Celtic Studies MScR

Level: Postgraduate research

Subject: Celtic and Scottish Studies

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Full-time
  • MScR | 1 year | Start date: September 2026
Part-time
  • MScR | 2 years | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

PhD by Distance

Not available

School location

Central Area

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About the degree programme

This Masters by Research (MScR) programme is ideal if you would like to complete a short piece of independent research in Celtic Studies. The programme is a good stepping-stone to a PhD, but is equally of value as a stand-alone qualification.

An MScR programme is likely to suit you if:

  • you have a clear idea what you would like to write your masters dissertation about, right from the beginning of the programme
  • you would like to be part of a large and supportive postgraduate community, while working independently

On this programme:

  • you will take courses in research skills and methods
  • you will complete two research assignments, each of 5,000 words
  • you will write a 20,000 word dissertation under the guidance of an experienced and well-published supervisor

We specialise in the languages, literatures, and cultures of the Celtic peoples, from Iron Age Europe to the present. Based in Scotland’s capital and festival city, our research community is at the forefront of policy development and cultural innovation. We play a leading role in relation to language planning and maintenance, particularly for Scottish Gaelic. Our research collections, resources and facilities are outstanding.

Our expertise covers:

  • Celtic sociolinguistics and language policy
  • Gaelic linguistics, dialectology, and language technology
  • Scottish Gaelic and Modern Irish language, literature, and culture
  • Old Irish and Middle Welsh language, literature and culture
  • Gaelic (especially Scottish and Irish) language, literature and culture in the diaspora
  • Medieval Gaelic religious culture
  • Gaelic folklore
  • Gaelic and Irish manuscript studies and book history
  • the 'Celtic Revival' in Scotland

Our students come from a range of disciplinary and personal backgrounds, so your undergraduate degree does not need to have been in Celtic and Scottish Studies to apply. We are very happy to discuss your proposed topic with you prior to application.

Study options

There are two study options for this programme, both starting in September of the academic year:

  • full-time
  • part-time - only available if you do not require a Student visa

Find out if you need a Student visa 

Full-time study

If you take the full-time study option, you will complete the programme in one academic year. 

You will take one research methods course in Semester 1 (September to December), and another in Semester 2 (January to May). Each semester, you will also submit a research assignment of 5,000 words. 

You will submit your dissertation (20,000 words) around 10 weeks after Semester 2 ends.

Part-time study

If you do not require a Student visa and opt to take the part-time study option, you will complete the programme in two academic years. 

In your first year, you will take one research methods course in Semester 1, and another in Semester 2. In your second year, you will submit two research assignments, each of 5,000 words – one per semester. 

You will submit your dissertation (20,000 words) around 10 weeks after Year 2: Semester 2 ends. 

Rankings

  • 3rd in the UK for breadth and quality of research in Modern Languages and Linguistics (REF 2021)
  • 3rd in the UK for Arts and Humanities and Modern Languages (QS World Rankings by Subject 2025)*
  • 10th in the world for Arts and Humanities (QS World Rankings by Subject 2025)*
  • 13th in the world for Modern Languages (QS World Rankings by Subject 2025)*

*QS World University Rankings are based on research citations and the results of major global surveys of employers and academics

Why choose this programme

  • Gain a masters through independent study
  • Develop your research skills through training and practice
  • Work towards a PhD or careers in research and critical thinking
  • Share your passion and expertise with a supportive community
  • Study at the heart of Scotland's capital city
  • Explore our fantastic libraries and collections

How to apply

Before you apply 

You do not need to approach a potential supervisor before you apply, but it is a good idea to look at the interests and expertise of our research community on the Celtic and Scottish Studies website. This will help you when you are writing your personal statement and research proposal. Both of these:

  • are key parts of the application process
  • ask you to reflect on how we can meet your supervision needs

Explore our research centres, networks and projects in Celtic and Scottish Studies

We also invite you to get in touch with the Departmental Postgraduate Research Director for Celtic and Scottish Studies. They have a good overview of all our supervision expertise and can advise you who might be the best supervisory fit for your dissertation.

Contact the Departmental Postgraduate Research Director

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
14 September 2026 29 June 2026

We strongly recommend you apply as early as possible so that we have enough time to process your application. This is particularly important if you:

  • are also applying for funding, as many schemes have early deadlines
  • will require a visa

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

The application process involves:

  • completing an online form, including a personal statement
  • submitting a number of supporting documents, including a research proposal 

Completing the online form

When completing the online form, you will be asked to provide information on:

  • relevant knowledge/training skills
  • your proposed research topic
  • any published work

There is space to provide us with details of any published work, but please do not worry if you have not published anything to date. We do not expect that you will.

You will also be asked to write a 500-word personal statement, telling us about your academic history so far, and why you want to study with us.

