Gaelic and Communication CertHE
Course code QP59
What is special about this course?
This course for proficient Gaelic speakers allows you to study Gaelic to an expert level in a fully Gaelic-speaking environment. This intensive course prepares you for university-level Gaelic-medium education and for progression to the second year of UHI's Gaelic-medium BA and BA (Hons) degrees.
You will study Gaelic literature, Gaelic development, creative writing (short story and song), and public speaking, as well as gaining a thorough understanding of the Gaelic language.
At the end of this course, you will be able to speak, read, and write Gaelic with complete confidence, allowing you to fully take part in all aspects of Gaelic life in Scotland.
Special features
- Highly interactive and participative Gaelic language course
- Study Gaelic to an expert level in a lively environment
- Learn to read and write confidently in Gaelic
- You will undertake a three-week work placement in a Gaelic environment
- You will study at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI on the Isle of Skye, or UHI North, West and Hebrides on the Isle of Lewis, both located at the heart of vibrant, Gaelic-speaking communities
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
Entry requirements
- 3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above, preferably including Gaelic (learners) or Gàidhlig (fluent speakers) at grade B or above OR
- 2 A levels at grade BC or above
- You will be required to attend an interview to assess your Gaelic language skills
- Applications with other qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
- This is a Category 2 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required for specific optional modules/unit(s), where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in optional module/unit(s), but an alternative pathway exists to achieve target qualification. 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
Access routes
Year 1 - CertHE
Required modules:
- Gàidhlig a h-aon
- Cultar nan Gàdheal
- Saoghal na Gàidhlig 1
- Litreachas: sgilean sgrùdaidh
- Greis ghnìomhachais
Elective modules:
- Annas-làimhe agus òrain Ghàdhlig 1
- Teòiridh, cruthachadh agus cothromachadh 1
- Na meadhanan Gàidhlig
- Sgeulachdan is òrain Ghàidhligh
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time (structured) (UHI North, West and Hebrides only)
- You will study by way of face-to-face teaching in the classroom at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI on the Isle of Skye, or UHI North, West and Hebrides on the Isle of Lewis, both at the heart of Gaelic-speaking communities
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 1 year @ 40 hours per week
- Part-time: 2 years @ 20 hours per week
Number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent in lectures and your own time spent on individual study and research.
Where can I study my course?
- North, West and Hebrides - Stornoway campus
- Sabhal Mòr Ostaig - Full-time study option only
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.
| CertHE | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (120 credit modules) per year | £1,285 | £1,285 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year for two years | £645 | £645 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £215 | £215 |
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, the following fees apply:
| CertHE | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (120 credits) per year | £7,110 | £7,440 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £3,555 | £3,720 |
| Part-time (per 20 credit module) | £1,185 | £1,240 |
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK and EU students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying (see the Funding section opposite).
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK, including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| CertHE | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £8,775 | £8,925 |
| Part-time (per 20 credit module) | £1,463 | £1,488 |
Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
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.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Once you have completed your CertHE Gaelic and Communication you might like to think about careers in:
- Gaelic teaching
- Gaelic media
- Traditional music
- Language and community development
Can I progress into further study?
The CertHE Gaelic and Communication allows progression to the following courses:
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
We get so much support, the lecturers are always there whenever we need them if we have any questions, lecturers are often an email away, or we can go and see them when we are on campus. They’ll be here anytime. We get a lot of one-to-one tuition here, you do feel like you get a lot of support.
There’s always a lot happening on campus, there’s always events we go to. We’ve got conversation classes, quiz nights and Ceilidhs. You are never sitting bored, there’s so much on and everything is so close. The student accommodation was so amazing, the views you get every morning waking up to the sea. I think it is a great place to study, it is a great community, you know everybody on campus, and it feels like you are part of a family. It’s a really lovely place to study.
Amber is studying Gaelic at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, a partner of UHI.
Apply for Gaelic and Communication CertHE
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.