Gaelic Foundations: Living Cultures at Beinn Mhàbu
Immerse Yourself in the Heart of a Gaelic Community
Foundation Year
Cape Breton University and Colaisde na Gàidhlig (the Gaelic College) have partnered to offer a broad-based interdisciplinary Gaelic Foundations Program for students looking to gain a deeper understanding of the history, literature, music and dance of Gaelic culture of Nova Scotia. Delivered in English at the Gaelic College Mabou campus (Beinn Mhàbu), students will dive deeply into key aspects of Gaelic culture from the ancient past to present day.
While on campus at Beinn Mhàbu, students will be living and studying in the only recognized Gàidhealtachd (living Gaelic community) outside of Scotland where culture still informs everyday life. This program allows students to take part in self-directed learning and develop well-honed practical skills like critical thinking, research, writing and debating in a group setting.
Future Study Options
The Foundation Year Program provides students with the option to continue their studies in their second year at CBU in one of the following degrees:
Students also have the potential to receive transfer credits at another university and continue their studies after completing the Foundation program.
Bachelor of Hospitality Tourism Management Program – Foundation Year at Beinn Mhabu
Cape Breton University (CBU) and Colaisde na Gàidhlig/The Gaelic College are pleased to announce a new collaboration to offer the first year of the Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management (BHTM) degree at the Beinn Mhàbu campus, beginning in September 2026. Through this partnership, students will have the unique opportunity to complete their first year of studies at the culturally rich Beinn Mhàbu campus in Mabou, before transitioning to the CBU campus for the remainder of their degree. The program will be delivered by the Shannon School of Business (SSOB) in collaboration with The Gaelic College. Under the agreement, CBU faculty or approved educators will deliver the coursework on-site at Beinn Mhàbu. Students will receive full academic advising from CBU faculty to ensure a seamless integration into their second year of study in the BHTM program on the main CBU campus.
You can review the BTHM Foundation Year Program Structure here.
What is the tuition for this program?
These numbers are an estimate for planning purposes only. These numbers do not include lab or accommodation fees. Please visit the Student Finance Hub for more information.
| TOTAL YEAR(S) | TOTAL CREDITS | TOTAL SEMESTER(S) | NS STUDENTS | OTHER PROVINCE STUDENTS | INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | |
| Beinn Mhabu First Year Foundation Program | 1 | 30 | 2 | $9,225.10 | $10,784.10 | $22,708.10 |
| BHTM Program- Foundation Year at Beinn Mhabu | 1 | 30 | 2 | $9,225.10 | $10,784.10 | $22,708.10 |
Resources
Why study at Beinn Mhabu & CBU?
On Cape Breton Island, it’s as rewarding to study here as it is to live here. That’s why we provide opportunities for specific place-based learning experiences. Cape Breton is a place where Gaelic culture currently lives in our local communities and is woven into our history and culture. In Nova Scotia, which means New Scotland, you’ll find a different perspective than you would anywhere else on the continent.
Inside and outside our modern facilities, our faculty offer a friendly, approachable teaching style that goes a long way in providing you with an edge in the realworld. Our collaborative teaching philosophy means many faculty contribute to different disciplines and programs. This interdisciplinary approach provides students with various perspectives to learn from in a personalized learning environment.
What skills will I gain from this program?
- Critical thinking
- Effective oral and written communication
- Research and debating skills
- Deepened understanding of Gaelic culture
Possible Career Paths
Quick Links
- Apply Now
- Beinn Mhabu
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Arts Community Studies
- Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism
