Literature with Gaelic Studies BA (Hons)

What is special about this course?

Follow your passion for literature and culture with a degree that invites you to explore both the global literary landscape and the rich heritage of the Gaelic world. The BA (Hons) Literature with Gaelic Studies encourages you to combine your interests in language, culture, and critical thinking, building a degree that reflects your personal goals and ambitions. Through a wide range of modules, delve into major themes, ideas, and movements in literature while deepening your understanding of Gaelic language, history, and identity.

In your first and second years, take a broad and engaging approach to both disciplines, laying a strong foundation in literary and cultural studies. As you move into your third and fourth years, focus on the topics that speak most to your interests, working closely with academic staff whose research directly shapes the modules you study. From your first semester, become part of a vibrant, supportive research culture that values curiosity, creativity, and independent thinking.

Throughout the course, sharpen your analytical and research skills while exploring connections between literature, language, and society. You also have the freedom to branch out and explore other Humanities subjects such as philosophy, history, geography, archaeology, and politics — enriching your degree and widening your perspectives.

Whether you're inspired by storytelling, passionate about Gaelic culture, or excited by global perspectives on literature, this course offers the flexibility and support to shape your studies around what matters most to you. Study full time or part time, take individual modules for personal or professional development, and create a degree journey that fits your life.

Special features

• Explore literature within an international and cross-cultural context
• Combine literary studies with the study of the Gaelic world, language, and cultural heritage
• Join a lively academic community shaped by active research from day one
• Begin your Gaelic language journey with beginner-friendly learning options
• Study full time or part time, with flexible pathways that fit around your life
• Take individual modules for personal interest or career development
• Enhance your learning by exploring other Humanities disciplines alongside your core studies

Entry requirements

• 3 Scottish Highers at grades BBC or above OR
• 2 A levels at grades BC or above
• At least two should be from the list of relevant academic subjects
• Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
• Advanced entry to year two may be available with HNC Social Sciences (12 SQA credits) with 3 additional SQA credits at level 7, which is equivalent to 120 degree credit points, and at least grade C in the Graded Unit
• Advanced entry to year three may be available with HND Social Sciences (30 SQA credits), with at least grades AB in the L8 Graded Units. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on additional qualifications/experience beyond the HND, as relevant to the programme of study. If not found to be appropriate, entry will be offered at year two

Year 1 - CertHE

You will study the following core modules:

• Gaelic for learners 1a
• Gaelic for learners 1b
• Reading fiction: an introduction     
• Theories of literature: an introduction    
• Travellers in the wilderness: literature and the theme of exile    

You will also have the freedom to choose one optional module from the full range offered across the Humanities curriculum.

Year 2 - DipHE

You will study the following core modules:

• Folklore
• Heroic literature: epic from classical to contemporary
• Introduction to Gaelic poetry
• Mediaeval literature: texts and contexts
• Theatrical powerplay: classical and Shakespearean tragedy

You will also have the freedom to choose one optional module from the full range offered across the Humanities curriculum.

Year 3 - BA

You will study the following core modules:

• Language policy and planning
• Literary borrowings: adaptations and appropriations
• Traditional Gaelic culture

You will also study two of the following optional modules:

• Imagining new worlds: renaissance literature and thought
• Risk anything: the modernist short story
• Romantic genius: Scottish and European literature, 1750 - 1830

Year 4 - BA (Hons)

You will study the following core modules:

• Dissertation (literature)
• Language policy in the workplace
• Traditional Gaelic culture in the 21st century

Plus either of the following:

• Modern and contemporary poetry and fiction
• Apocalyptic fictions PLUS Satire: the art of attack

Fees

For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

This includes

• EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
• EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
• EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Rest of UK students

For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term time address in Scotland studying this course full time, the following fees apply:

4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,542.

Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.

There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.

EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. Students will get an automatic scholarship of £3,000 per annum and the 4^th year of study will be free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

International students

For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

Part-time study is not open to international students requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.

Further information on international course fees.

A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.

Funding

UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.

Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.