Primary Education with Gaelic (Learners) MA (Hons)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Edinburgh

Program Overview

This is a five-year MA (Hons) program that trains students to teach in both Gaelic-medium and English-medium primary schools, starting from beginner-level Gaelic. It is ideal for individuals passionate about promoting Gaelic language and culture while gaining comprehensive professional teaching experience.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Students begin with foundational modules in education, child development, and the Curriculum for Excellence, alongside Gaelic 1A for beginners. Professional practice modules introduce students to classroom environments, observation, and early teaching skills, providing a balance of theory and initial school exposure.

Year 2:
Year Two builds pedagogical knowledge with modules such as Primary Studies 2 and Mathematics in Primary Education, alongside Gaelic 1B or 2A to increase language proficiency. Students deepen classroom experience through placements, focusing on curriculum delivery, literacy and numeracy teaching, and supporting learners in both Gaelic and English.

Year 3:
Year Three is an immersive language year at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on the Isle of Skye, where students study An Cùrsa Comais — an intensive Gaelic language and culture program. This immersion develops fluency and confidence, preparing students for practical teaching in Gaelic-medium settings.

Year 4:
Students undertake extended professional placements in Gaelic-medium primary schools, alongside advanced modules such as Primary Studies 3 (Gaelic) and Education and Gaelic in Scotland. This year focuses on bilingual pedagogy, curriculum design, classroom leadership, and real-world teaching practice.

Year 5:
The final year includes advanced study in Primary Literacies 2, Theory and Pedagogy of Immersion and Bilingual Education, and a substantial independent research project in education. Students complete their final school placements, consolidating professional skills and preparing for full teacher registration in Scotland.

Focus Areas: Gaelic language acquisition, bilingual primary education, immersion teaching, literacy and numeracy pedagogy, curriculum design, professional placements, research in education.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates will be able to teach across the primary curriculum in both Gaelic and English, design and deliver bilingual learning sequences, understand child bilingualism and development, apply research to teaching, and lead learning confidently in Gaelic-medium contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS), enabling graduates to achieve full teacher registration.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Edinburgh is internationally recognized for education, particularly Gaelic and bilingual teacher training. Graduates are highly employable and in demand for Gaelic-medium and English-medium primary teaching positions across Scotland.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This MA (Hons) programme immerses students in both teaching practice and Gaelic language development. Over five years, students build teaching skills, Gaelic fluency, and an understanding of bilingual education through real school placements, language immersion, and reflective practice.

Key hands-on learning opportunities include:

Year-long Gaelic immersion on Skye: Students spend a full academic year at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the national centre for Gaelic language and culture, developing fluency and cultural competence.
Full-time school placement in Gaelic-medium education: In Year 4, students complete a year-long placement in a Gaelic-medium primary school, gaining practical classroom experience teaching through Gaelic.
Serial placements in English-medium primary schools: Early-year placements in English-medium schools help students adapt and understand different educational contexts.
Gaelic language tutorials: Structured instruction in reading, writing, listening, and speaking Gaelic, tailored to learners at all levels.
Lectures, workshops & blended learning: Teaching combines interactive lectures, tutorials, workshops, small-group activities, and online learning.
Research & dissertation: In the final year, students complete a dissertation or project on a topic such as immersion education, bilingual pedagogy, or Gaelic in Scottish education.
Courses on bilingualism & immersion pedagogy: Dedicated modules explore how bilingual learners develop and how immersion education works.
Reflective professional development: Students reflect on teaching practice, receive mentor feedback, and shape their professional identity as Gaelic-medium educators.
Access to archival & library resources: Edinburgh’s special collections provide Gaelic manuscripts, music recordings, and other research materials to support teaching and scholarship.

Why This Program Stands Out

Addresses Scotland’s need for Gaelic-medium primary teachers.
Graduates are eligible to register with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) as provisionally qualified teachers.
Graduates can teach in either Gaelic or English, offering flexibility in career opportunities.
Strong emphasis on cultural immersion and Scottish heritage alongside pedagogy.
Students without prior Gaelic experience are fully supported to reach fluency.
Rich academic resources in Gaelic and bilingual education are available through Moray House and the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures.
High levels of student satisfaction due to teaching quality and practical opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MA (Hons) in Primary Education with Gaelic (Learners) at the University of Edinburgh prepares graduates to become confident primary teachers capable of delivering education in both Gaelic and English. Graduates gain strong pedagogical skills, cultural awareness, and practical teaching experience, equipping them to make a meaningful impact in Gaelic-medium education across Scotland.

Graduates are ready to enter primary education with both teaching expertise and Gaelic language proficiency. The programme develops professional confidence and cultural knowledge, enabling graduates to contribute to Gaelic-language revitalisation while fulfilling the need for qualified teachers in Scotland.

Typical graduate roles include:

Primary School Teacher (Gaelic-medium or English-medium)
Early Career Leadership or Curriculum Coordinator
Educational Officer in community or cultural organisations
Gaelic Language Specialist or Consultant

Key supports and benefits include:

Careers guidance and employability support tailored to teacher training, including interview preparation and career planning
Academic advising and Gaelic language support throughout the programme
Access to specialised facilities, resources, and immersive learning environments for practical teaching practice
Extensive placements, including a year in a Gaelic-medium primary school and immersive language experience at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on the Isle of Skye

Accreditation and Employment:

The programme is accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS), enabling graduates to register as teachers and secure induction posts
Graduates are highly employable in primary education, especially in Gaelic-medium schools, addressing Scotland’s growing demand for Gaelic-speaking teachers
The degree carries long-term professional value and cultural significance, contributing to the sustainability and revitalisation of Gaelic in Scottish education

Graduate Outcomes:

Graduates quickly secure teaching roles in primary schools or Gaelic-medium settings
Many apply their skills in curriculum development, educational leadership, and community education initiatives
The programme’s reflective and research-based approach prepares graduates for leadership and specialist positions within education

Further Academic Progression:

Graduates may pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) or a Master’s in Education, focusing on areas such as bilingual education, Gaelic studies, curriculum innovation, or educational leadership. Long-term progression may include leadership roles, curriculum development, research, or policy and advocacy work related to Gaelic language education.