Celtic Studies

About Celtic Studies

As the only university in North America offering four years of Scottish Gaelic, and one of the few universities 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.

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 island of Man, Wales, Cornwall and Brittany. It extends into a range of topics, including archaeology, art, music, literature, folklore, religion, dance, immigration and ethnic studies.

Why study Celtic Studies at StFX?

Situated in the Highland Heart of Nova Scotia, you will study in a department where the working language is Scottish Gaelic, and where a wide variety of courses are offered in Celtic civilization and in the Gaelic folklore of Ireland and Scotland. You’ll learn from faculty who are leading researchers in the history, language and literature of Gaelic communities in North America and Scotland.

StFX undergraduate and masters students produce research papers and dissertations, and creative projects, such as audio and video recordings. They have become leading lights in the revival and development of Gaelic in both Scotland and Canada. 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.

First Year Celtic Studies:

In addition to a variety of interdisciplinary courses, as a first year student, you will take courses that provide an introduction to the Scottish or Irish Gaelic language, culture and history. 

Rewarding careers in Celtic Studies:

As a Celtic Studies graduate, you will have many career choices, from education to entertainment and research. Many students go on to advanced studies in fields such as history, language, theology and library science.

Flexible degree choices:

You may pursue Celtic Studies as a major, advanced major, honours, or at the graduate level. StFX is one of only a few institutions in Canada to offer a Master of Arts in Celtic Studies. Celtic courses may be chosen as electives.