Philosophy with Gaelic Studies BA (Hons)

What is special about this course?

Study with us and explore the deep connections between philosophy and Gaelic culture through a unique joint degree. This course lets you combine two subjects that reflect your personal interests or future career goals, engaging with a wide range of ideas, themes, and critical perspectives. Develop your understanding of the nature of reality, value, and human experience, while also immersing yourself in the rich history and contemporary landscape of Gaelic language and culture.

Begin with a broad foundation in both disciplines during your first two years, then delve deeper into specialist topics that reflect current staff research in years three and four. Strengthen your analytical and research skills year on year, and enrich your learning by engaging with related subjects such as literature, history, archaeology, politics, and geography.

Take part in a dynamic learning environment that values discussion, critical thinking, and real-world application, all while gaining insight into two culturally and intellectually vibrant areas of study.

Special features

• Join regular philosophy reading groups and share ideas with students and staff in an open, academic setting
• Study the Gaelic world alongside philosophy, gaining cultural and linguistic insight while learning beginners Gaelic
• Get involved in student-led organisations that explore social issues and put your beliefs into action
• Choose from a wide range of tailored modules that reflect your interests and support your success
• Study individual modules for personal growth or professional development, with flexible options throughout your degree

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
• Logic and philosophy
• Problems in philosophy
• Thinking and writing for study, work and life

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:

• Anthropology of religion
• Folklore
• Introduction to Gaelic poetry
• Knowledge: a philosophical analysis
• Moral philosophy

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
• Research project: theology and philosophy
• Traditional Gaelic culture

You will also study three of the following optional modules:

• Continental philosophy
• Mind, machines, and morality: the philosophy of mind, ai and technology
• Philosophy of religion
• Philosophy of science

Year 4 - BA (Hons)

You will study the following core modules:

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

Plus either of the following:

• Research in theology and philosophy
• Scottish tradition in philosophy PLUS Existential philosophy and literature

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.