Maynooth University

Medieval Irish - Research

The aim of this programme is to provide students with a professional training in advanced academic research in early Irish literature, language and history, to deepen their knowledge in specific areas of these, and to endow them with the research skills appropriate to work in this field.

As part of a structured programme, students will take 5 credits in generic/transferrable skills and 5 credits in subject-specific/advanced-specialist modules, particularly in the language of early Ireland and manuscript reading and textual editing.

As part of a Structured PhD Programme, students will take 15 credits in generic skills and 15 credits in subject-specific, advanced-level modules, particularly in the language of early Ireland and manuscript reading and textual editing. The aim of the programme is to write a major thesis on a topic approved by the Head of Department, under the supervision of a designated supervisor.

Entry requirements

A student beginning an MLitt will normally have a high 2.1 in Medieval Irish and Celtic Studies in the BA or an equivalent qualification from elsewhere. A good knowledge of Old Irish is required in order to enter a research degree in Medieval Irish. Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.

Minimum English language requirements:
• IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score
• TOEFL (Paper based test): 585
• TOEFL (Internet based test): 95
• PTE (Pearson): 62

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

A student beginning a PhD will have a postgraduate degree such as MA or MLitt honours, and will normally have a First Class Honours in Medieval Irish and Celtic Studies in the BA or an equivalent qualification from elsewhere. A good knowledge of Old Irish is required in order to enter a research degree in Medieval Irish. Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.

Minimum English language requirements:
•IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score
•TOEFL (Paper based test): 585
•TOEFL (Internet based test): 95
•PTE (Pearson): 62

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Duration

MHX02 PhD 4 years Full-time
MHX03 PhD 6 years Part-time
MHX04 MLitt 2 year Full-time
MHX05 MLitt 3 years Part-time

Careers or further progression

MLitt
Successful completion of these programmes will equip the student for further academic work and for employment in heritage, libraries and related institutions.

A completed PhD is the necessary requirement for and gateway to advanced academic work, in teaching and in reserach.

Further enquiries

Programme Director Dr. Deborah Hayden
Tel +353 (0)1 708 3711
Email Deborah.hayden@mu.ie
Website https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/early-irish-sean-ghaeilge
Address Department of Early Irish, School of Celtic Studies, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare

Comment

School of Celtic Studies
Early Irish/Roinn naSean-Ghaeilge
The Department of Early Irish/Roinn na Sean-Ghaeilge at Maynooth is a leading centre for the study of Medieval Irish and Celtic Studies, engaging in teaching and research in the literature, language, history and culture of medieval Ireland and of the related Celtic-speaking world.Prof. David Stifter is a 2015 recipient of a European Research Council research award and a leading expert in Celtic historical linguistics. He was the editor of an interactive dictionary of Lepontic and Cisalpine Gaulish, Celtic languages spoken in ancient northern Italy. He has also co-edited several books on Celtic and Indo-European linguistics, among them the four-volume collection. Dr. Elizabeth Boyle is a leading international scholar in the religious and intellectual culture of medieval Ireland and Britain.

Application date

All applications should be made through the PAC system.

Research areas

Research Interests
Research interests include early Irish language, philology and literature, Ancient Celtic languages, comparative Celtic linguistics, intellectual, cultural and religious history of medieval Britain and Ireland.

Course fee

In general, there are two levels of fees payable. EU students from EU countries including Ireland pay a subsidised level of fees for both taught courses and research programmes. Tuition fees for students from outside the EU are not subsidised and are thus somewhat higher than for EU students.