Introduction
Art History and Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies add to your exploration of the lives and legacy of the Celtic, Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian peoples and their art and visual culture, tracing artistic development forward to the present day. Art History at Aberdeen has been rated first in the UK for positive responses, and first in Scotland for overall satisfaction, in the National Student Surveys for 2024, 2023 and 2022. It is the perfect choice to gain specialist and transferable skills to open up a wide spectrum of exciting career opportunities.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MA
- Duration
- 48 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- UCAS Code
- 7QV2
Aberdeen has been a centre for Celtic studies for more than a century and leads research in all aspects of the northern polar regions including its peoples and the art they left behind. You will study literature, culture, history and languages, inspired by leading specialists in the history and literature of Britain, Ireland and Scandinavia in the Middle Ages, in medieval Celtic and Scandinavian literature and the cultural history of Ireland and Anglo-Saxon England.
The Art History programme at the 51cg encompasses the study of art, architecture, and curation, covering a wide range of media and techniques. Research-led teaching situates European art in its global connectedness and its full complexities, while practical engagement with artworks beyond the classroom develops and enhances both vocational and transferable skills. You will study at a university steeped in 500 years of social and artistic development, and in an Art History department recognised for its high levels of student satisfaction.
What You'll Study
A degree in Celtic and Anglo-Saxon Studies and Art History is taught via a selection of compulsory and optional courses to enhance your learning and prepare you for a future career or further study. In each year you will take courses adding up to 120 credits. Depending on the number of compulsory and optional courses offered by your degree, you can also choose other eligible courses which fit your timetable.
- Year 1
-
Year 1: Compulsory Courses
- Getting Started at the 51cg (PD1002)
-
This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students and articulating students who are in their first year at the University, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.
Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Academic Writing for Language & Literature (AW1008)
-
This compulsory evaluation is designed to find out if your academic writing is of a sufficient standard to enable you to succeed at university and, if you need it, to provide support to improve. It is completed on-line via MyAberdeen with clear instructions to guide you through it. If you pass the evaluation at the first assessment it will not take much of your time. If you do not, you will be provided with resources to help you improve. This evaluation does not carry credits but if you do not complete it this will be recorded on your degree transcript.
Year 1: Optional Courses
At least one of the following:
CE 1036 Modern Irish Language for Beginners
GH 1007 Gaelic for Beginners 1A
GH 1015 Gaelic Scotland
LT 1009 Latin 1
CE 1536 Modern Irish Language for Beginners 2
GH 1507 Gaelic for Beginners 1B
LT 1507 Latin 2
- Year 2
-
Year 2: Optional Courses
At least two of the following:
CE 2034 Arthur in Medieval Celtic and Scandinavian Literature
GH 2010 Otherworld: Lost Gods and Hidden Monsters of Medieval Scotland
AH 2001 What is Art?
CE 2536 The Celts, their Neighbours and the Classical World
DR 250A Ancient Empires: Religion, Power and Politics
EF 2501 Scottish Folklore and Oral Traditions
GH 2515 Triumph and Tragedy: A Literary and Historic Tour of Gaelic Scotland
HI 2526 Vikings: An Introduction
AH 2503 Art Matters: Materials and Techniques
Plus further courses of choice to make up 120 credit points.
- Year 3
-
Year 3: Optional Courses
One of the following:
AH 3012 Surrealism and its Legacies in Contemporary Art
AH 3014 Architecture and Power
One of the following:
AH 3501 Curation: Theory and Practice
AH 3515 Women Writing Art History, c. 1850-1970 The Twelfth-Century Renaissance
AH 3517 Painting in Tudor and Early Stuart England
60 credit points of level 3 Celtic & Anglo-Saxon courses:
AY 3009 Scottish Archaeology
CE 301E Celtic Scotland: Gaelic Cultural Moments Middle Ages to Present
CE 3047 Introduction to Old English Language
CE 3099 Independent Study in Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies A
GH 3028 Myths, Legends and Poetry of the Mediaeval Gales
CE 351D Decolonial England: Languages and Identities from 450 to the Present
CE 3599 Independent Study in Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies A
- Year 4
-
Year 4: Optional Courses
One of the following:
AH 4011 Art and the City
AH 4012 Surrealism and its Legacies in Contemporary Art
AH 4014 Architecture and Power
EITHER:
CE 4598 Dissertation in Celtic & Anglo Saxon Studies
OR: ** AH 4518 Dissertation in History of Art
** A candidate for whom “No Paper” is returned for AH 4518 Dissertation in History of Art will not normally be awarded an Honours degree.
Plus further course(s) of Level 4 Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies. 60 credits in the discipline:
CE 401E Celtic Scotland: Gaelic Cultural Moments Middle Ages to Present
CE 4047 Introduction to Old English Language
CE 4099 Independent Study in Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies B
GH 4028 Myths, Legends and Poetry of the Mediaeval Gales
CE 451D Decolonial England: Languages and Identities from 450 to the Present
CE 4599 Independent Study in Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies B
Plus 30 credit points in Level 4 Art History if required.
- Art and the City (AH4011)
-
30 Credit Points
This course focuses on the physical and social contexts for the production and consumption of works of art and architecture. At the core of this course is a subsidised fieldtrip to a European city, allowing for an in-depth study of the urban contexts of art across time. Seminars and the fieldtrip will discuss themes such as urbanism, the specificities of public and private, sacred and profane spaces, and histories of collecting.
