In the first two years you will gain an overview of the development of Celtic societies from earliest times through to the present day, taking in Continental Europe, post-Roman Britain and Ireland, and the medieval and modern societies of Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

No prior knowledge of a Celtic language is required and all reading materials will be studied in English translation.

Year 1

In the first year of study you will explore the history, culture and religious beliefs of the ancient Celts who, at their maximum extent, occupied much of Western and Central Europe, from Britain and Ireland in the west, to Asia Minor in the east. You will also examine the society, art and literature of the early Christian Celts of Britain and Ireland.

You will also study two other subjects in year 1 according to your interests: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Year 2

In the second year, the course expands on the foundation laid in the first year. You will study the most important aspects of the histories, institutions, cultures and literatures of Scottish Gaelic, Irish and Welsh societies.
Celtic societies, 1066–1603 is concerned with the period of the Norman colonisations up to 1603.

Celtic societies and the modern world traces the development in the histories of Gaelic Scotland, Ireland and Wales from 1750 to the present day.

You will also study one or two other subjects in year 2 according to your interests: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Years 3 and 4

If you successfully complete the courses in first and second year, you may progress to Honours (years three and four). The Junior and Senior Honours years give you the opportunity to deepen your understanding of specific aspects of Celtic history, literatures and cultures. You are encouraged to think critically on a wide range of primary source material and develop your skills of analysis and interpretation while extending your capacity for independent thought and judgement.

Areas you might wish to focus on at this level include belief and culture in early medieval Ireland and Gaelic Scotland; Celtic place-names of Scotland; early Gaelic literature; Celtic art; medieval Welsh literature; or legal traditions and social reflections of Celtic societies.

Honours students on this programme also have access to a series of courses on Celtic history and culture on topics such as medieval Ireland, the Northern Britons and the Picts.
You will also write a dissertation, allowing you to research a relevant topic of your own choosing and to develop a capacity to work independently.

There are opportunities open for you to study in an institution outside the UK. The University has active study abroad relationships with universities such as those in Galway and Vienna.

Recent graduates have gone on to enjoy success in a range of careers including primary and secondary teaching; work with museums and government heritage bodies; publishing and book marketing; teaching English as a second language abroad.

Others have gone on to further study and to pursue successfully a career in research and academic work.