Programme description
Ireland, Scotland and Wales are three of the six Celtic countries. Although in each of the countries a local variety of English is spoken, they also have their own languages, fascinating cultures and rich literary traditions. The English-Celtic Studies at the AMU Faculty of English provides an opportunity to combine Celtic Studies with English Philology. Our study programme is unique on a European scale as it gives you practical knowledge of three languages: English, Irish and Welsh, together with their general literary and linguistic backgrounds, and the specialist knowledge and skills necessary to understand and interpret issues related to contemporary Celtic cultures, primarily those present in the English-speaking areas: Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall and the Isle of Man, but also the culture of Brittany. The study programme includes: intense Practical English course up to at least C1 level (according to CEFR), elements of English Studies (history, literature), practical Welsh up to at least B1 level and practical Irish up to at least A2 level, the cultures and histories of Celtic countries, film studies, sociolinguistic topics, and literature classes where you will encounter not only Celtic mythology and its stories which have inspired modern fantasy writers but also classical and contemporary British and Irish literature. All subjects within the three-year undergraduate programme are taught through the medium of English. English-Celtic Studies open the door to the Celtic countries and provide the opportunity to pursue your language passions and to acquire skills and social competences that are highly valued on the labour market. The programme allows you to explore an enormous variety of subjects, helps develop your interpersonal, communication, teamwork and presentation skills, and encourages you to engage in research, cultural, artistic and social activities.
Example of courses
- English as a Foreign Language: Writing, Grammar, Pronunciation, Integrated Skills, Communicative Practice, Public Speaking
- Welsh as a Foreign Language
- Irish as a Foreign Language
- Introduction to Celtic Studies
- Contemporary Welsh Literature in Welsh and English
- Anglo-Irish Literature
- History and Culture of Ireland
- Welsh and Irish Film Studies
- Introduction to Translation
Graduate competencies
- Practical knowledge of three modern languages
- General knowledge about linguistics and literature studies
- In-depth knowledge of the cultures, literatures and history of the UK and the Celtic nations
- Knowledge about the cultural diversity of the UK and Ireland and an understanding of complex identities of the people
- Understanding issues related to minoritized and endangered languages in Europe and around the world, readiness to support linguistic and cultural diversity
- Readiness to work in scientific, educational and business environments and to participate in cultural and academic life
- The ability to compose texts, in particular academic ones, and prepare oral presentations and analyses in English
Career prospects
English-Celtic Studies prepare students for professional careers in areas such as:
- Language teaching
- Translation services, literary translation
- Business careers requiring fluency in English and an in-depth knowledge about English-speaking countries
- Careers in the media in Poland and abroad
- Working for academic, educational and cultural institutions
The competencies provided by the English-Celtic studies also open up opportunities for gaining professional experience in Ireland and Wales, as employees literate in Irish or Welsh and equipped with specialist knowledge about these languages are highly sought after on the market, e.g. in the public sector, education, the media, and NGOs.