Irish Studies

Overview

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.



Our Irish Studies courses range from the poetry of Seamus Heaney to the politics of contested parades and language rights in today's Northern Ireland; from the literature of the Medieval sagas and the Gaelic Revival to the controversies around colonialism, the contemporary commemorations of the Easter Rising and the First World War and Ireland's post-Brexit place in the world.



Follow your own interests by selecting your Option Modules from our Irish Studies and Research Methods course lists, including courses from English, History, Anthropology, Politics, Sociology, Irish, Archaeology and Creative Arts.



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.



Course Structure

Our Irish Studies courses range from the poetry of Seamus Heaney to the politics of contested parades and language rights in today's Northern Ireland; from the literature of the Medieval sagas and the Gaelic Revival to the controversies around colonialism, the contemporary commemorations of the Easter Rising and the First World War and Ireland's post-Brexit place in the world.Follow your own interests by selecting your Option Modules from our Irish Studies and Research Methods course lists, including courses from English, History, Anthropology, Politics, Sociology, Irish, Archaeology and Creative Arts.

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.



Year 1

Core Modules

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

• Dissertation (60 credits)



Optional Modules

• The Politics of the Republic of Ireland (20 credits)

• Individually Negotiated Topic in History (20 credits)

• Global Ireland (20 credits)

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

• Presenting Sources (20 credits)

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

• Kingship and Colonisation in Medieval Ireland: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (20 credits)

• Special Topic Irish Writing (20 credits)

• The Politics and Institutions of Northern Ireland (20 credits)

• Approaches to History (20 credits)

• Advanced Anthropological Methods (20 credits)

• Conflict Intervention (20 credits)

• Anthropology of Conflict: Ireland and Beyond (20 credits)

• Topics In Irish History (20 credits)

• Irish Poetry (20 credits)

• Violence, Terrorism and Security (20 credits)

• APPROACHES TO RESEARCH DESIGN (20 credits)

• The Historian's Craft (20 credits)

• Research Design (20 credits)

• Freedom and modernity (20 credits)

• Advanced Anthropological Perspectives (20 credits)

• Literary Research Methods (20 credits)

Graduate

Normally a 2.1 Honours degree in a relevant subject with evidence of study of Ireland, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.



Applicants who hold a 2.2 Honours degree 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

Please see International Student's link below.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 15th August 2025 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.

Taught modules are usually assessed by a combination of written assignments and class participation. Students who have reached a pass in these will submit a dissertation (not exceeding 15,000 words).


A combination of written assignments and class participation. Students who have reached a pass in these will submit a dissertation (not exceeding 15,000 words).


Written language assignments


Creative practice


Dissertation (not exceeding 15,000 words) or practice as research project, which will include a critical reflection of approximately 3,500 words

1 year (Full-time)

3 years (Part-time)



Teaching Times

Dependent on modules picked.

Entry Year: 2025/26

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.



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.