Gaelic MA
Explore Scottish Gaelic language and culture through the centuries to the present day, and develop your Gaelic language skills for the contemporary job market.
Ionnsaich mu chultar na Gàidhlig tro na linntean, agus leasaich do sgilean cànain airson chothroman cosnaidh nas pailte.
You can study Gaelic folklore, song, modern poetry, autobiography, contemporary fiction and drama all through Gaelic, while the University’s Gaelic initiative and the city’s vibrant Gaelic community also provide opportunities to use Gaelic outside the classroom.
- September start
- Session dates
- Gaelic MA (Hons): Q530 4 year degree
- Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
- Degree options
- Study abroad available
Programme structure
Year 1
There are three distinct courses: Advanced 1 for students with a good pass in Higher Gàidhlig; Intermediate 1 for those with a good pass in Higher Gaelic; and Beginners 1 for absolute/near beginners.
Each course develops appropriate language skills, and offers differentiated study of modern literary texts as well as an overview of Gaelic society and culture in Scotland from earliest times to the present.
Year 2
You will continue to develop your language skills and knowledge of Gaelic culture through either of two courses:
- Advanced 2 (taught in Gaelic) – if you progress from Advanced 1 or Intermediate 1, you will study modern prose writing and post-1600 song and poetry on a variety of themes, as well as aspects of linguistics including the use of Gaelic in contemporary Scotland.
- Intermediate 2 (taught in English and Gaelic) – if you progress from Beginners 1, you will continue to practice and develop your language skills and you will study a range of modern Gaelic fiction, poetry and song.
You will also study other subjects in years 1 and 2: see Flexible degrees.
Years 3 and 4
If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4), you will concentrate on modern Scottish Gaelic language and literature, as well as studying Irish and the development and varieties of the Gaelic languages. Most of your courses will be taught through the medium of Gaelic.
You will also write a dissertation in Gaelic, researching a relevant topic of your own choosing.
For a broader Celtic curriculum incorporating Gaelic language skills, see Celtic Studies.
Gaelic immersion year
If your level 1 Gaelic course was Beginners or Intermediate, you will have the option of completing
a Gaelic immersion year in Glasgow and South Uist after year 2, to develop advanced language skills and experience Gaelic community environments before entering your Honours years. This is a skills development opportunity, not an Honours requirement.
Course details
Courses you will take as part of a Gaelic programme may include:
Year 1
Year 2
Years 3 and 4 (Honours)
- An 19Mh Linn Tro Shuilean Nan Gaidheal
- Bardachd Cogaidh 1930-1950
- Introduction To Modern Irish
- Sgilean Canain 3
- Sgilean Canain 4
- Eadar Croit is Kiosk: Bàrdachd an fhicheadamh linn
- An Leabhar gàidhlig 1567-1914
- The Folklore of Gaelic Scotland
- Guth nan Eilthireach: Litreachas Gàidhlig anns an t-Saoghal Ùr
- An Dealbh-Chluich agus a' Ghàidhlig bho 1790
- Eachdraidh na Gàidhlig ann an Alba, c. 1400-1914
- Innse Gall, Ulaidh agus Rìgh Seumas VI. Tuineachadh agus Sìobhaltas, c.1541-1639
- Applied Dissertation with Placement in Gaelic
- Dissertation (Gaelic) Joint Honours
- Dissertation (Gaelic) Single Honours
- The Highland Clearances
- Translation Studies: An introduction to key topics in theory and practice
- Language Policy and Planning for European Minority Languages
- Kingdoms and societies in northern Britain AD 400-800
- Early Gaelic Poetry
- Introduction To Early Gaelic (Old And Middle Irish)
- Advanced Early Gaelic Texts
- Celtic Place-Names Of Scotland
- Early Gaelic Literature In Translation
- Introduction To Medieval Welsh
- Medieval Welsh Literature In Translation
- The Finn Cycle
- Medieval Ireland 800 - 1100
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional
circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information,
please see: Student contract.
Our international links
In your Honours years you will have the opportunity to spend one or two semesters studying at Trinity College Dublin or at a choice of universities in North America and Australia.
