As all full-time courses are taught through the medium of Gaelic, some ability in the language is required. Complete beginners should consider the College's short courses or the distance learning access course, An Cùrsa Inntrigidh. The College has a Gaelic Language Policy and students are expected to speak Gaelic, particularly within the College campus. Students will recieve help and encouragement from staff and other students where required.

Gaelic & Related Studies Scheme

Course Progression Chart



Sabhal Mòr Ostaig offers a flexible degree structure with exit points at the end of every year (Level 1 - Level 4), which means students have the chance to leave with a recognised qualification at any stage.

Level 1
CertHE
Level 1 of the Scheme acts as a language foundation year with some attention to related subjects. Students entering the scheme at this level study on either the Cert HE An Cùrsa Comais or the Cert HE Gaelic and Communication course, depending on linguistic abilities on entry.

Level 2
DipHE
Students who progress to Level 2 follow a common core of language and Gaelic-related subjects. At this level students choose specialist degree modules in Language and Culture, Gaelic and Development, Media Studies and Traditional Music. This is in preparation for further advanced study at Level 3, though students may choose to exit the scheme at this point, with a DipHE in Gaelic and Related Studies.

Level 3
BA
On progressing to Level 3, students focus on their chosen specialist area of study, choosing either Gaelic Language & Culture, Gaelic & Development, Traditional Music or Gaelic & Media Studies, leading to a BA qualification.

Level 4
BA (Hons)
Courses at Honours level, Gaelic Language & Culture, Gaelic and Media Studies and Gaelic & Development, provide opportunities for further specialist study and a semester exchange at an overseas university (see below).

Outwith the Gaelic and Related Studies Scheme, the College also offers a post-graduate qualification, the Diploma in Gaelic Media. This course produces graduates trained for a career in the media and enjoys a high employment success rate.

Unique Features
The courses include unique features to help develop and reinforce students' language and communication skills and to encourage student participation in the wider Gaelic community.

At Level 1, students undertake a three week work placement that allows them to play an active part in the everyday work of a Gaelic organisation, gaining practical experience in a Gaelic environment. Host organisations include primary schools, television and multimedia companies, Gaelic development agencies and arts organisations, or students may wish to spend time in a Gaelic community working with local people.

Students can also take part in a week-long personal development course, away from the College. Students take part in outdoor sports and team-building activities, all conducted through the medium of Gaelic.

Students in their Honours year have the opportunity to spend a semester in Nova Scotia in Canada or in Ireland. The exchange programme at institutions like University College Cape Breton and the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, presents a special opportunity for students to discover more about the people, geography and history of their chosen location and to draw comparisons with the experience of the Gael in Scotland.

Validation
As part of the UHI Millennium Institute, Higher Education courses delivered by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig are validated by the Open University Validation Services (OUVS). Higher national awards are granted through the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). Both are quality assured by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). The College and its teaching and learning systems are regularly inspected by these independent organisations, ensuring students receive an appropriate standard of teaching and that qualifications awarded to students are equal to those of similar institutions.

College Year
For students on the Gaelic and Related Studies Scheme, the College year runs from the second week of September to mid-May but prospective students should confirm dates with the Admissions' Officer. Freshers' Day is held prior to classes commencing, when the College welcomes all new students. Through the week's entertainments, tours and workshops, students can get to know one another, the College and surrounding area, staff and facilities.

Academic Calendar 2008 -2009