Gaelic Studies and Politics

Gaelic Studies and Politics at Aberdeen combines all the advantages of the of in-depth study of the language, literature and culture of Scotland’s oldest language – as a native speaker or complete beginner. The programme adds an in-depth focus on the role of politics, different political systems, and how democracy interacts and influences economies. You will be ideally suited to a career in politics, media or business and with skills transferable to many other sectors of employment.

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. You will learn more about Scotland's oldest living language and develop your Gaelic skills in a friendly and supportive environment, with opportunities to get involved with northern Scotland’s Gaelic-interest community through clubs, activities, networks and organisations.

In Politics, you will explore different political systems, making and implementing policy, nationalism and concepts of democracy and how we vote. You will be taught by experts in political parties and elections, energy politics, European integration, regionalism and politics, human rights and development issues and conflict and security and who appear regularly as experts in the media commenting on national, European and international issues and events as they unfold.

You will graduate with many options for careers in international business, local and national government, politics, NGOs, media, and many other possibilities. Many Aberdeen graduates are today household names in politics and journalism, senior figures in global business, international affairs and diplomacy and leading thinkers, authors and experts in their fields.

We are ranked 8th in the UK for Politics by the Guardian University Guide 2023.