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Course Overview

  • Languages

    Celtic Studies at Marburg stands out for its comprehensive and comparative approach, offering instruction in Old/Middle Irish and Middle Welsh. Additionally, our program uniquely includes introductions to Middle Breton and Middle Cornish, providing students with a broader and more diverse perspective on the rich heritage of the Celtic languages.

  • Linguistics and Philology

    Delve into the evolution of the Celtic languages across the centuries, tracing their journey from Proto-Indo-European roots to their modern forms. This area of study not only covers the historical development but also applies linguistic theories to examine the structure of these languages from both synchronic (current) and diachronic (historical) perspectives.

  • Literature and Literary Studies

    Explore the rich and diverse corpus of medieval Celtic literatures, featuring heroic sagas, legal treatises, poetry, hagiographies, and historical chronicles. Through Celtic literary studies, you willll not only explore these texts but also uncover their connections to the broader European literary tradition, including their influence on iconic narratives like the Arthurian legend. Each work of literature offers valuable insights into the lives, beliefs, and experiences of medieval communities across Ireland and Wales.

  • Edition and Palaeography

    Medieval Celtic texts have been preserved almost exclusively in handwritten manuscripts, often in multiple, differing versions. Mastering the art of editing these texts involves carefully transcribing and comparing manuscripts to produce a scholarly edition. You will therefore  learn the scripts used across the Celtic-speaking world in medieval and early modern times, a vital skill for any serious scholar in the field.

  • Interdisciplinary Colloquia

    Engage in thought-provoking interdisciplinary colloquia, where you will collaborate with peers from related fields like Historical Linguistics, Classical Philology, Romance Languages, or Ancient Oriental Studies. These sessions offer fresh perspectives on your research, enriching your academic journey and broadening your intellectual horizons.

  • Internship

    You can tailor your professional experience with a choice between academic and non-academic internships. Opt for an internship at the university to gain valuable teaching experience by leading tutorials for B.A. students or by conducting your own research project, preparing you for a future in academia. Alternatively, a non-academic internship offers the chance to apply your knowledge in diverse settings, such as museums, archives, or even (games) publishing houses. These opportunities, both in Germany and abroad, allow you to build a unique profile aligned with your career aspirations.

If you have any questions about your degree course, please feel free to reach out to our Student Counselling anytime for personalized support.