Main Content

Master’s Program

The M.A. in Celtic Studies immerses you in the fascinating world of medieval Irish and Welsh, Cornish and Breton, guiding you through the linguistic, literary, and cultural complexities of these languages. From analyzing original manuscripts via comparative linguistics to exploring historical and cultural contexts, this program combines philological depth with literary theory to offer a comprehensive understanding of medieval Celtic languages and literatures.

Program Orientation

Picture: Christina Fischer

The M.A. in Celtic Studies is designed to integrate students directly into the world of research, providing them with both the skills and the critical mindset to excel in academic exploration. From your very first semester, you’re encouraged to pursue personal research interests and engage in ongoing projects within the department. Opportunities to study abroad, attend guest lectures, and participate in conferences enrich the program, offering insights into global perspectives in Celtic Studies.

  • Study Program

    First and Second Semesters
    Your journey begins with lectures, seminars, and practical exercises in linguistic and literary analysis, focused on medieval Irish and Welsh texts within their broader European context. You will also develop linguistic expertise, exploring the historical development of the Celtic languages.

    By means of optional subjects, you can broaden your interdisciplinary profile by selecting courses outside of Celtic Studies. Options range from language courses to exploring connections between other European medieval literatures or delving into early Celtic archaeology.

    Third Semester
    In your third semester, you will deepen your practical skills, either by taking on a tutoring role to practice your didactic abilities, or instead by pursuing a professional internship to build valuable career skills. This semester also marks the beginning of your master’s thesis research, setting the stage for a focused final semester.

    Fourth Semester
    Dedicated entirely to your master’s thesis, the fourth semester is your opportunity to contribute original research to the field of Celtic Studies.

  • Requirements

    This research-oriented study program is designed for students with prior knowledge of at least two medieval Celtic languages, typically holding a first degree in the humanities with a basic knowledge of Old or Middle Irish and Middle Welsh. Students with proficiency in only one of these languages can make up for it by taking relevant language courses during their first year. For more details on admissions, please refer to the examination regulations.

  • Studying Abroad

    You can enrich your academic journey by studying abroad through our Erasmus partnerships. Information about partner universities and student councelling is available on our Erasmus page.

  • Course Information

    For current lectures, please visit our Course Catalogue, or consult the Student Counselling for personalized guidance on course selection and available modules.

Career Paths and Doctorate Opportunities

Our M.A. in Celtic Studies provides a research-focused education, equipping you with advanced cognitive skills and the ability to apply them across diverse fields. The program fosters expertise in literature, linguistics, and cultural studies, preparing graduates for careers that require analytical proficiency in dealing with languages, texts, and cultures, as well as for the pursuit of a higher, doctoral degree. Whether you pursue a professional path or continue your career in academia, this degree enables you to communicate complex ideas effectively across various media and contexts. For those interested in continuing their academic journey at PhD level, the department’s doctoral regulations outline the admission requirements.