Gaelic and Traditional Music

Gaelic and traditional music represent two of the most significant dimensions of Scottish cultural heritage. Scottish Gaelic is a Celtic language with deep roots in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, and it carries with it a rich literary, oral, and musical tradition that remains actively maintained and celebrated by communities across the north and west of Scotland. Traditional music, which encompasses Gaelic song, piping, fiddle, clarsach, and the diverse forms of folk and traditional performance that characterise Scottish and Celtic musical cultures, is not simply historical artefact; it is a living practice that is taught, performed, and innovated upon by musicians across Scotland and internationally.

At the University of the Highlands and Islands, this degree in Gaelic and Traditional Music is delivered on a part-time basis through a blend of in-person classes at local campuses and learning centres, digital access to materials and instruction, and learning that takes place at industry partner locations, including community and performance venues. This flexible model reflects UHI's particular commitment to serving students across the Highlands and Islands, and it means that your study is integrated with the living communities in which Gaelic culture and traditional music are maintained and practised.

Graduates from programmes in Gaelic and traditional music go on to careers as performers, teachers, community musicians, and arts administrators. Many work in Gaelic education, arts organisations, festivals, broadcasting, and community development. The combination of linguistic and musical skills is particularly valuable for roles in Gaelic language promotion, community engagement, and the growing Gaelic media sector.

Further study and professional development in music, Celtic studies, education, or arts management are natural next steps for those who want to deepen or broaden their expertise. The degree supports both those who see performance as their primary vocation and those who want to use Gaelic and traditional music in educational or community contexts.