Overview
SQA offers Gaelic as a school and college qualification in Scotland. There are two routes: Gàidhlig, for fluent speakers such as those from Gaelic-medium education, and Gaelic (Learners), for people learning the language. This page covers National 5 and Higher in the sources reviewed.
Levels or stages
National 5 Gàidhlig
Course code C832 75, at SCQF level 5 (24 credit points, about 160 hours). The grade is based on total marks across five components.
| Component | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Question paper 1, Reading (Leughadh) | 30 | 1 hour 40 minutes for both parts of paper 1 |
| Question paper 1, Literature (Litreachas) | 20 | (included above) |
| Question paper 2, Listening (Èisteachd) | 20 | 25 minutes |
| Assignment, writing (Obair shònraichte) | 20 | See the course specification |
| Performance, talking (Còmhradh) | 30 | 6 to 8 minutes |
Candidates are recommended to have curriculum level four or National 4 Gàidhlig. Passing the course also gives automatic certification of the Core Skill Communication at SCQF level 5.
National 5 Gaelic (Learners)
The 2024 course report describes these parts: a reading paper, a writing paper (a reply to a job advert answering six bullet points), a listening paper based on recordings, an assignment (a written piece of 120 to 200 words on a topic of the candidate's choice, in the contexts of society, learning and culture) and a talking performance. In 2024 there were 184 resulted entries. The minimum marks for grades were 84 for A, 72 for B, 60 for C and 48 for D.
Higher Gàidhlig
Course code C732 76, at SCQF level 6 (24 credit points). It has two mandatory units, Analysis and Evaluation and Creation and Production, plus the course assessment. The recommended entry is the National 5 Gàidhlig course. It also gives automatic certification of Communication at SCQF level 6. The specification reviewed is dated 2014, so check SQA for the current assessment before relying on its details.
Advanced Higher and the Higher Learners course are not covered in the sources reviewed.
Who can apply
Students enter through a school or college that registers them with SQA.
Preparation tips
Use SQA past papers and marking instructions for your route.
The writing paper for Learners follows a predictable pattern, so prepare the regular bullet points well and practise the unpredictable ones.
Practise the talking performance, which carries 30 marks at National 5 Gàidhlig.
What is the difference between Gàidhlig and Gaelic (Learners)?
Gàidhlig suits fluent speakers; Gaelic (Learners) is for those learning Gaelic. Entry is arranged through your school, following SQA guidance.