French and Gaelic Studies

French and Gaelic studies is a pairing that combines a major modern European language with Scotland's oldest living language, a combination that is both unusual and genuinely productive. French provides access to the literature, culture, history and contemporary life of one of the world's most widely spoken languages, connecting you to France, Francophone Africa, Canada and a multilingual international community. Scottish Gaelic, the indigenous language of the Scottish Highlands and Islands, carries a rich literary and oral tradition alongside contemporary relevance in broadcasting, education, the arts and cultural policy.

Studying both develops a multilingual perspective and a deep engagement with questions of language, culture and identity.

At the University of Aberdeen this five-year, full-time programme gives you the time to develop genuine depth in both languages and their cultures, graduating with linguistic, intellectual and cultural skills that draw on two very different traditions. You will develop French to a high level of proficiency while building Gaelic language skills and exploring the cultural and literary heritage of the Gaelic-speaking world. The programme provides a European perspective alongside deep engagement with Scottish cultural identity, a combination that is genuinely rare among UK graduates.

Graduates with French and Gaelic are attractive to employers in education, arts, broadcasting, tourism, cultural heritage and media, particularly those with interests in Scottish or Francophone cultural contexts. Gaelic-medium education, MG Alba and organisations working in Gaelic language promotion have consistent demand for graduates with these skills. French opens doors in international business, translation, the civil service and European institutions.

Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in Celtic languages and literatures, French studies, translation or cultural heritage management, or enter professional training in teaching or broadcasting.