Entry requirements
for entry in 2027
Admissions guidance
English language
For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
+++
Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
Tests taken up to 20 January 2026
- 90 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Tests taken from 21 January 2026
- 92 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 22; Listening 20; Speaking 23; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford ELLT
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
LanguageCert Academic SELT
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Trinity College Tests
- Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
School Qualifications
- IGCSE English First Language, grade C
- IGCSE English Second Language, grade A
- A Level English, grade C
- International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
- International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
- SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
- SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
International School Qualifications
- Brunei: O-Level English Language 1120 grade B and above
- Denmark: Studentereksamen English at 7
- European Baccalaureate: English as Language 1 pass, if taken as Language 2 grade 7, if taken as Language 3 grade 7.5
- Finland: Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen English grade C or 4
- France: International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) / Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) grade 12
- Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone: West African Examination Council (WAEC) / Senior Secondary School Certificate English grade C6
- Germany: German Abitur English Grade 11
- Hong Kong: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
- India: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) / All India School Certificate (ISC) English at 80%
- Kenya: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) English grade B
- Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) grade 7
- Norway: Vitnemal English grade 4 or above
- Singapore: Cambridge International O Level English Language (1128 Singapore only) at Grace C; Singapore Integrated Programme Secondary 4 English Language at grade B
- South Africa: National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Independent Exam Board (IEB) Grade 4 (English as Home Language) OR Grade 4 (English as First Additional Language)
- Sweden: Avgangsbetyg / Fullständigt Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan English grade VG
- Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at English at Ordinary Level grade C
---
+++
Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
- Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
---
+++
Pre-sessional courses
We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:
- English for Academic Study: Pre-sessional courses
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- St Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
---
FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact External Relations
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
Further information about English language: English for Academic Study
Careers and future opportunities
Graduate destinations
The following are examples of roles that graduates are in 15 months after completing their programme:
- Account Executive
- Bookseller
- Copywriter
- Freelance Creative Practitioner
- Gaelic Schools Poetry Coordinator
- Primary School Teacher
- Research
- Support for Learning Worker Early Years (Gaelic)
- Secondary School Teacher
- Support Worker.
Example job titles are taken from responses received through the HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. Graduates surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Job prospects
Graduate Outcomes data shows that:
- 93.3% of students are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating
- 75.4% of those in work are in graduate-level employment
- The average professional salary after 15 months is £29,161.
This university-level data is from HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. It relates to graduates who completed their programme in 2023–24 and were surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Skills development
As well as building subject specific knowledge and skills throughout your degree, you’ll also develop transferable skills by:
- Communicating clearly and confidently in Gaelic, using accurate language in writing, presentations and conversation, and adapting your style for different audiences.
- Gathering and interpreting information from texts and sources, selecting what is relevant, evaluating its quality and using it to support well‑reasoned ideas.
- Analysing and building arguments, comparing viewpoints, challenging assumptions and explaining meaning in a clear and structured way.
- Understanding how culture and context shape language, and adapting your communication to show respect, awareness and sensitivity in different settings.
- Working effectively with others, contributing to group discussions, listening to different perspectives and producing shared work with confidence.
Careers & employability support
Our Careers, Employability & Opportunity team are here to support you at every stage of your career journey. They’ll provide you with opportunities to explore your options, connect with employers in the UK and abroad, build your confidence and develop in demand skills.
You’ll have access to a wide range of support and resources that are designed to help you plan and prepare for your future including: masterclasses, 1:1 career coaching, a dedicated jobs board, employer events and much more.
Degrees and UCAS codes
When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
MA (Hons)
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
Scholarships
The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.
The scholarships shown are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.
International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
Application deadlines
- 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 13 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
- 30 June: international students.
We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.
It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
How to apply for Advanced Entry
Apply for year 2 (Y2) on your UCAS application. If the specific subject is unavailable for Advanced Entry or your application for year 2 entry is unsuccessful, you will be automatically considered for year 1 entry. You do not have to submit a separate UCAS application.
Subject ranking
QS World University Rankings [Arts and Humanities]
