MA (Hons) Celtic and Linguistics in Edinburgh United Kingdom | The University of Edinburgh

This combined degree program allows you to cultivate your social science perspective on language while immersing yourself in the remarkably diverse cultures of the
Throughout this four-year course, we provide instruction in the languages, literatures, histories, and traditions of Celtic societies at every academic level.

You can choose to learn Scottish Gaelic and progress to advanced proficiency in the language.

Flexible program pathways let you focus on specific interests within Celtic studies, whether in particular eras, regions, or academic disciplines.

Our specialized knowledge encompasses:

Scottish Gaelic from the late medieval period to modern times, including language preservation efforts
the extensive medieval literary heritage in Early Irish and Medieval Welsh - among Europe's most significant
the vibrant oral traditions documented from the 18th century onward
18th century Gaelic poetry from the literary golden age
cultural responses during the 19th and 20th centuries to rapid social and linguistic changes in Celtic regions
contemporary creative works including literature, music, and media from Gaelic Scotland, Ireland, and Wales

For Scottish Gaelic studies, beginners are welcome - we tailor first-year instruction to accommodate all skill levels.

At advanced levels (Years 3-4), you may study ancient Celtic languages. Options include Old Irish and Middle Welsh, with introductory years focusing on Celtic civilization and literature through English translations.

Linguistics explores language mechanics, analyzing how sounds, words, and grammar interact to convey meaning.

Your studies will also cover:

language in social contexts
linguistic diversity and historical development
child language acquisition
As you advance, you'll have opportunities to formulate and test linguistic theories using specialized equipment for phonetics research.

Linguistics courses particularly relevant to Celtic studies examine:

global speech sounds
world language variations
the evolution and structure of languages worldwide