Irish Studies

Irish Studies is a broad field of area studies drawing on a range of disciplines to explore holistically the history, culture, politics and society of the island of Ireland and its global relationships.



The modules available reflect the range of Irish Studies expertise across the university and are designed to enable students to undertake research across a wide range of themes in and approaches to Irish Studies, to obtain research methods training in one or more disciplines, and to prepare to write a major dissertation in their chosen field of specialisation.



The aims of the programme are:

• To enable graduates to undertake interdisciplinary postgraduate studies in Irish Studies and gain various benefits:

• An advanced appreciation of the value of interdisciplinarity in Irish Studies.

• An advanced understanding and experience of relevant research methods and skills.

• An advanced appreciation of the value of academic approaches to some issues of historical and cultural debate and of contemporary public concern in Ireland.

• A deepened knowledge of specific themes in Irish Studies reflecting the student’s personal interests and research agenda.

Core Modules

Dissertation (60 credits)

Belfast: Place, Identity and Memory in a Contested City (20 credits)



Optional Modules

The Historian's Craft (20 credits)

Presenting Sources (20 credits)

Research Design (20 credits)

Individually Negotiated Topic in History (20 credits)

Advanced Anthropological Methods (20 credits)

Advanced Anthropological Perspectives (20 credits)

Irish Poetry (20 credits)

Public History Internship (20 credits)

The Politics and Institutions of Northern Ireland (20 credits)

The Politics of the Republic of Ireland (20 credits)

Conflict Intervention (20 credits)

Violence, Terrorism and Security (20 credits)

Special Topic Irish Writing (20 credits)

Topics In Irish History (20 credits)

Literary Research Methods (20 credits)

APPROACHES TO RESEARCH DESIGN (20 credits)

Anthropology of Conflict: Ireland and Beyond (20 credits)

A Space for Radical Openness? Writing the Margins in Twentieth-Century British and Irish Literature (20 credits)

Irish Women's Writing (20 credits)

Language Revival, Reconciliation and Politics in Northern Ireland (20 credits)

Migrating Identities (20 credits)

Approaches to History (20 credits)

Contemporary Northern Irish Literature (20 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a strong 2.2 Honours degree in a relevant subject with evidence of study of Ireland, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.



Applicants who hold a degree below 2.2 Honours in a relevant subject with evidence of study of Ireland (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University), who can also demonstrate relevant professional experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants may be required to submit a piece of written work in support of their application.



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 14th August 2026 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.

1 year (Full-time)

3 years (Part-time)

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Introduction

Students of the Institute of Irish Studies go on to pursue careers not only as scholars, but also in a wide range of occupations, including the media, in the heritage sector, public administration and in business.



Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/



Professional Opportunities

Our students have found employment in the media, in the heritage sector and tourism, in business and in university administration, particularly in study abroad services.