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

Programme overview

The BA (Hons) Gaelic is an immersive degree taught entirely through Scottish Gaelic, developing fluency while exploring Gaelic society, literature, oral tradition and minority-language issues. It is taught at Sabhal Mor Ostaig on Skye and UHI North, West and Hebrides in Stornoway, or fully online. From year 3 students can opt into the BA (Hons) Gaelic with Development.

Duration: Full time: 4 years; part time: up to 8 years | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 is a language foundation year with pathways for intermediate learners (An Cursa Comais), intermediate distance learners (An Cursa Adhartais) and fluent speakers (Gaelic and Communication). Year 2 covers Gaelic 2, language, culture and ethnicity and options such as folklore, Gaelic poetry since 1900 and history of Gaelic music; year 3 covers Gaelic 3, research skills and options including Gaelic poetry 1600-1900 and language policy and planning; year 4 covers a double-credit dissertation, translation skills and options such as Celtic belief systems and Gaelic dialects.

Career pathways

Academia, broadcasting, community development, Gaelic-focused community organisations, heritage centres and museums, local and national government, public bodies such as Bord na Gaidhlig and the Gaelic Books Council, and teaching. Progression to PGDE, MEd Foghlam Gaidhlig, MRes Gaidhlig agus Ceiltis or PhD study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Three Scottish Highers at grades BBC or above, including Gaelic (learners) or Gaidhlig (fluent speakers) at grade B or above, or two A levels at grade BC or above plus two Standard Grade passes or equivalent. Students without a Higher or Standard Grade pass in Gaelic are assessed individually, and applicants are invited to an informal interview to decide the most suitable level 7 pathway. Other qualifications or experience considered individually. Entry to year 2 may be possible with CertHE An Cursa Adhartais, An Cursa Comais or Gaelic and Communication or equivalent; entry to year 3 only in exceptional circumstances with equivalent prior learning. International applicants (IELTS Academic): overall 6.0 with no component below 5.5, or an equivalent approved test.

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

International applicants: GBP 16,820 a year (2026/27). International students, full-time, term-time address in Scotland. Source

Intake: September

Duration: Full time: 4 years; part time: up to 8 years

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