French and Gaelic Studies (5 yrs)

French and Gaelic Studies at Aberdeen gives you the benefits of combining a major modern European language and culture with in-depth study of Scotland’s oldest living language and its origins and culture. You will graduate with language, intellectual and cultural skills, plus a European perspective to make you extremely attractive to employers in many areas of business, arts, education, tourism or media.

French & Francophone Studies at Aberdeen has a long-standing reputation for teaching and research. The programme explores the diversity of French and Francophone culture and the complex global influence of France and the French language over the centuries. You will add to your growing language skills with diverse courses in contemporary society and politics, philosophy and history, film and visual culture, advanced translation skills, and literature from the Renaissance to the present day.

We have been teaching Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) and culture for a hundred years, led by teachers and researchers passionate about Gaelic and whose work directly influences Scottish policy on keeping Gaelic alive, healthy and important in Scotland today. Gaelic at Aberdeen is the ideal combination of tradition, location, programme, quality and inspiring teachers for you as a beginner or native speaker to enjoy exploring Gaelic language, literature and culture and its place in our world today. Our students and staff play an important role in Scotland’s Gaelic-interest community through activities, networks and organisations.

As an integral part of your 5-year programme you will spend the whole of year three developing your language skills as a teaching assistant or visiting student in a French-speaking country.

Opportunities for graduates fluent in French are very good - as as those for graduates fluent in Scottish Gaelic. Your career options will be wide, including teaching, business and tourism. Gaelic development, arts management and librarianship are all great options and the commitment in Scotland to Gaelic broadcasting also brings graduate opportunities.