Qualification
Postgraduate Diploma
CAO/MU Apply code
MHX54,MHX55
Award Type and NFQ level
POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA (9)
Study Mode
Full time
Closing Date
27 August 2027

Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Medieval Irish Studies enables students to explore the rich tradition of medieval Irish literature and intellectual culture, from the early medieval period and the advent of Christianity until the coming of the Normans at the end of the 12th century. It also enables students to deepen their acquaintance with the language of the period, and endows them with a set of research skills appropriate for further work in this field.


Course structure

Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

To earn a Postgraduate Diploma in Medieval Irish Studies, students must complete a combination of compulsory and elective modules amounting to a total of 60 credits.

The compulsory modules focus on medieval Irish literature (20 credits), palaeography and manuscript studies (10 credits), and general research skills and methodology (10 credits).

The choice of elective modules depends on the students’ level of knowledge of the Old Irish language. Students with a previous knowledge of Old Irish can undertake Old Irish reading modules that focus on the philology, translation and analysis of Early Irish literature (20 credits). Students with no or insufficient previous knowledge of the language will be required to attend a suite of intensive introductory language modules (20 credits).

Students who wish to undertake the Postgraduate Diploma programme on a full-time basis will normally fulfil all credit requirements in the course of one academic year. Those who wish to opt for the part-time option can complete the total credit requirements over the course of two academic years.

Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.

Year 1

SGF5 - Medieval Irish Studies

Credits: 60  |  Compulsory

Medieval Irish Studies modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SG616

5

1

Y

SG802

5

Year-Long

N

SG801

10

Year-Long

N

SG223

5

2

N

SG660

10

1

N

SG340

5

2

N

SG661

10

2

N

SG613

10

1

N

SG651

10

2

N

SG614

10

2

N

SG625

5

1

N

SG626

5

2

N

SG601

10

1

N

SG604

10

2

N

SG645

10

1

N

SG646

10

2

N

SG256

5

1

N

SG257

5

1

N

SGP5 - Medieval Irish Studies (Part Time)

Credits: 30  |  Compulsory

Medieval Irish Studies (Part Time) modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SG616

5

1

N

SG223

5

2

N

SG660

10

1

N

SG340

5

2

N

SG661

10

2

N

SG613

10

1

N

SG651

10

2

N

SG614

10

2

N

SG625

5

1

N

SG626

5

2

N

SG601

10

1

N

SG604

10

2

N

SG645

10

1

N

SG646

10

2

N

SG256

5

1

N

SG257

5

1

N

Year 2

SGP52 - Medieval Irish Studies

Credits:   |  Compulsory

Medieval Irish Studies modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SG616

5

1

N

SG223

5

2

N

SG660

10

1

N

SG340

5

2

N

SG661

10

2

N

SG613

10

1

N

SG651

10

2

N

SG614

10

2

N

SG625

5

1

N

SG626

5

2

N

SG601

10

1

N

SG604

10

2

N

SG645

10

1

N

SG646

10

2

N

SG256

5

1

N

SG257

5

1

N

Careers

Successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Medieval Irish Studies will equip students for a variety of career paths, including library and archival work, various types of adult education and employment in the heritage and related industries.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must hold a minimum of a Bachelor Honours degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of a Second-Class Honours, Grade 2 (2:2) in any discipline.

If you do not meet the standard entry requirements then you may be eligible to apply under the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. Please click here for further information.

Minimum English Language Requirements

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here.


How to apply

Applications must be made via the MU Apply portal. Please click here to start your application.

When making your application, please ensure you prepare any documents listed below. You may be required to submit documents in two stages. You will be required to upload and submit the following documents with your application:

  • Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
  • Graduation Certificate if you have graduated
  • A copy of your passport
  • Up to date CV

You will be required to upload the following documents after you submit your application:

  • Personal Statement (minimum 500 words on why you would like to study your chosen programme)

If English is not your first language, you may be required to upload evidence of English language proficiency. For information please click here.

Got a question about this course?

Programme Director Dr Niamh Wycherley
Email niamh.wycherley@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