About the course: The MSt in Celtic Studies is designed to give students the opportunity to concentrate on the study of aspects of the history and culture of Celtic peoples from antiquity to the present day. As well as core options in language, literature and linguistics, a wide range of optional subjects are available, including archaeology, art, history, and law. The MSt in Celtic Studies is suitable both for students wishing to proceed to a research degree and for those who wish to spend only one year at Oxford. This is a nine-month course designed to help those who already possess a good knowledge of Welsh, Irish or another Celtic language to acquire a grounding in areas of Celtic studies which were not part of their first degree course. Alternatively, it can be a path for those who wish to deepen their knowledge in a particular area of Celtic studies. The MSt in Celtic Studies provides an appropriate introduction for you if you are contemplating higher research in a DPhil or PhD programme in this area. Generally, student numbers in the MSt programme are relatively small and this allows the teaching to be tailored to the particular choice you may make. Teaching is provided through a mixture of classes and tutorials. Students shall take two papers, either two options from a choice of: (i) Celtic linguistics (ii) Irish literature or (iii) Welsh literature, or one option from these subjects and one paper on a Special Subject to be chosen from the list published in the course handbook. You will write a dissertation on an approved topic normally arising from one of the options studied, and will also be required to develop a reading knowledge of a modern Celtic language which you have not previously studied to degree level. Assessment: The course Assessment: consists of the following elements:two option papers, assessed either by essay or written examinationa dissertation of between 10,000 and 12,000 words on an approved topic. The option papers allow you to study both Irish and Welsh or only one of the two. If you wish, you may also select aspects of the archaeology or history of the Celtic-speaking peoples, as well as linguistic and literary options. Although the regulations are flexible enough to allow for individual preferences, there is also a compulsory language element requiring the close study of texts in the original language(s). Graduate destinations: Many MSt students proceed to doctoral degrees at Oxford or at other universities. Other Graduate destinations: include teaching, journalism, law, publishing, and the civil service.