BA (Hons) Gaelic and Traditional Music at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

BA (Hons) Gaelic and Traditional Music is a four-year, full-time degree at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on the Isle of Skye. It develops practical skills as a traditional singer or instrumentalist alongside Gaelic language and the history and culture of Gaelic music. Students use a dedicated recording studio and can spend a semester in Ireland or Canada in the final year.

Duration: Full time: 4 years | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 (CertHE) covers music performance 1 and theory, composing and arranging 1 plus language modules. Year 2 includes music performance 2 and the history of Gaelic music 2. Year 3 covers music performance 3, Gaelic song 3, recording and producing, and professional skills. Year 4 includes music performance 4, themed production, a composing and arranging portfolio, recording and producing, and a dissertation.

Career pathways

The music profession, the Gaelic cultural sector, Gaelic media and education.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above, preferably including Gaelic (learners) or Gàidhlig (fluent speakers) at grade B or above; or 2 A levels at grade BC or above. An interview assesses Gaelic language skills and an audition assesses musical ability. Entry to year 2 may be possible with CertHE An Cùrsa Adhartais, An Cùrsa Comais or Gàidhlig agus Conaltradh; entry to year 3 with DipHE Gaelic and Related Studies. Deferred entry is not accepted. International applicants: IELTS Academic overall 6.0 with no component below 5.5 (or an approved equivalent); applicants from majority English-speaking countries or with a recent UK degree or GCSE/A-level English may not need a test.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Students normally domiciled in Scotland; full-time, 120 credits per year Source

International applicants: GBP 16,820 a year (2026/27). Full-time per year, years 1-3; year 4 free for those who have paid for the previous three years Source

Intake: September

Duration: Full time: 4 years

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