Gaelic and Related Studies

Gaelic is one of Britain's oldest living languages, the indigenous tongue of the Scottish Highlands and Islands and a language of literature, song, oral tradition and community that has survived centuries of pressure. Studying it is not only a linguistic undertaking but a cultural one, connecting you to a tradition of poetry, storytelling, music and a distinctive way of seeing and describing the natural world. Related studies in this context typically encompass the history, culture and social context of Gaelic-speaking communities, giving you a rounded understanding of the language within the living community that sustains it.

At the University of the Highlands and Islands you will follow this two-year full-time programme, developing your Gaelic language skills alongside study of the culture, heritage, and communities associated with the language. The Highlands and Islands is itself the heartland of living Gaelic culture, and studying there places you within a community of speakers, practitioners and scholars for whom the language is not merely an academic subject but a lived reality. You will engage with Gaelic literature and oral tradition, develop your ability to speak, read and write in the language, and explore the social and historical context that has shaped its current situation.

Graduates with Gaelic language skills are valued in a range of contexts, particularly those connected to Scottish cultural life, education, media and public administration. Teaching and education are common destinations, including roles in Gaelic-medium primary and secondary schools. Broadcasting in Gaelic, community development and cultural organisations, local government in Highland and Islands areas, journalism and publishing, and heritage and museum work are other well-established paths.

Postgraduate study in Celtic studies, Scottish literature, linguistics or education is an option for those who wish to develop their expertise further. For anyone committed to the survival and flourishing of the language, this degree offers a direct way to contribute to that future.