English - Conversion Course

Course Outline
The Higher Diploma in Arts English is a postgraduate qualification intended for students who already have a degree in another subject and who wish to study English intensively. You study a range of second- and third-year English undergraduate modules, over the course of one academic year (full time) or two academic years (part time).

A valuable qualification in itself, the Higher Diploma in Arts in English may also be used as a pathway to further study, and the course is aimed at graduates who may wish to be considered for a subsequent master's course in English.

Course Practicalities
Depending on modules selected, class contact time in lectures and seminars will be approximately 10 hours per week, with considerably more than this devoted to directed study (primary and secondary reading and preparation for classes, completion of coursework etc.) outside class hours.

Why Choose This Course
The Higher Diploma in English is a postgraduate course offering students with degrees in other subjects the chance to change direction and develop new areas of knowledge. Over the course of a year's full-time or two year's part-time intensive study, you are immersed in the subject. Many students use the HDip as a route into master's level education, often progressing to one of the School of English's specialised MAs. If you choose subsequently not to take an MA in English, you will also have gained the opportunity to develop a range of skills much sought after by employers.

The Higher Diploma in Arts English consists of modules to the value of 60 credits taken from a range of existing second- and third-year modules in English. The course runs for one year (full time) or two years (part time). Credits may be made up through a combination of lecture modules (generally 5 credits) and seminar courses (10 credits). Courses covering a wide range of periods and a diverse array of texts and critical approaches are offered every year. The range of courses offered changes every year, but the period of literature covered in modules will always range from the Middle Ages, right through to the twenty-first century.

You can take modules specialising in areas including:

European and American cinema
Irish literature
American literature
Shakespeare
Mediaeval and Renaissance writing
Victorian literature
Modernism and postmodernism
Critical theory
Drama
Poetry
The novel
The short story
This wide range ensures that students accepted to the course should be able to satisfy their individual preferences and chosen areas of specialisation.

If you are applying for this course to gain a teaching subject please consult with the Teaching Council subject Declaration form to view specific requirements for this subject.

If you are applying for this course for future eligibility into the Profession Master of Education, further information is available here at the course webpage link below.

Additional Teaching Mode Information
The part-time option will be taught during weekday working hours over 2 years.

Modules

Further details on the modules listed above can be found in our Book of Modules. Any modules listed above are indicative of the current set of modules for this course but are subject to change from year to year.

University Calendar

You can find the full academic content for the current year of any given course in our University Calendar.

It is intended for those who already have a 3 or 4 year primary degree, preferably in the area of Arts or the Sciences, and who wish to study the subject English intensively over one academic year. The Higher Diploma in Arts is a conversion programme and applicants would not normally have studied the relevant subject to Honours Degree level previously.

English Language Requirements
Applicants that are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Please visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

For applicants with qualifications completed outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.

International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.

The closing date for non-EU applications is 30 June 2023

How Do I Apply
1. Check Dates: Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the fact file boxes at the top of the page.

For Irish and EU applicants we operate a rounds system and you can check the rounds closing dates here.
Note that not all our programmes are subject to the rounds system so check the opening and closing dates for your specific programme in the fact file boxes above.

2. Gather Documents: Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:

Original qualification documents listed on your application including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
Any supplementary items requested for your course if required.

3. Apply Online: Apply online via the UCC online application portal. Note the majority of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.

Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.
Additional requirements (All Applicants)
Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.

In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.

Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.

Please note that the Higher Diploma in Arts programme is not the teacher training programme. Graduates must complete the Professional Master of Education to qualify as a secondary school teacher. Please see www.ucc.ie/en/pec01 for further details.

Assessment methods vary depending on modules taken, but include in-class tests or final exams, take-home essays, oral presentations, on-line journals or portfolios, and preparation and contribution in class.

60 Credits

1 year full-time; 2 years part-time.

Start Date 7 September 2020

Skills and Careers Information
Students gain extensive knowledge of numerous areas of literature in English and different approaches to the study of literature. You will be given numerous opportunities to develop your oral and written communication skills. These skills are much sought after in a wide range of administrative professions, including copy-editing and journalism. Some students take the HDip in English as a way of enhancing their prospects of becoming teachers or of further developing their teaching careers.