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1. Study
2. Postgraduate
3. Taught Courses
4. Higher Diploma
5. English

Course Fact File

Code	HDAEN
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 English is a postgraduate qualification intended for students who already have a degree in another subject and who wish to study English intensively. You study a range of second- and third-year English undergraduate modules, over the course of one academic year (full time) or two academic years (part time).

A valuable qualification in itself, the Higher Diploma in Arts in English may also be used as a pathway to further study, and the course is aimed at graduates who may wish to be considered for a subsequent master’s course in English.  

The Higher Diploma in Arts English consists of modules to the value of 60 credits taken from a range of existing second- and third-year modules in English. The course runs for one year (full time) or two years (part time). Credits may be made up through a combination of lecture modules (generally 5 credits) and seminar courses (10 credits). Courses covering a wide range of periods and a diverse array of texts and critical approaches are offered every year. The range of courses offered changes every year, but the period of literature covered in modules will always range from the Middle Ages, right through to the twenty-first century.

You can take modules specialising in areas including:

• European and American cinema
• Irish literature
• American literature
• Shakespeare
• Mediaeval and Renaissance writing
• Victorian literature
• Modernism and postmodernism
• Critical theory
• Drama
• Poetry
• The novel
• The short story

This wide range ensures that students accepted to the course should be able to satisfy their individual preferences and chosen areas of specialisation. 

If you are applying for this course to gain a teaching subject please consult with the Teaching Council subject Declaration form to view specific requirements for this subject.

If you are applying for this course for future eligibility into the Profession Master of Education, further information is available here.

Additional Teaching Mode Information

The part-time option will be taught during weekday working hours over 2 years.

Course Practicalities

Depending on modules selected, class contact time in lectures and seminars will be approximately 10 hours per week, with considerably more than this devoted to directed study (primary and secondary reading and preparation for classes, completion of coursework etc.) outside class hours.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary depending on the modules taken, but include in-class tests or final exams, take-home essays, oral presentations, online journals or portfolios, and preparation and contribution in class.

Why Choose This Course

The Higher Diploma in English is a postgraduate course offering students with degrees in other subjects the chance to change direction and develop new areas of knowledge. Over the course of a year’s full-time or two year’s part-time intensive study, you are immersed in the subject. Many students use the HDip as a route into master’s level education, often progressing to one of the School of English’s specialised MAs. If you choose subsequently not to take an MA in English, you will also have gained the opportunity to develop a range of skills much sought after by employers.

Skills and Careers Information

Students gain extensive knowledge of numerous areas of literature in English and different approaches to the study of literature. You will be given numerous opportunities to develop your oral and written communication skills. These skills are much sought after in a wide range of administrative professions, including copy-editing and journalism. Some students take the HDip in English as a way of enhancing their prospects of becoming teachers or of further developing their teaching careers.

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 of English 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.

Fees and Costs

How To Apply

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:

• 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.

• In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.

• Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.

Please note that the Higher Diploma in Arts programme is not the teacher training programme. Graduates must complete the Professional Master of Education to qualify as a secondary school teacher.  Please see www.ucc.ie/en/pec01 for further details.

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.

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