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.



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.

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.



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.



English Language Requirements

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

Closing Date: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.



Non-EU Closing Date: Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

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

Start Date: 8th September 2025.

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.