English and Gaelic Studies

UCAS code: QQ53

Here's what University of Aberdeen says about its English and Gaelic Studies course.

English and Gaelic at Aberdeen combines all the advantages of the UK’s second top research hub for English literature, language and creative writing, with an in-depth study of Gaelic, Scotland’s oldest living language and its origins and culture. The language, intellectual skills and Scottish perspective you will develop will give you an extra advantage for your career in business or another sector, especially with a Scottish or international dimension.

Aberdeen is a leading centre for the study of literature, language and creative writing, rated second in the UK for its research output. You will study poetry and prose through the dynamic relationship between author, reader and literary text, every period from Chaucer to contemporary English, Scottish, Irish, European and American writing and the cultural and critical impact of powerful and controversial modern works. You will be inspired by enthusiastic teachers and researchers, themselves acclaimed authors and poets and be encouraged to develop your own creative writing skills.

Gaelic is an area of particular strength at Aberdeen. We have been teaching Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) and culture for a hundred years, led by teachers and researchers passionate about Gaelic, and whose work directly influences Scottish policy on keeping Gaelic alive, healthy and important in Scotland today. Our students and staff play an important role in the Gaelic-speaking community in the north of Scotland through clubs, activities, networks and organisations.

You will graduate with many career options as diverse as publishing, teaching, research, journalism, business and speech therapy. Opportunities for graduates fluent in Scottish Gaelic are very good, including teaching, Gaelic development, arts management and librarianship and the commitment in Scotland to Gaelic broadcasting means increasing demand for Gaelic graduates to work in the media.

View all modules on the programme page to find out more about what you will be studying and when. University of Aberdeen modules are designed to give you breadth and depth to your degree. The range of modules you study will allow you to become proficient in all subjects which are directly relevant to your degree giving you greater career options.

The use of various forms of assessment and learning environments facilitates the development of generic transferable skills enhancing student employability.

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods: coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course; practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and written examinations at the end of each course. The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.