Speak Gaelic

What is special about this course?

SpeakGaelic is an exciting, multi-faceted course which will allow you to access Gaelic learning in a variety of ways – through taught classes, through BBC Alba media content and through the SpeakGaelic website. 

Speak Gaelic caters for complete beginners and more advanced speakers. The course is mapped onto the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale A1, A2 B1 & B2.  Students can be placed in the class best suited to their linguistic level of competency.

SpeakGaelic has been developed in partnership with MGAlba, BBC Alba, Scottish Government and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig with support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig

 

Entry requirements

There are no prerequisites for entry to level A1.  However, in order to complete their learning at each level, students must cover all the topics within that level.  

SpeakGaelic is primarily focused on encouraging people to speak and use their Gaelic skills with reading, writing, and listening skills used to support this aim.

Each subject area will have accompanying tutor notes & teaching materials in which aims and objectives are explicitly stated. Each subject area have ‘Can-do statements’, example for Subject Area One shown below:

Can-do statements

  • I can use greetings.
  • I can ask someone their name.
  • I can give personal information.
  • I can address people using their name.
  • I can ask what people’s names are.
  • I can ask the names of a group of people.
  • I can say what people’s names are.
  • I can ask someone how they are.
  • I can say how I am.
  • I can introduce people around me.

Speak Gaelic is a multi-platform product, teaching materials will be complemented by a linear series of programmes on BBCAlba and digital media output.

How will I study my course?

  • Part Time
  • Evening
  • Short course
  • Leisure

Face to face 

How long will my course last?

13 Weeks

Each level represents 13 lessons of SpeakGaelic i.e A1 = 13 lessons, A2 = 13 lessons etc. 

  • The course will be delivered via twice-weekly lessons. 
  • This would mean linguistic levels A1 – A2 (complete beginner to elementary learner) could be achieved by a student in 26 weeks, while B1 – B2 (intermediate learner – upper intermediate learner) could be completed within a further 26 weeks. 

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    Where can I study my course?

      • UHI Outer Hebrides
      • UHI Outer Hebrides (Barra Campus)
      • UHI Outer Hebrides (Benbecula Campus)
      • UHI Outer Hebrides (Stornoway Campus)

      Please note, UHI Outer Hebrides will be changing its name to UHI North, West and Hebrides in August 2023, subject to Scottish Government approval. This will not impact on your choice of course or how and where you will study.

    Start date

    Upcoming Community Classes:UHI Benbecula Campus - starting on the 30th of May and finishing on the 13th of July. Taught by Archie Campbell, the course runs for 7 weeks, meeting twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7pm and 8.30pmA2 Speak Gaelic (Units 1 – 6) costs £55, and as ever full fee waivers are available for GME Parents and CnES & NHS WI Staff. Contact leenquiries@uhi.ac.uk

    Fees

    Full 12 weeks £130. 

    Please note prices vary dependant on course length. 

    Concessions are available, please contact leenquiries@uhi.ac.uk

    What can I do on completion of my course?

    Following completion of Level B2, students could progress to Higher Gaelic (Learners).

    Is there more information available online?

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    Apply for Speak Gaelic

    Please contact our Admin team for further information on:

    01851 770 000
    or
    adminle@uhi.ac.uk

    We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI Outer Hebrides. Please note, UHI Outer Hebrides will be changing its name to UHI North, West and Hebrides in August 2023, subject to Scottish Government approval. This will not impact on your choice of course or how and where you will study. UHI Outer Hebrides operates 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 age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.