Gaelic and Education BA (Hons)
Course code XQ10
What is special about this course?
The BA (Hons) Gaelic and Education is a four-year, Gaelic-medium undergraduate teacher education programme.
The programme is designed for either Gaelic-medium primary teaching or secondary teaching (Gaelic as a subject) and includes 30 weeks of school experience: three weeks in year one of the programme, six weeks in year two, nine weeks in year three and twelve weeks in year four.
Successful completion of this award will give you a direct route into Gaelic/Gaelic-medium teaching.
Special features
- The programme is delivered and assessed through the medium of Scottish Gaelic
- You will have an opportunity to gain an Honours award and teaching qualification in four years
- The programme is open to both fluent speakers and learners of Scottish Gaelic
- You will gain fluency in Scottish Gaelic by the end of the first year, with continuing language enhancement throughout the programme
- The programme will provide you with specialist skills and immersion and bilingual teaching and learning pedagogies
- The programme will prepare you for life as a reflective professional, supporting high-quality learning for the children you teach
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
Entry requirements
- 3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above, preferably including Higher Gàidhlig (fluent speakers) or Gaelic (learners) at grade B or above OR
- 2 A levels at grade BC or above
- Applicants with other qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
- Prior to the commencement of the course, you will be required to attend an interview in accordance with guidelines for admission to Initial Teacher Education in Scotland. Gaelic language skills will also be assessed at interview stage in order to place you on the appropriate first year course as a fluent speaker or learner
Please note:
- There are subject specific entry guidelines for secondary teaching stipulated by GTC Scotland. These are available from the GTC Scotland website: Memorandum on Entry Requirements to Programmes of Initial Teacher Education in Scotland (GTCS 2024)
- This is a Category 1 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required to successfully achieve target qualification, where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in key elements of the course. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage
- Please note: this course does not accept applications for deferred entry; if you wish to take a year out, for example, you must apply next year
For primary and secondary teaching in Scotland, you will be required to have the following qualifications, preferably before entry to the programme and by the end of year two of the programme at the latest:
- Higher (or A level) English at grade C or above
- Mathematics at National 5, Standard Grade Credit, Intermediate 2 or GCSE at grade C/4
Access routes
For applicants with little or no previous knowledge of Gaelic, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig offers An Cùrsa Inntrigidh, a distance learning course which aims to prepare you for entry to year one of the degree programme.
Year 1 - CertHE
The first year of the programme is primarily a language foundation year, during which you will build on language skills and, depending on linguistic ability on entry, will study either:
- CertHE An Cùrsa Comais (Gaelic learners)
- CertHE Gàidhlig agus Conaltradh (Fluent speakers)
As part of your chosen CertHE course, you will undertake a professional practice module (Preparing to teach 1) which will comprise a series of professional practice seminars and a three-week school placement.
Year 2 - DipHE
Core modules include:
- Gaelic language 2
- Language, culture and ethnicity
You will choose another module from a range of Gaelic and related studies modules including literature, oral tradition, and social history.
You will also undertake two education modules in Year 2:
- Gaelic education in Scotland
- Professional practice module (Preparing to teach 2), which will comprise a series of professional practice seminars and six weeks of school placement experience.
Year 3 - BA
Core modules include:
- Children and their learning
- Professional practice 1 (9 weeks)
- Gaelic language 3
- Research skills
You will be able to choose other modules from a range of Gaelic and related studies modules.
Year 4 - BA (Hons)
Core modules include:
- The critical and enquiring professional
- Professional practice (12 weeks)
- Undergraduate dissertation
You will also choose another module from a range of Gaelic and related studies modules.
