Celtic Studies
Celtic studies is the academic study of the languages, literatures, and cultures of the Celtic-speaking peoples, encompassing Welsh, Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Breton, and the other living and historical Celtic languages that have shaped the cultures of Britain, Ireland, and north-western Europe. It is a field in which linguistics, literature, history, and cultural studies intersect, connecting you to traditions that stretch from the ancient world through to the present day. The Celtic languages represent a living strand of European heritage, and studying them means engaging with communities, texts, and oral traditions that are still very much in active use, even as some of these languages face real pressures.
At Aberystwyth University, which has a long history of Celtic scholarship, this four-year, full-time BA gives you the opportunity to study Welsh alongside Irish, Scottish Gaelic, and Breton, as well as the literatures of these languages in both their medieval and modern forms. You will improve your conversational and written skills in the modern languages and develop the ability to read texts in medieval and early modern forms of the same languages, gaining access to some of the oldest literary traditions in Europe. The programme also introduces you to the languages and cultures of the ancient Celts, exploring how they contributed to shaping modern Europe.
The typical entry tariff is 168 UCAS points.
Graduates of Celtic studies programmes move into careers in education, heritage, language development, broadcasting, publishing, translation, and community and cultural roles in Welsh-speaking and Gaelic-speaking communities. Many graduates work in schools, Welsh-medium education settings, and cultural organisations promoting Celtic languages and literatures. The language skills developed during the degree, particularly in Welsh and Irish, are in growing demand in public sector roles in Wales and Ireland.
Postgraduate study in Celtic studies, linguistics, medieval literature, or related fields is also a natural route for those who wish to go deeper.