An Cùrsa Comais (English) CertHE

Information iconCourse code: Q532

Calendar iconStudy mode: You study most days of the week and complete all course units /modules in the standard time.

Mortar board iconCourse type: CertHE

Globe iconInternational: Available to study on-campus

Campus iconStudy at: North, West and Hebrides (Stornoway); Sabhal Mòr Ostaig

Pen iconStart in: September

Computer and book iconLearning mode: You attend classes in person at your local campus or learning centre., You complete a work-based activity to gain industry experience.

Clock iconDuration: Full time: 1 year

Book and tick iconHow: You attend classes at scheduled times, shown on your timetable.

What is special about this course?

An Cùrsa Comais is an intensive and interactive Gaelic language course for intermediate-level learners aiming for fluency in the language. The major focus is on language skills, both speaking and writing, but other subjects are introduced as the course progresses.

You will get the opportunity to take a three-week work placement in a Gaelic environment and apply your newly acquired theory skills.

Special features

  • Intensive Gaelic immersion course with particular emphasis on oral and written skills
  • You will study at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on the Isle of Skye, or UHI North, West and Hebrides on the Isle of Lewis, both located at the heart of vibrant, Gaelic-speaking communities
  • You will undertake a three-week work placement in a Gaelic environment

Accommodation

We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.

Entry requirements

  • 3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above, preferably including Gaelic (learners) or Gàidhlig (fluent speakers) at grade B or above Or
  • 2 A levels at grade BC or above
  • You will be required to attend an interview to assess your Gaelic language skills
  • Applicant with other qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
  • This is a Category 2 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required for specific optional modules/unit(s), where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in optional module/unit(s), but an alternative pathway exists to achieve target qualification. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage
  • Please note: this course does not accept applications for deferred entry; if you wish to take a year out, for example, you must apply next year

Access routes

Core modules:

  • Comas conaltraidh A
  • Comas conaltraidh B
  • Cànan foirmeil is dreuchdail
  • Saoghal na Gàidhlig 1
  • Greis gnìomhachais
     

Optional modules:

  • Na meadhanan 1*
  • Cànan sa choimhearsnachd
  • Litreachas: sgilean sgrùdaidh
  • Coimpiutaireachd 1
  • Annas-làimhe is òrain Ghàidhlig 1*
  • Teòiridh, cruthachadh is cothromachadh 1*

*Sabhal Mòr Ostaig only.

How will I study my course?

  • Full-time
  • You will study this course via face-to-face lectures and tutorials at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in the Isle of Skye, or UHI North, West and Hebrides on the Isle of Lewis, both located at the heart of vibrant, Gaelic-speaking communities

How long will my course last?

  • Full-time: 1 year
  • North, West and Hebrides - Stornoway campus
  • Sabhal Mòr Ostaig

Start date

  • September

Fees

For information on costs of this course please contact the campus where you wish to study.

Funding

UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.

Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.

What can I do on completion of my course?

Once you have successfully completed the An Cùrsa Comais course you might like to consider pursuing a career in Gaelic teaching or in the Gaelic media.

Can I progress into further study?

Once you’ve completed your studies, you can progress on to a variety of other Gaelic-related courses, including:

I studied Gaelic all though high school, and even after doing my undergraduate in Outdoor Education, I really wanted to learn Gaelic properly, and so I came to UHI. Everyone knows each other and are so friendly and supportive. The opportunities I’ve had from being here, you couldn’t get them anywhere else. The lecturers are great, they are so supportive, they will take the time to speak to you about anything, there’s a lot of Gaelic spoken even outside of class, which is wonderful for learning. 

I’ve played bagpipes processions and in town halls while being here, I’ve also played rugby in the new Skye rugby club. I’m staying in student accommodation here, the views are next to none, the accommodation has been really nice. Once I’ve finished studying, I would like to use CertHE An Cùrsa Comais along with my degree in Outdoor Education for my career, and definitely want to stay in the area. If you’re thinking of studying at UHI, just go for it! 

Martin studied on the CertHE An Cùrsa Comais at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, a partner of UHI.

Apply for An Cùrsa Comais (English) CertHE

I want to start in Aug/Sep 2026

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.