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Year one of the programme (An Cùrsa Comais or Gàidhlig is Conaltradh CertHE) is offered full-time through face-to-face lectures on-campus in a supportive Gaelic environment, and a three-week school placement
- Year two of the programme is offered full-time through face-to-face on-campus lectures and school placements
- Distance learning is an option in years 3 and 4 via video conference classes and school placements. For school placements, distance learning students would require an address within commuting distance of a Gaelic-medium school setting
- Online study will be done via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors
- You will undertake a mandatory 30 weeks of school placements between years 1 and 4
- You will also take part in a mandatory induction, either in-person at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig or online in September of year 1 of the programme, with the option to take part in face-to-face or online inductions in September of years 2, 3, and 4
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 4 years@ 20 hours per week
- In year 1, school placement is incorporated within the semester 2 timetable
- In years 2 - 4, the majority of school placements are completed outwith the semester timetable
Where can I study my course?
- North, West and Hebrides - Stornoway campus
- Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Degrees | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (120 credit modules) per year | £1,820 | £1,820 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £915 | £915 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £305 | £305 |
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term time address in Scotland studying this course full time, the following fees apply:
| Full-time | Level | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CertHE | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 4 | Honours | free | free |
4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,542.
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. Students will get an automatic scholarship of £3,000 per annum and the 4th year of study will be free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Year | Level | 2024-25 Full-time | With scholarship | 2025-26 Full-time |
With scholarship |
| Year 1 | CertHE | £14,988 | £11,988 | £15,870 | £12,870 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £14,988 | £11,988 | £15,870 | £12,870 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £14,988 | £11,988 | £15,870 | £12,870 |
| Year 4 | Honours | £14,988 | Free | £15,870 | Free |
Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study on the UK.
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (120 credit modules) per year | £14,988 | £15,870 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £7,494 | £7,935 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £2,498 | £2,645 |
Part-time study is not open to international students requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
Further information on international course fees.
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
Students enrolled in Gaelic-medium teaching programmes at undergraduate and post-graduate level can apply to Bòrd na Gàidhlig for some additonal funding.
Additional costs
Travel costs to school placements may be reimbursed in accordance with UHI Teacher Education Travel and Subsistence Policy.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Once you have successfully completed the BA (Hons) Gaelic and Education you will be eligible for a place on the GTCS Teacher Induction Scheme in either:
- Secondary teaching (Gaelic language)
- Gaelic medium primary education
International students may gain full registration via the GTCS flexible route.
Can I progress into further study?
Following employment within an education setting and relevant practice experience, you may want to consider the MEd Gaelic Education as part of your continuing professional development.
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
I applied to a few other universities, but this was my first choice because I could learn locally to where I’m from. Growing in confidence and getting to expand my skills and knowledge in teaching and Gaelic throughout the whole course has been wonderful.
We’re supported really well, it’s a small course size so we get a lot of one-to-one support any questions or queries are answered straight away, you wouldn’t be worried to go the lecturers with anything. It’s a really good place to study, you get so many opportunities to be a part of student life, and you get to know the people around you so well. It makes a really nice community, and the campus is so lovely, and there are so many things to do on the Isle of Skye. I definitely recommend studying here!
Anna is studying on the BA (Hons) Gaelic and Education at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, a partner of UHI.
I didn’t consider any other universities. Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is the heart of Gaelic education, and it was incredibly important to me to study there and learn from the incredible tutors with vast experience in the language and culture.
The campus is like a big family. Everyone knows each other and it makes for a special learning environment. To be able to function at every level within the campus through the medium of Gaelic was such a unique experience. The support was unmatched, I always found the help I needed, everyone was very accommodating and supportive.
The university is a cultural hub! There were people from different countries and backgrounds, and we regularly came together for cèilidh’s and dances!
I had 3 placements throughout my course. I was a student teacher and was placed in schools with a mentor whilst receiving regular support from UHI whilst I was on placement. My placements were a fantastic opportunity to network, get to know different schools and people within the Gaelic teaching community which gave me the confidence I needed when applying and interviewing for jobs.
The campus is in the most beautiful location, I enjoyed my daily walks and wild swimming after classes. It is a very inspiring place to study.
Katherine studied the BA (Hons) Gaelic and Education at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, a partner of UHI.
Apply for Gaelic and Education BA (Hons)
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.