MA Celtic Studies

Overview of the Programme

The MA in Celtic Studies is a unique distance-learning programme which offers students interested in Welsh and Celtic Studies the opportunity to study various aspects of the history, literature and cultural heritage of the Celtic regions in their own homes. This multidisciplinary masters degree allows students to study a wide variety of subjects in the following fields: early and late medieval history and literature, folklore, gender studies, the sociology of language, Arthurian literature, modern literature, religion, monasticism and iconography. In Part One students will be introduced to the study and research methodology skills required to undertake a postgraduate programme and in Part Two students are given the opportunity to research in detail a topic which has particularly appealed to them and write an extended dissertation.

No previous knowledge of the Celtic languages is required for this programme, as students study texts in translation and the programme is taught through the medium of English. However, students may choose to study Welsh as part of the programme and it is also possible for students who are fluent in Welsh to study their modules entirely through the medium of Welsh (see MA Astudiaethau Celtaidd) or receive supervision and communication in Welsh, but opt to write their assignments in English.

Structure/Modules

In Part One students study three compulsory modules and three optional modules, i.e. a total of 120 credits. The three compulsory modules are:

  • Study and Research Methodology
  • The Celts
  • The Mabinogi

Students choose one pathway for their optional modules (40 credits) and their third module (20 credits) can either be selected from any of the other pathways or they can take one of the following: Beginners Welsh language, An Introduction to the Celtic Languages, Modern Irish Literature and its Celtic Roots. 

Pathway 1: Culture    

  • The Sociology of the Welsh Language
  • Welsh Folk Life

Pathway 2: Medieval

  • The Celtic Arthur
  • Women in the Middle Ages: sources from the Celtic regions

Pathway 3: Spirituality

  • Celtic Otherwords: from the druids to the monastic voyage tale
  • The Female Saints of Wales

In Part Two students research a topic of their choice (in consultation with the Programme Co-ordinator) in the field of Celtic Studies and write a 20,000-word dissertation. The work is supervised by an academic member of staff who is familiar with the field.

Assessment

The modules are assessed by a variety of assessment methods: 5,000-word essays, short assignments, linguistic exercises, reports, 20-000-word dissertation.

Mode of Study

Full time or part time – distance learning

Students will receive packages for most of the modules which include guidance on the module, information about the subject, reading materials and assignments. Additional materials are being prepared in Moodle, e.g. additional texts and reading material, podcasts, recorded lectures, Powerpoint presentations. The Beginners Welsh language module is only available in Moodle where students can access sound and video files, language exercises, recordings etc. Students and lecturers will communicate via email, Skype, Moodle and telephone. Students are welcome to attend face-to-face tutorials in Lampeter/Carmarthen, but this is not compulsory. Additional intensive residential courses are organised for students learning Welsh.

Entry Requirements

Normally the entry requirement for this degree is a first class or upper second class undergraduate degree. In addition, enquiries are also welcome from students with an equivalent and appropriate professional qualification or significant and relevant professional experience. 

Key features

  • a postgraduate qualification which allows you to study at a time that suits you in your own home
  • interesting modules taught by experienced university lecturers who are specialists in their fields
  • a multi-disciplinary programme which spans a wide range of different subjects  including history, literature, religion, sociology, language, myth and folklore
  • an opportunity to study and research a topic of your choice in considerable detail (whilst preparing for the dissertation)
  • an excellent introduction to research skills

Awards available

  • MA (180 credits)
  • PG Diploma (120 credits)
  • PG Certificate (60 credits)

Further Information

For further information, please contact the Programme Co-ordinator:

Dr Jane Cartwright, School of Welsh and Bilingual Studies, Lampeter campus, Ceredigion SA48 7ED.

email: j.cartwright@tsd.ac.uk

Tel: (01570) 424870