Celtic Studies Department

Fàilte and a very warm welcome to the website of the Celtic Studies Department! Thank you for visiting. Our department is small but vibrant, the students and faculty are welcoming and enthusiastic, and we are well-known nationally and internationally. Here at the department, we offer a wide variety of courses covering a time period from the 6th century BCE to modern times, and a geographical region from Nova Scotia to Turkey. Most of our work and research focuses on Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) and medieval Celtic languages, literatures, and cultures. We offer a BA as well as an MA in Celtic Studies.

The question we are asked most often is ‘what can you do with Celtic Studies’? That is a great question. It is true that Celtic Studies – like many other academic programs – does not necessarily prepare you for a specific career. And that is not necessarily a bad thing. Things can change so quickly in today’s world that new types of jobs are created while others disappear, and in such environments, adaptability is key. As with other programs in the humanities, students learn an important skill set – critical thinking, critically evaluating information, skills in writing and presenting – that is crucial in today’s world, and in the world going forward. Students majoring in Celtic Studies are motivated, keen, and know what they want – they are choosing a niche program that reflects a topic they are passionate about. These qualities often set them apart when looking for work after graduation. In addition, Gaelic language skills can lead to work in tourism, cultural institutions, or as instructors or educators. Many of our students choose to obtain further degrees in education, or graduate degrees.

We are keen to talk to people about our program. If you are thinking about coming to StFX to study Celtic Studies, and/or you would like to visit us for a day to sit in on some Celtic Studies courses to see what it is all about, please get in touch with us via @email – we’d be delighted to have you. 

Listen here for a welcome in Gaelic from the late Dr. Ken Nilsen

StFX Celtic Society 

The department works in conjunction with Comunn Ceilteach StFX (The StFX Celtic Society), an active student Celtic society which sponsors céilidhs and other cultural events. The society and the Celtic Department have established a scholarship which has sent many students to attend Gaelic summer courses at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic College on the Isle of Skye in Scotland.

StFX Celtic Society Facebook