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Queen's University Belfast

Irish Studies

The aim of this MA in Irish Studies is to:
Provide students with the methods and knowledge to undertake research
Offer students a range of modules that will allow them to pursue challenging cross-disciplinary themes
Explore the possibilities and tensions in inter-disciplinary work
Introduce students to conceptual tools allowing them to explore, critically, aspects of Irish Studies
Assist students in developing focused research and the skills necessary to write academic papers

Why queen's?
The Institute has strong links with universities in the UK, Europe, the USA and Canada. Academics and scholars regularly avail of the Institute's facilities to conduct research. American and Canadian universities with whom the Institute has special relationships regularly send postgraduate students and participate in its ongoing programme.

Entry requirements

Normally a 2.1 Honours degree in an Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences subject or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Applicants who hold a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in one of the disciplines specified above, who can 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 Qualifications
For information on international qualification equivalents please select Your Country from the list on our International Students website.

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

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required.
*taken within the last 2 years

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

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

For additional information, please visit our website.
English for University Study - an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level.
Pre-sessional English - a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

Duration

1 year full-time or up to a maximum of 31 months part-time.

Careers or further progression

Career Prospects
Students of the Institute of Irish Studies go on to pursue careers not only as scholars, but also in the media, in the heritage sector 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.

Further enquiries

Institute of Irish Studies
School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics
Tel: 028 9097 1346
Email: irish.studies@qub.ac.uk
WWW: www.qub.ac.uk/iis

Subjects taught

The MA is arranged into thematically-focused groups of modules to include culture, art and literature, political identity, conflict, politics and human rights. Students will take a number of compulsory and optional modules. One of the modules in the first semester must be a research methods course.

Some options may require that particular methods courses be taken or the student to have a particular academic background. The dissertation may be supervised by Institute staff or, subject to the agreement of the Head of School, by members of co-operating academic departments.

A wide variety of modules is available, arranged in thematic and conceptual groups. Current thematic areas include:
Ireland: Communities, Identities and Conflict
Ireland: Culture, Tradition and Heritage
Ireland: History and Politics
Ireland: Literature, Language and Art
Ireland: Peoples and Place

For detailed programme information please see the Irish Studies Gateway section on the School website.

Assessment method

Taught modules are assessed by a combination of examinations, written language assignments and creative practice. Students who have reached a pass in these will submit a dissertation (not exceeding 15,000 words) or a practice as research project, which will include a critical reflection of approximately 3,500 words.

Application date

Postgraduate Taught
In general, there are no closing dates for the majority of courses (those with closing dates will be highlighted in the Course Finder). However we advise you to apply as early as possible, particularly for those courses where there is a high demand for places. Early application is also important for international applicants to allow sufficient time to obtain a student entry visa.

Postgraduate Research
There is no standard closing date. You should however check both the Universitys website and refer to the relevant School/Institute webpage for information on deadline dates for postgraduate funding applications, as these will also determine when your application for admission should be submitted.