The University of Edinburgh - Postgraduate Online Learning Open Days
21 May 2025, 09:00
Edinburgh, Scotland
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Course summary
Uncover Scotland's past and help shape its future. This joint honours programme gives you the opportunity to study Celtic languages, literatures and cultures alongside the archaeology of Scotland and the wider world.
Celtic
Study Celtic at the University of Edinburgh and you will learn about extraordinarily rich cultures, from the Middle Ages to the 21st century.
At all levels of study on our four-year programme, we offer courses in the languages, literatures, histories, and cultures of the Celtic world.
You have the option to study Scottish Gaelic and build up to advanced competency in the language.
A choice of pathways through the programme enables you to develop your own interests in particular areas, periods and disciplines of Celtic studies.
Our expertise covers:
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Scottish Gaelic from the late Middle Ages to the present, including language policy and revitalisation
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the medieval literary tradition in Early Irish and Medieval Welsh - the most extensive in the whole of Europe
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the rich oral tradition recorded from the 18th century to the present day
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poetry from the 18th century golden age of Gaelic literature
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19th and 20th century responses to the rapid social, cultural, and linguistic changes in countries where the Celtic languages are spoken
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the writing, song, and media production emerging from the lively and varied contemporary cultural scene in Gaelic Scotland, Ireland, and Wales
Language study
If you choose to study Scottish Gaelic, it does not matter if you are a complete beginner; we stream our Year 1 classes to suit all levels of prior knowledge or none.
You can also learn a medieval Celtic language at honours level (Years 3 and 4). Both Old Irish and Middle Welsh are available. For this path, you will study Celtic civilisation and literature in Years 1 and 2, with texts presented in English translation.
Archaeology
Your studies in archaeology will take you back in time, and help you to develop a parallel range of skills in the interpretation of social and cultural change.
The programme also enables students to appreciate:
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the material basis of archaeology
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the contested nature of objects
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the social relationships that are spun around objects and the people who use and interpret them
Why Edinburgh
Founded in the early 12th century, Edinburgh has a long and rich history. Today, it has a well-established Gaelic community and a lively contemporary cultural Celtic scene.
As Scotland's capital city, its collections are outstanding, as are the University's own resources for the study of Celtic and Archaeology.
Our programme is extremely flexible. In Years 1 and 2, in addition to Celtic and Archaeology, you will choose option courses from a wide range of disciplines. You will then specialise as you progress through your honours years.
When you graduate, you will have the combination of broad cultural education and specialist knowledge valued by employers worldwide.
Discover The University of Edinburgh
Learn what it's like to study at The University of Edinburgh. From key stats to campus highlights, open days, and more - find everything you need to know here.
How to apply
Apply by
29 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- QV54
- Institution code:
- E56
- Campus name:
- Central area campus
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification requirements
A level - ABB
ABB. Required subjects: A levels: no specific A Level subjects required. GCSEs: English at C or 4 and a language other than English at B or 6.
Scottish Higher - ABBB
ABBB by end of S5 or AABB/ABBBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: no specific Higher subjects required. National 5s: English at C and a language other than English at B.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 34 points
34 points with 655 at HL. Required subjects: HL: no specific subjects required. SL: English at 5 and a language other than English at 5.
For degrees that have a subject requirement of a language other than English, students may not use their own native language to meet this requirement. In these instances, English or an alternative language other than native will be acceptable.
Detailed entry requirements, including typical offer levels, and information about other qualifications we accept, are available on the University of Edinburgh’s website. You’ll also find important information on how to apply.
You must submit a fully completed UCAS application that includes details of the qualifications you are taking, including full predicted grades for qualifications not yet completed, your personal statement and your reference.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
A level - ABB
Required subjects: A levels: no specific A Level subjects required. GCSEs: English at C or 4 and a language other than English at B or 6.
Scottish Higher - ABBB
ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: no specific Higher subjects required. National 5s: English at C and a language other than English at B.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 34 points
34 points with 655 at HL. Required subjects: HL: no specific subjects required. SL: English at 5 and a language other than English at 5.
Find out more about minimum qualification requirements for this course.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 92 | Total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | Total 176 with at least 162 in each component. | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | Total 176 with at least 162 in each component. | |
| Trinity ISE | ISE II with distinctions in all four components. | |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Total 62 with at least 54 in each component. |
Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies. For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher: SQA National 5 at C; SQA Standard Grade at 3; SQA Intermediate 1 at A; SQA Intermediate 2 at C; GCSE/IGSCE at C or 4; Level 2 Certificate Grade C or IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry). Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.
Full details of our English language requirements can be found on our website: https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/undergraduate/entry-requirements/english-language
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
The University of Edinburgh welcomes students from the UK and all over the world. We accept a wide range of qualifications and our policies support students with diverse backgrounds and experience.
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades students were previously accepted with - learn more. It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not available
Historical entry grades data is not currently available for The University of Edinburgh - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| EU | £28000 | Year 1 |
| International | £28000 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Scottish students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees.
EU On 9th July 2020 the decision was made by the Scottish Government to end free university tuition for European Union (EU) students starting in 2021-22. Funding policy for EU nationals and associated groups starting a course of study in academic year 2022-23 or later will be in line with international fees.
Full time international and EU students will pay a fixed annual fee rate for the duration of their programme
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Student Recruitment and Admissions
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Course contact details
Student Recruitment & Admissions
Email:futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
Phone:0131 650 4360
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