Gaelic Studies

In this section
Gaelic Studies

Introduction

Leading research and teaching in Gaelic literature, society and culture.

Study Information

At a Glance

Degree Qualification
MSc or PhD

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Contact by Phone
+44 (0)1224 272233
Email Us
llmvc.enquiries@abdn.ac.uk
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Based in the School of Language, Literature, Film and Visual Culture, our research programmes in Gaelic studies are distinguished for research on Gaelic literature, cultural history and contemporary Gaelic society. Within these themes, we conduct research on topics ranging from the prose literature of the eighteenth century to understanding sociolinguistic change in Gaelic-English bilingual speech communities today. Gaelic as a subject has been taught at the University since the eighteenth century.

Our Research

Gaelic studies have long-standing links with other institutions across the university, particularly Research Institute of Irish and Scottish Studies.

Gaelic research is centred on staff research interests.

Supervisors: Professor Michelle Macleod, Dr Moray Watson, Professor Ralph O’Connor

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore this Global Scholarship, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Entry Requirements

Applicants to the MPhil or PhD must provide a detailed research proposal and two academic references from their most recent academic institution.

International Applicants

Fees and Funding

The Department benefits from the existence of the Milne Bequest Scholarship and the MacLeod Scholarship. Both of these awards have been made available, on a competitive and rotational basis, to help cover the costs of postgraduate study. Typically, they are sufficient to offset the cost of UK/EU fees. Enquiries should be sent in the first instance to: Prof. Michelle Macleod.

Scholarships

Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore this Global Scholarship, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.

To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.

Soillse

We collaborate in inter-university projects such as Soillse, which supports research on Gaelic language planning and policy, and Faclair na Gàidhlig, which aims to produce a new historic dictionary.

We publish Scottish Gaelic Studies

We publish Scottish Gaelic Studies, the leading journal in our area.

Create new learning materials for adults

Our practice-based research in Gaelic language acquisition leads the way in creating new and innovative learning materials for adults.

Careers

In addition to entering academia, graduates with higher degrees in Gaelic can find employment in the Gaelic language planning and development, Gaelic education, Gaelic arts and publishing and Gaelic broadcasting.

Get in Touch

Contact Details

Address
School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture
University of Aberdeen
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3UB