Irish - Nua-Ghaeilge / Modern Irish - Conversion Course

Course Outline
The Higher Diploma in Arts (Nua-Ghaeilge/Modern Irish) is a conversion course for those with a prior knowledge of Irish who want to study Irish to honours degree level.

It is aimed at graduates who may want to be considered for a master's course in the subject area subsequently (but do not have an honours degree in Irish) or who may want to add Irish to their qualifications.

The course consists of modules to the value of 60 credits taken from Levels II and III of the undergraduate BA degree in Irish. The subject modules will be chosen by you in consultation with the Department of Irish, taking into account timetable constraints and the suitability of course combinations.

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

If you are applying for this course for future eligibility to the Profession Master of Education, further information is available here.

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

Course Practicalities
GA 3001 is a compulsory module on this course. It combines a weekly lecture on matters of language and grammar with a weekly tutorial and a weekly conversation class, and an oral examination at the end of the year. The weekly tutorial includes short assignments such as essays or translations for which marks are awarded which are included in the mark for this module at the end of the year.

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 one of the subject Nua-Ghaeilge/Modern Irish.

The Higher Diploma in Arts is a conversion programme and applicants would not normally have studied the relevant subject to Honours Degree level previously but you must satisfy the Head of Deparrtment, that at the start of the course, your linguistic competence in Irish will allow you to draw benefit from courses at second-year and final-year undergraduate level.

Applicants must have passed GA1002 (or equivalent module)
Or
Hold the Diploma Sa Ghaeilge Fheidmeach (from Ionad na Gaeilge Labhartha)
Or
Establish to the satisfaction of the Department (in interview/or examination) that the applicant is suitable for the programme.

All applicants will be considered on an individual basis

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 indicate your level of language expertise in any of the languages offered by the programme.

IMPORTANT NOTE: 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.

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

Skills and Careers Information
Apart from obvious career opportunities in teaching and research, graduates of the Department of Modern Irish have, for example, been successful in gaining employment as writers and journalists, and as translators (independent, and with the Oireachtas and the European Commission and European Parliament). Many of our postgraduates are involved in the arts - in poetry and music - and this creative environment is one that is actively encouraged within the Department, and through our involvement with the Munster Gaeltacht areas.