An Cùrsa Inntrigidh is a supported distance learning Gaelic course for complete beginners and learners with a little Gaelic. The emphasis during learning is on speaking and listening skills, but reading and writing skills are also an important part of the course.
Course materials are accessed online and consist of study workbooks, sound files (or CDs) and tutorial workbooks. Most of the learning is through self-study while weekly telephone tutorials allow contact with other course students and a tutor, and allow students to practice what they have been learning. Further conversation practice and revision is available on one of the course’s optional Weekend Schools, normally held at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.
On completion of the course, and having participated fully in its learning programme students should be able to use Gaelic reasonably confidently and will be eligible for entry to a first year University Level Gaelic course taught through Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. For further details on this, please see An Cùrsa Comais and An Cùrsa Adhartais.
An Cùrsa Inntrigidh was awarded a CILT European Language Award in 2004 and the Routledge Prize for Adult Learners in recognition of its innovative approach to distance delivered second language learning.
An Cùrsa Inntrigidh is a self-study tutor-supported Gaelic course for beginners made up of three parts – Earrann 1, 2 and 3. There are a number of start dates between August and June each year. See timetables.
Study and weekly tutorials
Course materials are accessed online and consist of study workbooks, soundfiles (or CDs) and tutorial workbooks and make up a carefully structured learning programme.
Students learn in their own time in advance of a weekly group telephone tutorial. The tutorials are an essential part of the course, allowing students to practice and use what they have learnt and are led by experienced tutors. Each tutorial lasts about 45 minutes.
Read and Listen to a sample exercise here
Certificate of completion
In order to gain a Sabhal Mòr Ostaig certificate of completion, students are required, for each part of the course, to pass assessments and to attain a minimum of 60% attendance at tutorials.
Assessments
Assessments are an important part of the learning process and are issued at the end of each part of the course. For further information refer to the An Cùrsa Inntrigidh Student handbook above.
On successful completion of the course students may, subject to interview, gain entry to
An Cùrsa Comais or progress to
An Cùrsa Adhartais.
Extra study
Subject to interest, two-day study weekends are held, normally at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig for each part of the course. They are optional and offer the chance to consolidate and put into practice what has been learnt in the course. For further information on weekend schools and to book, please select the Weekend School tab above.
A range of supplemental study materials, designed to compliment the course, are offered. Access to a Discussion Board is also available which allows students to keep with each other.
There are a number of start dates for each part of the course between August and June each year. The course can be studied through the Standard Track or the Accelerated Track. Which track a student chooses depends on their knowledge of Gaelic, on their language learning experience and the time they have available to commit each week of the course. For each week of the Standard Track, study time is estimated at between 8 and 10 hours and for each week of the Accelerated Track, study time is estimated at between 10 and 12 hours.
Timetables for Accelerated Tracks
Accelerated Track Earrann 1, 2 & 3 2011-12
Timetables for Standard Tracks
Standard Track Earrann 1 February - June 2012
Standard Track Earrann 1 and 2, October 2011 - June 2012
Standard Track Earrann 2 & 3, September 2011 - June 2012
Standard Track Earrann 3, September 2011
Tutorial times
Tutorial time choices are given before Induction week and each student’s tutorial time is confirmed during Induction Week. A number of times, Monday to Friday, are available and students retain the same tutorial time for each part of the course.
Preparation and Induction to the course
For registered students of the course there is an online induction week two weeks before the course start date, which allows students the opportunity to ensure that they are familiar with the practical and technical aspects of the course, and to get in touch with other students.
Preparation week takes place a week before the course start date and gives students the opportunity to phone at their scheduled tutorial time to talk to other students and their tutor, and to start their coursework.
Holiday dates
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is closed during the Christmas and New Year period. In addition, there is a summer break for Distance Learning students and also a week in October and at Easter. No other local, National or Bank holidays are taken.
Closing dates for registrations
Closing dates for registrations are in place to allow Sabhal Mòr Ostaig staff to complete registrations, finalise student numbers, and to allocate tutorial times for Preparation and Induction Weeks.
For registered Cùrsa Inntrigidh students, and subject to interest, two-day study weekends are normally held at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, for each part of the course. They are optional and offer the chance to revise and practice what has been learnt in the course and to meet other students and tutors. Students should book as far in advance as possible.
Timetable
Saturday 9.45am to 4.30pm and Sunday 10am to 2.30pm (subject to slight change)
Costs
Bookings for weekend schools include College accommodation, if required, and food. There is no charge for tuition.
Accommodation
For local accommodation
click here or go to
www.visitscotland.com
For College accommodation options see booking form below
Travelling to SMO and map of College
Click here to view map of the college.
The Sabhal Mòr Ostaig library
A specialized collection which focuses on Scottish Gaelic language, culture and heritage will normally be open when weekend schools are running.
To book a weekend school, please read the following information
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig reserves the right to alter weekend schools or to cancel them.
A separate booking and payment must be made for each weekend school.
For the non-residential option please
click here for booking and payment.
Enquiries about College accommodation should be e-mailed to the Distance Learning admin team. Payment will be taken when your booking has been confirmed
Please note that payment is required on confirmation of booking.
To book by post please use the printable form.
Printable Form
Any questions should be e-mailed to the Distance Learning admin staff
Costs
An Cùrsa Inntrigidh is a 3-part course costing £225 per part for European residents.
For students outside of Europe each part of the course costs £275. Soundfiles can be downloaded as part of the course fee but CDs for each part of the course are available at a cost of £25.
Students will also be paying for their weekly phone-call when they phone in for their tutorial. The telephone number used for tutorials is a landline at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.
Help with funding
Students resident in Scotland may be eligible for up to £200 per year towards the cost of course fees through the Scottish Government’s Individual Learning Account Scheme (ILA). An Cùrsa Inntrigidh is registered for their targeted funding of £200. For further information and to check eligibility students should contact ILA Scotland on 0800 100 1090 or visit
www.ilascotland.org.uk.
If a student thinks they will have difficulty with the payment of fees they should speak the course admin staff. Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is always willing to help find solutions.
Entry requirements
Access to a phone and a computer.
See computer requirements
How to apply
Please
click here and submit the Enquiry form
Any questions regarding the course should be directed to the Distance Learning admin team on 01471 888 449 or by submitting the above enquiry form.
