Celtic Studies

The MSt in Celtic Studies at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and rigorous postgraduate program designed for students with a keen interest in the languages, cultures, history, literature, and societies of Celtic-speaking peoples. This interdisciplinary course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the Celtic world from its ancient origins to its contemporary significance. The program combines the study of Celtic languages such as Welsh, Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Breton, and Cornish with historical, literary, and cultural analysis, enabling students to analyze primary sources and critically engage with scholarly debates in the field.

Students will have the opportunity to develop advanced language skills through language courses tailored to various levels, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced. They will engage with original texts in their original languages, gaining skills in translation and interpretation essential for academic research. The curriculum also covers periods ranging from early prehistoric times through medieval history to modern times, allowing students to explore the development of Celtic societies and their interactions with neighboring cultures. The program emphasizes both theoretical approaches and practical methodologies, encouraging students to conduct independent research culminating in a dissertation.

Students benefit from access to the university’s extensive library collections, archives, and research resources. The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, language workshops, and tutorials, providing a supportive environment for scholarly development. Faculty members are leading experts in Celtic studies, offering personalized supervision and guidance tailored to students’ research interests. Graduates of the program are well-equipped for careers in academia, research, cultural heritage, language revitalization, and related fields. The MSt in Celtic Studies at Oxford thus represents an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich heritage and ongoing scholarly exploration of Celtic cultures, fostering a deeper understanding of this vibrant and enduring heritage.

This two-year course is normally restricted to candidates who have taken a first degree in a relevant subject area; however, it is also suitable for candidates with no previous background in Celtic, but with sufficient linguistic ability to acquire grounding in Welsh and/or Irish quickly.

Generally student numbers in the MPhil programme are relatively small and this allows the teaching to be tailored to the particular choice you may make. Teaching is provided through a mixture of classes and tutorials.

You may be required to take an intensive course in a Modern Celtic language as a condition of admission, either in the long vacation prior to the admission or in the long vacation following the third term of your course of instruction. The course consists of the following elements:

• three option papers (either by essay or written examination)
• a dissertation of between 20,000 and 25,000 words on an approved topic
• a viva voce examination at the time appointed by the examiners

The option papers allow you to study both Irish and Welsh or only one of the two. You may also select Celtic archaeology or history, as well as linguistic and literary options. Although the regulations are flexible enough to allow for individual preferences, there is also a compulsory language element requiring the close study of medieval texts in the original language(s).

The MPhil in Celtic Studies provides an appropriate introduction for you if you are contemplating higher research in a DPhil or PhD programme in this area.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in a relevant course of academic study. Applicants for the MPhil must show clear evidence of the linguistic ability to acquire one or two Celtic languages within the duration of the course. Applicants selected for this course will have shown clear evidence of linguistic ability and a serious interest in acquiring new knowledge and skills.  

Entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a high first-class degree or the equivalent.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.75 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement:Up to 700 words
• Written work: Two essays of 2,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation: Three overall, all of which must be academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme

Celtic Studies at the University of Oxford offers a distinctive interdisciplinary program that explores the languages, literatures, and cultures of Celtic-speaking peoples. This degree provides students with comprehensive training in Celtic languages such as Irish, Welsh, Breton, Cornish, and Scottish Gaelic, alongside detailed historical and cultural studies. The program emphasizes both linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding, enabling students to engage with Celtic traditions through a variety of academic approaches, including philology, literary analysis, archaeology, and history.

At Oxford, students benefit from expert faculty members who are leading scholars in Celtic Studies, offering personalized supervision and mentoring throughout their coursework. The program incorporates a range of teaching methods, including seminars, lectures, language workshops, and independent research projects, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Students are encouraged to utilize the university’s extensive resources, such as specialized libraries, archives, and digital collections, to deepen their research and understanding of Celtic languages and cultures.

The curriculum is designed to build upon students' language skills progressively, culminating in a dissertation that reflects their research interests and expertise. Many students have the opportunity to participate in fieldwork, cultural exchanges, and international conferences, further enriching their academic experience. Additionally, the program often collaborates with other departments and institutions to offer interdisciplinary perspectives on Celtic studies, including connections to anthropology, art history, and comparative literature.

Graduates of Celtic Studies at Oxford are well-prepared for careers in academia, cultural preservation, archaeology, publishing, museum curation, and diplomatic services related to Celtic regions. The program’s combination of rigorous language training and cultural history offers a unique pathway to understanding the historical and contemporary significance of Celtic peoples. Overall, the Oxford Celtic Studies program aims to cultivate expert knowledge, critical thinking, and cultural sensitivity, making it a compelling choice for students passionate about Celtic heritage and linguistic studies.