Celtic Civilistion/History

Celtic civilisation and history together form a pairing of unusual depth and richness. Celtic civilisation immerses you in the history of the Celts, from earliest times on the European continent through to the development of their societies, literatures, material culture, art, and religion in the British Isles up to the present day. History as a discipline provides the methods and frameworks for understanding how the past is studied, interpreted, and contested, and the two subjects reinforce each other in productive ways.

This part-time programme at the University of Glasgow, one of the world's leading centres for Celtic studies, allows you to study both disciplines at a pace that suits your circumstances. In Celtic civilisation you will engage with the archaeological, linguistic, and textual evidence for Celtic cultures, from Iron Age Europe to medieval Ireland and Wales, exploring how those cultures expressed themselves and how they have been understood and sometimes mythologised in later periods. In history you will develop your skills in historical research, source analysis, and argument across a range of periods and themes.

The programme includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to experience a different academic tradition and to deepen your engagement with Celtic or historical material in another university environment.

Graduates with this combination of Celtic studies and history develop skills in critical analysis, historical research, textual interpretation, and cultural understanding that are valued in many professional contexts. Careers in heritage, museums, archives, libraries, arts administration, and education are all natural destinations. The Celtic specialisation is particularly valued in Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, where the cultural and political dimensions of Celtic heritage remain vivid and where there are professional communities engaged with language revival and cultural preservation.

Postgraduate study in Celtic studies, medieval history, heritage management, or related fields is a natural continuation for those who wish to pursue research or academic careers.