professional historical inquiry, developing your ability to construct arguments from primary sources and to engage with the historiographical debates that have shaped understanding of Scotland's past.

The degree includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to study at an international partner institution and to bring a comparative perspective to both fields.

Graduates of Celtic civilisation and Scottish history move into careers in education, heritage, archiving, museums, cultural organisations, and the public sector in Scotland and beyond. The depth of historical and cultural knowledge developed in the degree is valued in Scottish cultural institutions, broadcasting, policy, and the creative industries. Many graduates go on to postgraduate study in Celtic studies, Scottish history, heritage management, or a related field, while others enter professional careers where the combination of historical understanding and cultural knowledge provides a solid intellectual foundation.