Find out more about writing a personal statement

Submitting your supporting documents

To support your application, you will need to submit a research proposal. This should be an outline of your proposed area of study, helping us gain a clearer picture of what you hope to achieve on the Masters by Research in Celtic Studies.

Read the University’s guidance on how to write your research proposal

You will also need to submit:

  • a sample of written work of about 3,000 words (this can be a previous piece of work from an undergraduate degree)
  • copies of your degree certificates and academic transcripts that confirm your current or final marks
  • certified translations if your original documents are not in English
  • two references

Finally, you will need to provide evidence that you meet the English language requirements of this programme. If you do not have this evidence now, you can still submit your application and provide it later through the Applicant Hub. Likewise, if you do not have your final marks or degree certificates at this stage, you can provide a current transcript now and supply the final documents later through the Applicant Hub.

See all guidance on the application process and supporting documents 

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

Funding

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Full-time
Part-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Costs

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.

Living costs include:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.

University postgraduate accommodation options and costs

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

MScR: A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a related subject.

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 23 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 176 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 7 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 145 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

Research profile

Selected research centres, networks and groups

Through the Gaelic Algorithmic Research Group (GARG), an international team researching modern technologies for Gaelic, we have led the development of the world’s first working Automatic Speech Recognition system for Scottish Gaelic. We are also founding members of Faclair na Gàidhlig, a long-term collaborative project to publish a historical dictionary of the language.

Read our feature on what Automatic Speech Recognition means for the future of Scotland’s Gaelic language

We work closely with Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the national Gaelic development agency, of which Professor Rob Dunbar is a Board Member (2023 to 2027). Rob also sits on the Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages - the only treaty in the world designed to protect and promote regional and minority languages and to enable speakers to use them both in private and public life.

Explore our range of research centres, networks and projects in Celtic and Scottish studies

Research Excellence Framework (REF) – 3rd in the UK

In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), our research in Celtic and Scottish Studies was submitted in Modern Languages and Linguistics (Panel D - Arts and Humanities; Unit of Assessment 26).

The results reaffirm Edinburgh’s position as one of the UK’s leading research universities - ranked third in the UK.

As published in Times Higher Education's REF power ratings, this result is based on the quality and breadth of our research in the unit of assessment.

Read more about REF 2021

Excellence and impact beyond the UK reflects what drives our research on the countries and cultures we study, and it is great to see this recognised by REF. Beyond the Modern Language element of REF, which is just one part of a much bigger picture, our languages colleagues have helped the University of Edinburgh achieve excellence, and benefited communities, in assessed areas such as Politics, Sociology, History, Theology and Music, Drama, Dance, Performing Arts, Film and Screen Studies.

Professor Emeritus Jeremy Robbins Head of the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC) for REF 2021, elected British Academy Fellow in 2025

Our research community

As part of our research community, you will be immersed in a world of scholarship and knowledge exchange, with lots of opportunities to share ideas, learning and creative work. Activities include:

  • a fortnightly online seminar series (with talks by staff, research students and visiting speakers)
  • annual lecture series in Celtic and Scottish Studies (O'Donnell Lecture, Alan Bruford Lecture and the John MacLeod Memorial Lecture)
  • a seminar series on medieval Scottish history and culture and a reading group for scholars interested in older forms of the Gaelic language
  • performances and traditional music sessions, coordinated by our In-Residence colleagues (Gaelic Writer and Traditional Artist)
  • dedicated Gaelic language officer
  • student-led Celtic Society (Comann Ceilteach) - the University's oldest society, which runs bilingual social events

Our graduates tell us that they value LLC’s friendliness, the connections they make here, and the in-depth guidance they receive from our staff who are published experts in their field.

Go beyond the books

Beyond the Books is a podcast from LLC that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at research and the people who make it happen.

Listen to a mix of PhD, early career and established researchers talk about their journey to and through academia and about their current and recent research.

Browse Beyond the Books episodes and hear our research community talk about their work

Programme structure

This programme is delivered and assessed through:

  • two 20-credit courses on research skills, methods and problems
  • two supervised research assignments, totalling 40 credits
  • one 100-credit supervised 20,000 word dissertation

Find out the aims and structure for each year of study on this programme.

Full-time
Part-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Support

This programme includes 40 credits of training. Across two courses, you will develop your understanding of methodology, enabling you to undertake research appropriate to:

  • your critical approach
  • the requirements of specific assessments
  • relevant intellectual frameworks

The second course in particular supports and prepares you to write your dissertation. In a series of workshops, you will discuss the general principles of research project design, and the specifics of your own research, with other students - giving and receiving constructive peer feedback. 

Between LLC, the Careers Service and the Institute for Academic Development (IAD), you will have access to a further range of programmes and resources to help develop your postgraduate skills.

You will also have access to the University's fantastic libraries, collections and worldwide strategic partnerships.

