Celtic and Scandinavian Studies MA (Hons)

The University of Edinburgh

There has long been a strong Scandinavian influence on the Celtic world.

This unique joint honours programme gives you the opportunity to study the languages, literatures, histories and cultures of the Celtic and Scandinavian countries.

You will gain advanced skills in one or more languages while learning about extremely rich cultures, from the Middle Ages to the 21st century. You will spend Year 3 studying or working in either Denmark, Norway or Sweden.

Our courses explore contemporary issues such as language policy and revitalisation, (post-)colonialism, and migration. You do not need prior knowledge of any of the languages to study on this programme.

Celtic

At all levels of study on this four-year, joint honours programme, we offer courses in the languages, literatures, histories, and cultures of the Celtic world.

You have the option to study Scottish Gaelic and build up to advanced competency in the language.

A choice of pathways through the programme enables you to develop your own interests in particular areas, periods and disciplines of Celtic studies.

Our expertise covers:

• Scottish Gaelic from the late Middle Ages to the present, including language policy and revitalisation
• the medieval literary tradition in Early Irish and Medieval Welsh - the most extensive in the whole of Europe
• the rich oral tradition recorded from the 18th century to the present day
• poetry from the 18th century golden age of Gaelic literature
• 19th and 20th century responses to the rapid social, cultural, and linguistic changes in countries where the Celtic languages are spoken
• the writing, song, and media production emerging from the lively and varied contemporary cultural scene in Gaelic Scotland, Ireland, and Wales

Celtic language study

If you choose to study Scottish Gaelic, it does not matter if you are a complete beginner; we stream our Year 1 classes to suit all levels of prior knowledge or none.

You can also learn a medieval Celtic language at honours level (Years 3 and 4). Both Old Irish and Middle Welsh are available. For this path, you will study Celtic civilisation and literature in Years 1 and 2, with texts presented in English translation.

Scandinavian Studies

Scandinavia's screen and literary cultures attract global critical acclaim, and the socio-economic concept of the Nordic Model is widely studied.

On our programme, you have the opportunity to develop advanced spoken and written language skills in modern Danish, Norwegian or Swedish while exploring Scandinavian culture, past and present.

While you will specialise in one Scandinavian language, you will also gain an understanding of the other two we teach to degree level. In Year Two, for example, you can choose to explore the similarities and differences between Danish, Swedish and Norwegian.

Why Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the only university in Scotland, and one of only two in the UK, to offer undergraduate programmes with joint honours in Scandinavian Studies.

As well as being distinctive in our subject offering, we are also unique in Scotland in integrating a full academic year abroad into the four-year honours programme, regardless of whether you spend the year studying or working.

We are the proud home of the Northern Scholars programme which fosters co-operation between the Nordic and Baltic countries and Scotland.

Our flexible programme gives you the blend of specialist skills and broad Intercultural Competence valued by graduate employers around the globe.

"Studying Celtic allows me to better understand and appreciate Edinburgh; it provides a special experience to my time here in Scotland and at the University. Even those modules that seem far removed, such as studying the Medieval Celtic languages (as I have), help students to understand the nuances and importance of the individual identities behind the Celtic nations."

• Jessica, Year 4, Celtic and Scandinavian Studies MA (Hons)