Master of Arts in Celtic Studies

About Master of Arts in Celtic Studies

StFX is pleased to be able to offer the only terminal Master of Arts in Celtic Studies in North America, a 36-credit program based on coursework (18 credits) and a thesis (18 credits). The program draws on the rich Gaelic tradition in Nova Scotia and maintains strong ties with the local Gaelic community. It is very student-focused and has two streams: Scottish Gaelic Studies and medieval Celtic Studies. The Department also enjoys a positive reputation for its teaching and research internationally, with strong links with Harvard University, University of Toronto, University of Glasgow, University of Edinburgh, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick, and Utrecht University.  

Celtic Studies has as its core the languages, literatures, and histories of Celtic-speaking peoples, from the Continental Celts of ancient Gaul to the modern survivals in Scotland, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Wales, Cornwall, and Brittany. It extends into a range of topics, including archaeology, art, music, literature, folklore, religion, dance, immigration, ethnic, and medieval studies. 

Why study Celtic Studies at StFX? 

As one of few universities in North America offering the study of Celtic languages, literature, and history of the Celts from about 800 BC to present, you will have unique opportunity to learn in this broad field.

StFX undergraduate and master’s students produce research papers and dissertations, and creative projects. They have become leading lights in the revival and development of Gaelic in both Scotland and Canada and in the promotion of Celtic Studies in general. The Celtic Student Society (‘An Comunn Ceilteach’) is one of StFX’s most active societies.

StFX is home to the largest and most important collection of Scottish Gaelic manuscripts, publications, and recordings in Canada, particularly in the substantial holdings of the Celtic Collection of the Angus L. Macdonald Library.

MA in Celtic Studies Handbook

First year at a glance

Students will typically choose one of two streams: modern Scottish Gaelic (for students with prior knowledge of the language) or medieval Celtic. All MA students, regardless of the stream they choose, are required to take 6 credits in Old Irish (also called Old Gaelic) as it forms the basis for the modern Gaelic languages (Irish, Manx, and Scottish Gaelic) and lies at the core of the field of medieval Celtic Studies.

The program prides itself on its focus on the individual student. Only 1-3 students are accepted into the program each year. Students meets with the Chair of Department and the Graduate Studies Coordinator to create an individual program that reflects their main interests. This focus on the individual has led to extremely motivated students.   

Future opportunities 

Graduates complete this program with the skills required for academic research in the field of Celtic Studies at an advanced level, and potentially for admission to a PhD program. Former students have gone on to pursue PhD degrees at for example Harvard University, the University of Edinburgh, and University College Cork. Their critical thinking skills, research experience, and academic skills related to communicating their findings mean that graduates from our MA program typically end up with careers in a broad variety of fields that require an academic mindset and skills, including work in cultural institutions, businesses, tourism, and education. Those who specialize in the Gaelic language have the additional option of pursuing career opportunities in Gaelic-speaking regions, including Nova Scotia.

Program details