Gaelic Studies and Politics, MA

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Aberdeen

Program Overview

If you’re passionate about languages, culture, and history, and also curious about how politics shape our world, this unique joint degree is a perfect match. The Gaelic Studies and Politics MA at the University of Aberdeen lets you explore Scotland’s rich Gaelic heritage while gaining a strong understanding of political systems, global issues, and how societies are governed today.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Build your foundations
Your first year is all about exploring the essentials in both Gaelic and politics. You’ll study Gaelic Scotland (GH1015) to understand the cultural and historical roots of the language, and begin developing your language skills with Gaelic for Beginners 1a (GH1007) if you’re new to it. On the politics side, courses like Democracy and Governance (PI1018) introduce you to how political systems work and the key ideas that shape global politics.

Year 2 – Explore ideas and deepen your skills.
In the second year, you’ll dive deeper into both subjects. Through Ideas and Ideologies in Politics and International Relations (PI2009), you’ll explore the major political philosophies that shape governments, and Global Politics: Equality and Inequality (PI2508) examines big questions around justice, development, and power. In Gaelic, you’ll discover the stories, songs, and traditions that shaped Gaelic culture in Gaelic Folklore (GH2006) and Triumph and Tragedy (GH2515).

Year 3 – Specialise and expand your perspective
Your third year is where you start specialising and working more independently. You’ll advance your language proficiency with Gaelic Language A (GH3022) and learn how to conduct political research in Research Methods in Politics and International Relations (PI3084). Optional modules such as International Security (IR3518) or Political Parties in Britain (PI3562) allow you to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals.

Year 4 – Master your knowledge and make your mark
In your final year, you’ll bring everything together. You’ll refine your Gaelic language skills further in Gaelic Language B (GH4022) and either complete a major Dissertation (PI4071) on a topic you’re passionate about or choose advanced modules like Gender and Politics (PI4584), Comparative Constitutional Systems (AT4557), or International Migration and Europe (PI4579). This final stage provides you with the opportunity to develop expertise and showcase your independent thinking.

Focus areas: Gaelic language and literature, Scottish culture and history, political theory, international relations, security, and policy.

Learning outcomes: You’ll graduate able to speak and write Gaelic confidently, analyse political systems critically, carry out your own research, and apply cultural and political knowledge in real-world contexts.

Professional alignment (accreditation): While not a professional qualification, this degree builds highly valued skills for careers in government, diplomacy, cultural organisations, media, policy analysis, and NGOs.

Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Aberdeen is consistently ranked among the UK’s top universities for graduate employability. Its graduates go on to successful careers in politics, public service, journalism, cultural institutions, and beyond.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Aberdeen, your learning goes far beyond the classroom. This degree is designed to immerse you fully in the worlds of Gaelic culture and political life, helping you develop real-world skills and hands-on experience alongside your academic studies. You’ll work directly with Gaelic-speaking communities, use specialist resources, collaborate on projects, and take part in activities that bring history, language and politics to life. These experiences make sure you don’t just study ideas — you apply them in ways that prepare you for your career.

Here’s how your learning will come to life throughout the programme:

Community engagement and language immersion: You’ll practise your Gaelic in real-life settings by working with local Gaelic communities and student-run societies, helping you build confidence and cultural understanding.
Access to leading research institutes: You’ll connect with the Research Institute of Irish and Scottish Studies (RIISS), where you can attend talks, take part in cultural projects and even contribute to research exploring Gaelic identity, history and politics.
Specialist libraries and archives: You’ll use the Sir Duncan Rice Library, home to one of Scotland’s most extensive Gaelic collections, giving you access to rare manuscripts, historical texts and digital archives that support your coursework and research.
Collaborative projects and real-world case studies: Politics modules often include group work and policy simulations, where you’ll analyse real government documents, work with data, and develop practical research and communication skills valued by employers.
Field trips and cultural excursions: Your studies may take you out of the classroom and into Gaelic-speaking regions or historic sites across Scotland, where you can explore language, culture and political change in context.

These experiences combine to make your degree practical, interactive and deeply connected to the real world — giving you skills and confidence that stand out after graduation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme leave with a unique skill set that blends strong communication and cultural knowledge with sharp political analysis — qualities that employers across many sectors actively look for. With your ability to think critically, speak and write Gaelic fluently, and understand how politics shapes societies, you’ll be ready for exciting roles such as Gaelic language planner, public policy officer, media or broadcasting professional, or cultural heritage manager. Many graduates also go on to work in government, education, journalism, NGOs, and cultural organisations in Scotland and beyond.

Here’s how the University of Aberdeen helps set you up for success:

Dedicated career support: You’ll have access to the University’s Careers and Employability Service throughout your degree — and even after you graduate. They offer one-to-one guidance, CV and interview support, employer events, workshops, and an online career platform (MyCareerHub) packed with opportunities.
Strong employment outcomes: Most Aberdeen graduates secure meaningful employment or further study within three months of graduation, a reflection of the university’s strong industry links and respected reputation.
Specialist Gaelic career pathways: Your Gaelic language skills can open doors in teaching, language planning, cultural preservation, digital archiving, and creative industries. Demand is growing for professionals who can support the revitalisation and promotion of Gaelic across Scotland.
Opportunities in politics and public life: Modules focused on policy and governance prepare you for roles in government departments, public affairs, policy think tanks, and international organisations.
Links with media and cultural sectors: Partnerships with organisations such as MG ALBA and involvement in Gaelic media initiatives help connect you to jobs in broadcasting, journalism and cultural promotion.
Employability awards and skills training: You can boost your CV further through initiatives like the Aberdeen Employability Boost Award, which offers seminars, sector briefings, and employer-led workshops designed to make you job-ready.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your degree, you can deepen your expertise through postgraduate study — from master’s programmes in Gaelic Studies, Celtic Studies, linguistics or public policy, to research degrees focusing on Gaelic language policy, cultural heritage, or political science. Aberdeen’s involvement in research networks like Soillse and projects such as Faclair na Gàidhlig also provides excellent opportunities for advanced study and research careers.