Irish - Nua-Ghaeilge / Modern Irish - Conversion Course

The Higher Diploma in Arts (Nua-Ghaeilge/Modern Irish) 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.

Requirements

• 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.



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.

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.

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



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

Start Date: 8 September 2025

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.