Gaelic and Communication CertHE

Course code QP59

What is special about this course?

This course for proficient Gaelic speakers allows you to study Gaelic to an expert level in a fully Gaelic-speaking environment. This intensive course prepares you for university-level Gaelic-medium education and for progression to the second year of UHI's Gaelic-medium BA and BA (Hons) degrees.

You will study Gaelic literature, Gaelic development, creative writing (short story and song), and public speaking, as well as gaining a thorough understanding of the Gaelic language.

At the end of this course, you will be able to speak, read, and write Gaelic with complete confidence, allowing you to fully take part in all aspects of Gaelic life in Scotland.

Special features

  • Highly interactive and participative Gaelic language course
  • Study Gaelic to an expert level in a lively environment
  • Learn to read and write confidently in Gaelic
  • You will undertake a three-week work placement in a Gaelic environment
  • You will study at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI on the Isle of Skye, or UHI North, West and Hebrides on the Isle of Lewis, both located at the heart of vibrant, Gaelic-speaking communities

Accommodation

We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.

Entry requirements

  • 3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above, preferably including Gaelic (learners) or Gàidhlig (fluent speakers) at grade B or above OR
  • 2 A levels at grade BC or above
  • You will be required to attend an interview to assess your Gaelic language skills
  • Applications with other qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
  • This is a Category 2 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required for specific optional modules/unit(s), where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in optional module/unit(s), but an alternative pathway exists to achieve target qualification. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage
  • Please note: this course does not accept applications for deferred entry; if you wish to take a year out, for example, you must apply next year

Access routes

Year 1 - CertHE

Required modules:

  • Gàidhlig a h-aon
  • Cultar nan Gàdheal
  • Saoghal na Gàidhlig 1
  • Litreachas: sgilean sgrùdaidh
  • Greis ghnìomhachais

Elective modules:

  • Annas-làimhe agus òrain Ghàdhlig 1
  • Teòiridh, cruthachadh agus cothromachadh 1
  • Na meadhanan Gàidhlig
  • Sgeulachdan is òrain Ghàidhligh

How will I study my course?

  • Full-time
  • Part-time (structured) (UHI North, West and Hebrides only)
  • You will study by way of face-to-face teaching in the classroom at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI on the Isle of Skye, or UHI North, West and Hebrides on the Isle of Lewis, both at the heart of Gaelic-speaking communities

How long will my course last?

  • Full-time: 1 year @ 40 hours per week
  • Part-time: 2 years @ 20 hours per week

Number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent in lectures and your own time spent on individual study and research.

Where can I study my course?

  • North, West and Hebrides - Stornoway campus
  • Sabhal Mòr Ostaig - Full-time study option only

Start date

  • September

Fees

Find out more about fees, fee waivers and funding options.

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.

What can I do on completion of my course?

Once you have completed your CertHE Gaelic and Communication you might like to think about careers in:

  • Gaelic teaching
  • Gaelic media 
  • Traditional music 
  • Language and community development

Can I progress into further study?

The CertHE Gaelic and Communication allows progression to the following courses:

Is there more information available online?

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Apply for Gaelic and Communication CertHE

  • Applications to this course are now closed for September 2023 entry. Applications for September 2024 will open in September 2023. Please revisit this page then to apply.

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.