PhD Celtic Languages and Literatures at Harvard University

Programme overview

The Department of Celtic Languages and Literatures is the only one of its kind in North America and trains PhD candidates in the languages and traditions of several Celtic languages with a broad knowledge of Celtic studies. It encourages interdisciplinary study and secondary fields in other departments.

Faculty: Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Department of Celtic Languages and Literatures | Duration: Typical completion time is six years | Intake: Application deadline January 5, 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Cambridge, MA, United States

What you will study

Research ability in medieval Irish and medieval Welsh sources; speaking and listening competence in Modern Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Welsh or Breton; reading knowledge of Latin and two of Modern Irish, Modern Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, Breton and German (one being Modern Irish or Welsh).

Career pathways

Graduates pursue academic careers and careers in academic administration, librarianship, independent school teaching and data analysis.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Programme: typical background in English, history, classics, Celtic or medieval studies. A writing sample of 15 to 20 pages (from any field of literary or historical study if no Celtic work; add an English sample if writing in Irish, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic), a statement of purpose and a personal statement are required. Background in the required languages is an advantage. GRE General is optional. Three letters of recommendation are required (at least one from a faculty member at the school of the most recent degree unless out of school for more than five years). English proficiency for non-native speakers: an undergraduate degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction, or TOEFL iBT minimum 5 (95 for tests taken before January 21, 2026) with Speaking minimum 4.5, or IELTS Academic minimum 7 with Speaking minimum 6.5. A master's degree does not count as proof. Application deadline January 5, 2027 (5:00 p.m.).

USD 59,048 a year (2026-2027). Full tuition rate for the first two years of study (reduced in years 3-4); PhD students typically receive grants covering tuition. Source

Intake: Fall

Duration: Typical completion time is six years

Apply through the official page: https://gsas.harvard.edu/apply

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