| Code | HDAGR |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year Full-time; 2 years Part-time |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time, Part-Time. See Additional Teaching Mode Information for more info. |
| Qualifications | HDip in Arts |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 |
| Closing Date | Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised. |
| Non-EU Closing Date | Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised. |
| Start Date | 8 September 2025 |
Course Outline
The Higher Diploma in Arts Greek and Roman Civilisation is ideal for you if you already have a degree and you wish to study Greek and Roman Civilisation intensively.
The course will introduce you to the cultures of the Greeks and Romans, and you will learn how these cultures oversaw the birth and development of the western world, including Christianity.
The study of Greek and Roman literary, philosophical and artistic heritage has hugely influenced Western culture, making this course a really important adjunct to the study of all the European literatures, English, history, philosophy, and the history of art.
You will take 60 credits worth of modules from a broad range of topics taken by undergraduate students in Greek and Roman Civilisation.
These may include modules in ancient Greek or Latin appropriate to your existing level of knowledge, if you so wish.
The range of available modules may vary a little from year to year, but normally has a strong emphasis on Greek and Roman history.
Modules will include such topics as:
- Alexander the Great
- The Julio-Claudian Dynasty
- The Roman Army
- The Late Roman Empire
- The Rise of Christianity.
Additional Teaching Mode Information
The part-time option will be taught during weekday working hours over 2 years.
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.
Course Practicalities
Lectures are by day Monday to Friday for full-time and part-time students. You will have, on average, 12 hours of lectures per week full-time.
Assessment
The modules are usually tested by end-of-year examination. Approximately half of the modules also include an essay requirement of 1,500 words, excluding notes.
Who teaches this course
The Roman history modules, and some Latin modules if so chosen, will be taught by the Head of Department Dr David Woods.
Other modules will be taught by a variety of staff according to availability.
Why Choose This Course
This course will prepare you for postgraduate study so that you will be able to teach Greek and Roman Civilisation at a variety of levels. It may also suit you should you wish to pursue a career in the tourism or heritage sectors.
Skills and Careers Information
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare you for postgraduate study in Greek and Roman Civilisation, so that you will be able to teach this subject at a variety of levels. Alternatively, the course may suit you if you are interested in pursuing a career in the tourism and heritage sectors.
Requirements
It is intended for those who already have a 3 or 4 year primary degree, preferably in the area of Arts or the Sciences, and who wish to study the subject Greek and Roman Civilisation intensively over one academic year. The Higher Diploma in Arts is a conversion programme and applicants would not normally have studied the relevant subject to Honours Degree level previously.
For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.
International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.
- In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
- Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.
Fees and Costs
Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2025/2026
See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.
Deposits
If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.
Fee payment
Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.
How can I pay?
See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.
Any questions? See the 'Contact Us' section on the Fees Office page.
How To Apply
1. Check dates
Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the yellow fact file boxes at the top of this webpage. The UCC online application portal usually opens around mid October.
2. Gather documents
Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:
- Original qualification documents listed on your application, including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
- Any supplementary items requested for your course, if required.
3. Apply online
Apply online by clicking the red 'Apply Now' button below. Note most of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.
Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.
Additional Requirements (All Applicants)
Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:
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You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
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In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.
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Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
- Please detail your computing/technical/IT skills.
The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
Apply Now