These include Una Europa, which offers a range of additional training and mobility opportunities for postgraduate students within an alliance of 11 leading European Universities.

Find out more about Una Europa opportunities for students

Facilities

Our research community has access to a wide range of specialist materials, from medieval to modern, in a variety of media. Our outstanding resources and facilities for the study of Celtic and Scotland are largely held over three sites clustered around George Square in the University's Central Area:

  • the Main University Library and its Centre for Research Collections
  • the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC) and its Celtic Class Library
  • the School of Scottish Studies Archives and its Scottish Studies Library

Across these sites, you will find:

  • more than 400,000 rare books
  • six kilometres of archives and manuscripts
  • 33,000 recordings of songs, music, stories, rhyme and verse in Scots, Gaelic and English, as well as in dialects now extinct
  • thousands of works of art, historical musical instruments and other objects
  • thousands of photographs and rarely-seen historic documents which capture exceptional and everyday aspects of Scottish culture and heritage

Highlights for the study of Celtic include:

  • the Carmichael-Watson Collection
  • the Donald MacKinnon Collection
  • the David Laing Collection

Many of our Special Collections are digitised and available online from our excellent Resource Centre and Computing Labs in LLC.

Career opportunities

A Masters by Research in Celtic Studies shows a nuanced understanding of other cultures and societies and how they shape our world. This demonstrates what employers call intercultural competence.

Thanks to an ever-broadening international reach, Celtic languages, literatures and cultures have a steady stream of enthusiastic new speakers and audiences, both in the Celtic countries and globally.

Research skills in the subject are in high demand, as they evidence that you:

  • can handle various data sources critically and analytically and are comfortable working in a digital environment
  • understand context and can navigate cultural differences and perspectives accordingly
  • excel in articulating complex issues and concepts in a clear and compelling way
  • thrive on working independently within a broader community of interest and purpose

While many masters graduates aim to develop their skills further by undertaking a PhD, these same assets are widely sought after in a range of careers and across the private, public, not-for-profit, and for-benefit sectors. The discipline, time management, motivation and innovation required to work independently are also extremely useful primers for self-employment.

Previous graduates of our languages, countries and cultures programmes have gone on to work in:

  • publishing, culture, heritage, and the arts
  • communications, marketing, advertising, and public relations
  • journalism, broadcasting, and media
  • leisure, tourism, and travel
  • business, finance, commerce, and tech
  • politics, policy work, diplomacy, civil service, and law
  • education, outreach, advocacy, and training
  • research, development, consultancy, and venture acceleration

Further study

A Masters by Research (MScR) programme is great preparation for a PhD, as it combines training in research methods with writing assignments of varying lengths. Together, these build up your skills in undertaking and writing up your own work under supervision.

Some of our students go on to develop their masters thesis into a longer PhD dissertation, while for others their MScR is a chance to explore a related but distinct research area.

This programme is an excellent primer for our PhD in Celtic Studies and Scottish Studies.

Find out more about the PhD in Celtic Studies and Scottish Studies

You might also be interested in our PhDs in:

  • Comparative Literature
  • Cultural Heritage
  • Cultural Studies
  • Medieval Studies

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

What our students say

Edinburgh is an amazing place to do research, not just for the city’s rich history and beautiful scenery, but also for its vibrant student community and all the city offers outside of academics. Whether you prefer strolling through the Meadows or along Portobello beach, visiting the city’s various museums and galleries, or taking advantage of the city’s connections to the rest of Scotland and beyond, there is truly something for everyone in Edinburgh!

Courtney, Year 2, PhD in English Literature, Masters by Research graduate (2024)

Courtney, who provided us with this quote about her experience of living and studying in Edinburgh, is originally from the US. She is the Postgraduate Research School Representative for the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC). 

Together with Programme Representatives, Postgraduate Representatives are your voice in the university - sharing your feedback to continually improve the student experience for everyone. Their roles are voluntary, and supported by the Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA).

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

As a research student here, you will be based at the heart of the University of Edinburgh in a world-leading festival city with fantastic cinemas, theatres, galleries and museums. 

Many national collections are located close to the University's Central Area, making them very easy to access when you are on campus. Highlights include the:

  • National Library of Scotland
  • National Museum of Scotland
  • National Records of Scotland

The city has a long-established Gaelic community and a lively contemporary cultural scene. There are conversation groups for practising Gaelic socially, fèisean for performers, and an annual festival, Seachdain na Gàidhlig. From sessions in traditional bars, to events in the Scottish Poetry Library and Scottish Storytelling Centre, there is always something going on.

Most of the city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Old Town retaining many of its medieval buildings and streets.

Find out more about living and studying in Edinburgh

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

School of Literatures, Languages & Cultures
50 George Square
Central Campus
Edinburgh
EH8 9LH

llc.pgresearch@ed.ac.uk

Related degree programmes

Other degrees in Celtic and Scottish Studies

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