- Dissertation in Celtic & Anglo - Saxon Studies (CE4598)
-
30 Credit Points
The Dissertation in Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies is for Senior Honours students registered in the Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies degree programme. It will consist of approximately 3 one-hour tutorials, to provide students with guidance on selecting a suitable academic topic and developing a methodology for tackling this topic.
- Art History Dissertation (AH4520)
-
30 Credit Points
Your dissertation is intended to give you the opportunity to carry out a piece of sustained research on a topic of your own choice and to demonstrate to the examiners your ability to present the results of such research in a proper, scholarly manner. Your research may be of various kinds. It may address works of art (or a single work of art) directly, through first-hand study in galleries, museums, or private collections, or it may be of a more literary kind, addressing critical or theoretical problems. Or it might involve both.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
How You'll Study
Our staff have a wealth of teaching experience gained from universities across the world. We use a range of teaching styles, including introductory lectures, small-group tutorial discussions, student seminar presentations and intensive language classes.
Learning Methods
- Field Trips
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course.
- Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course.
- Written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Art History and Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies?
- Students gain not only an in-depth knowledge of history, literature and languages, but transferable skills which will enhance their employability.
- The academic staff are leading interdisciplinary researchers who have published books and articles in a wide variety of fields including Celtic, Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian literature and history.
- Many of our students are members of the Celtic Society, one of the oldest, most famous and liveliest student societies in the University. The Society organises social and cultural events, including Welsh and Irish themed evenings and traditional music sessions.
- Ranked the leading university in Scotland for the impact of Art History research and second in the UK in the latest UK Research Excellence Framework.
- Our magnificent art collection, including the generous gifts of alumni through the centuries and modern artworks by leading Scottish artists making our spaces special and adding thought-provoking inspiration to our campus.
- The inspiration of the beautiful King’s College Chapel, begun in 1495 by University founder Bishop Elphinstone, a treasure-house of history, showcasing some of the finest work of medieval craftsmen in Europe.
- Spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library with an excellent modern collection of art history books covering all periods, particularly strong in 18th and 19th century material, including art theory and criticism, archaeology and travel.
- Home to the Buildings of Scotland Project, funded by the Leverhulme Trust, the definitive inventory of Scottish Architecture for Aberdeenshire, Moray and Aberdeen.
- Historic treasures including important medieval manuscripts and estate papers and the unique George Washington Wilson archive with over 45,000 original glass plate negatives made by this pioneer Victorian photographer.
- North-east Scotland’s distinguished architectural heritage from the Middle Ages onwards, the Aberdeen Art Gallery collections of French and British art, including one of the best collections of Victorian painting outside London.
- The National Galleries of Scotland, the Burrell Collection, Glasgow Art Gallery and the Hunterian Museum are within easy reach by train, bus or car.
- Visits to major galleries and architecture in Edinburgh, London and Paris, as part of your programme and a final year week-long visit to a city of artistic and cultural significance – most recently, Paris.
Interested in this programme?
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the 51cg.
General Entry Requirements
- 2026 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: BBBB
Applicants that present with BBBB will usually receive an unconditional offer.
Where we have more applicants than places we may need to ask for more than the minimum so continued engagement in school is recommended.
Widening Access: BBC
Applicants who meet one or more of our widening access metrics and present with BBC, are guaranteed an unconditional offer.
Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
Note: We do not double count a Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject, but we do consider that a B grade at Advanced Higher is equivalent to an A grade at Higher.
National 5 English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C or above.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBC
Widening Access: CCC
GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above.
BTEC LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA
DMM in related subjects.
Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B.)
GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C/4 is also required for Accountancy, Economics and Finance programmes.
IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE
Five subjects at Higher at H3.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
SL in English is also required.
- 2027 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: BBBB
Applicants that present with BBBB will usually receive an unconditional offer.
Where we have more applicants than places we may need to ask for more than the minimum so continued engagement in school is recommended.
Widening Access: BBC
Applicants who meet one or more of our widening access metrics and present with BBC, are guaranteed an unconditional offer.
Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
Note: We do not double count a Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject, but we do consider that a B grade at Advanced Higher is equivalent to an A grade at Higher.
National 5 English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C or above.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBC
Widening Access: CCC
GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above.
BTEC LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA
DMM in related subjects.
Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B.)
GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C/4 is also required for Accountancy, Economics and Finance programmes.
IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE
Five subjects at Higher at H3.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
SL in English is also required.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Arts and Social Sciences degrees, see our .
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
- EU / International students
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £20,800
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)
- £14,800
-
The above fee includes the £6,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.
- Home Students
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £1,820
- England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £9,790
-
The UK Government has confirmed that the RUK fee cap will continue to increase each year to reflect inflation. Tuition fees will increase in line with the Government fee cap each year, and this should be taken into account when budgeting.
Scholarships and Funding
UK Scholarship
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The 51cg is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. More about this funding opportunity.
Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
Our graduates gain essential skills, including critical thinking, oral and written communication, task management and organised and disciplined working practices, which are crucial in a wide range of professional careers.
By working in partnership with local collections and cultural institutions, Art History students at Aberdeen develop desirable vocational awareness, preparing them for future careers. Our Art History alumni have gone on to work in museums and galleries, the art trade and auction houses, fine art and building conservation, publishing, journalism, libraries and universities.
There are many opportunities at the 51cg to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of both degree-specific and transferable skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year, and beyond.
Career Opportunities
- Arts Manager
- Curator
- Junior Lecturer
- Researcher
Our Experts
Information 51cg Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Facilities
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Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
51cg
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX