Celtic Studies (Part-time) (MA)
This 4-year Celtic Studies Master’s degree offers a flexible and engaging way to explore the rich heritage of the Celtic regions through distance-learning.
Designed for those with an interest in Welsh and Celtic Studies, this course gives you the opportunity to delve into the history, literature, and cultural heritage of the Celtic world.
During the course, you will study some of the most significant Celtic texts ever written. These texts, written in Celtic languages, include classics such as the Mabinogion and Arthurian literature, which are at the heart of Celtic storytelling traditions. You will also explore the fascinating roles of druids and Celtic saints and learn how to analyse different versions of the Celtic past. The programme will introduce you to key thinkers, such as historians, linguists, folklorists, and archaeologists, to help you critically examine how the history of the Celtic peoples has been interpreted over time.
In addition to expanding your knowledge of literature and language, this programme offers a strong foundation in cultural studies. You will also develop important research skills, which will be invaluable whether you choose to continue into further academic study or take those skills into the workplace. The research and critical thinking skills you gain will give you the tools to approach historical and modern-day topics with confidence.
The Celtic Studies programme is available to study full-time or part-time, and you can choose from three different levels of qualification: MA (180 credits), Diploma (120 credits), or Certificate (60 credits). This flexibility allows you to fit your studies around your lifestyle and commitments while still immersing yourself in a comprehensive study of Celtic history, archaeology, and mythology.
Whether you are passionate about Celtic languages, intrigued by ancient myths, or eager to uncover more about the cultural heritage of the Celtic regions, this programme provides an exciting and in-depth exploration of a fascinating area of study.
Course details
- Distance Learning
- Part-time
- English
- Welsh
- Bilingual
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Our Celtic Studies programme promotes an inclusive and student-focused approach to learning. We provide a multidisciplinary framework that encourages critical thinking and independent research, allowing students to explore various fields of early and late medieval history and literature, Welsh language, gender studies, Arthurian literature, folklore, religion, spirituality and iconography.
No previous knowledge of the Celtic languages is required for this programme, as students study texts in translation and the programme is taught through the medium of English. However, students may choose to study Welsh as part of the programme and it is also possible for students who are fluent in Welsh to study their modules entirely through the medium of Welsh or receive supervision and communication in Welsh, but opt to write their assignments in English.
Year 1 & 2
Students will engage with foundational topics in Celtic Studies, including two core modules: Celtic Arthur and the Mabinogion Tales and The Celts: Origins to Modern Era. Alongside these, students select two optional modules, exploring areas such as medieval history, Arthurian literature, gender studies, and folklore. Part 1 of this course builds critical understanding and essential research skills.
Year 3 & 4
The focus is on independent research, allowing students to pursue a dissertation on a chosen topic within Celtic history, literature, or cultural heritage. Under the guidance of an expert supervisor, students will apply their learning from previous years, further developing their analytical and research abilities. This part of the course culminates in an extended dissertation that reflects each student’s unique academic interests.
Compulsory
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(60 credits)
Optional
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
Course disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
Ratings and Rankings
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Further information
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- or UWTSD recognised equivalent.
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- Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCert). This is the first part of the full Master’s degree.
Once you have successfully completed your PGCert studies, you will be eligible to progress for the remainder of the Master’s degree. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
These are ideal routes if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Admissions Advice and Support 
For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
·¡²Ô²µ±ô¾±²õ³ó&²Ô²ú²õ±è;±ô²¹²Ô²µ³Ü²¹²µ±ð r±ð±ç³Ü¾±°ù±ð³¾±ð²Ô³Ù²õ &²Ô²ú²õ±è;If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements 
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.
Extracurricular Welsh OpportunitiesThere are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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The modules are assessed by a variety of assessment methods: short essays (2,500 words), longer essays (4,000-5,000 words), comparative analyses, literary reviews and appreciations, short assignments, linguistic exercises, oral assessments and one 15-000-word dissertation.
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Students may spend up to £300 per year on books and additional related materials.
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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This programme is ideal for those who want to learn more about the history, literature and cultural heritage of Wales and the Celtic regions in order to improve their job prospects. Many of the students who undertake the course on a part-time basis are already in employment and wish to gain a postgraduate qualification as a possible means to promotion or change of job role. Former students include journalists, writers, storytellers, teachers, lecturers, editors and people who work in the tourist or heritage industries. Many of our students have also gone on to further research in Celtic Studies at PhD level.