Celtic Studies BA

Program Overview

The BA Celtic Studies degree at Aberystwyth University offers a comprehensive exploration of Celtic languages, literature, history, and culture. It provides students with the opportunity to study Welsh alongside other Celtic languages, and delve into medieval and modern literature. The program is accessible to students with no prior knowledge of any Celtic language and provides a deep understanding of the Celtic-speaking world from its earliest origins to the present day.

Program Outline

Aberystwyth University - BA Celtic Studies (Q500)

Degree Overview:

The BA Celtic Studies degree at Aberystwyth University offers a comprehensive exploration of Celtic languages, literature, history, and culture. It provides students with the opportunity to study Welsh alongside other Celtic languages, including Irish, Scottish Gaelic, and Breton. The program delves into both medieval and modern literature, allowing students to develop their conversational and written skills in modern languages, read texts in medieval and early modern languages, and gain insights into the languages and cultures of the ancient Celts and their influence on modern Europe. The program is designed to be accessible to students with no prior knowledge of any Celtic language. It offers a unique opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the Celtic-speaking world, from its earliest origins to the present day. Aberystwyth, located in the heart of Welsh-speaking Wales, provides an ideal environment for studying Celtic Studies, where the medieval and modern coexist seamlessly.

Outline:

The BA Celtic Studies program is a four-year degree structured as follows:

Year 1:

• Core Modules:
• Introduction to the Literature of Gaelic Ireland (IR11720):
20 credits
• The Celts: A Contested Legacy (IR11820):
20 credits

Year 2:

• Core Modules:
• Modern Irish Language and Literature for Non-Beginners (IR11220):
20 credits
• Modern Irish: Introduction (IR10120):
20 credits
• Options:
• Introduction to Old Irish (IR12020):
20 credits

Year 3:

• Core Modules:
• Modern Irish (Language and Literature) (IR22320):
20 credits

Year 4:

• Core Modules:
• Modern Irish (Language and Literature) 3+4 (IR32520):
20 credits

Note:

The modules listed above are intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a combination of coursework and examinations to assess student learning.

Teaching:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including traditional lectures, seminars, and innovative approaches. Seminars provide a more informal setting for open discussion in smaller groups.

Careers:

The BA Celtic Studies program equips students with a range of transferable skills highly valued by employers, including:

• Exploring and analyzing data
• Creative thinking and effective problem solving
• Independent work
• Time management and meeting deadlines
• Clear and coherent communication (oral and written)
• Self-motivation and self-reliance
• Teamwork and collaboration
Graduates of the program pursue diverse career paths, including:
• Teaching
• Administration
• Media
• Public sector (both domestically and internationally)
The skills developed in the program also provide a strong foundation for postgraduate studies and a career in academia.

Other:

• The program offers opportunities for work experience through the Aberystwyth University Careers Service, GO Wales, and the Year in Employment Scheme.
• Students can benefit from a program of stimulating events, including public lectures, book launch evenings, performances, and talks within the Department and elsewhere.
• The National Library of Wales, located near Penglais Campus, offers access to collections of rare literature.
• The Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies boasts a lively academic and intellectual environment, with world-leading experts in Welsh and Irish language and literature.
• Students have a wide choice of stimulating modules reflecting the latest research interests of the lecturers.