Celtic Civilisation/Social & Public Policy

Celtic civilisation and social and public policy is a degree that connects one of the oldest cultural traditions in Europe with the contemporary study of how governments and public institutions address the challenges facing modern societies. Celtic civilisation immerses you in the history, literature, material culture, art, and religion of the Celtic peoples from their earliest presence on the European continent through to their continuing presence in the British Isles today. Social and public policy examines how the state and other institutions respond to social needs and problems, analysing welfare, health, education, housing, poverty, and inequality through both theoretical and empirical lenses.

At Glasgow, this four-year degree allows you to pursue both disciplines seriously, developing the historical and cultural depth of Celtic civilisation study alongside the analytical and policy-relevant skills of social and public policy. Celtic civilisation modules will engage with written, material, and visual sources across a very long time span, while social policy modules will develop your ability to evaluate policies, assess evidence, and understand the political and structural contexts in which public institutions operate. The degree includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to study at a partner institution and to bring a comparative perspective to both the Celtic traditions you are studying and the policy systems you are analysing.

Graduates of this combination are well placed for careers in public service, government, policy analysis, social work, community development, and cultural organisations. The Celtic civilisation strand is particularly relevant for roles in Scottish public bodies, cultural heritage, broadcasting, and the voluntary sector, while the social policy training provides the analytical framework for careers in government, health services, housing, and third-sector organisations. Many graduates go on to postgraduate study in social policy, Celtic studies, public administration, or a related field, while others enter careers where the combination of cultural depth and policy understanding provides a distinctive professional perspective.