| Code | HDAGA |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| EU Fees | Full-time: €6,400
Part-time: €3,900 See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Non-EU Fees | €18,500 |
| 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 | 7 September 2026 |
Course Outline
The Higher Diploma in Arts (Nua-Ghaeilge/Modern Irish) is a conversion course for those with a prior knowledge of Irish who want to study Irish to honours degree level.
It is aimed at graduates who may want to be considered for a master’s course in the subject area subsequently (but do not have an honours degree in Irish) or who may want to add Irish to their qualifications.
The course consists of modules to the value of 60 credits taken from Levels II and III of the undergraduate BA degree in Irish. The subject modules will be chosen by you in consultation with the Department of Irish, taking into account timetable constraints and the suitability of course combinations.
If you are applying for this course to gain a teaching subject please consult with the Teaching Council Curricular Requirements (and click on the subject) to view specific requirements for this subject.
If you are applying for this course for future eligibility to the Profession Master of Education, further information is available here.
Note: GA3001 is mandatory for all students. An additional language module, GA2001, may also be recommended. Module selection requires consultation and approval from the Programme Director.
Students take 60 credits as follows - core modules (10 credits) and 50 credits of elective modules:
Core Modules
GA3001 Úsáid agus Cruinneas na Gaeilge (10 Credits)
Elective Modules
GA2001 Úsáid agus Cruinneas na Gaeilge I (10 Credits)
GA2003 Filíocht na hOchtú hAoise Déag (5 Credits)
GA2013 Léann agus Lámhscríbhinní na Gaeilge (5 Credits)
GA2014 Logainmníocht na Gaeilge (5 Credits)
GA2016 Dialanna na Gaeilge (5 Credits)
GA2019 Cineálacha Scéalaíochta: An Litríocht Bhéil agus an Gearrscéal Liteartha (5 Credits)
GA2023 Foghraíocht na Gaeilge (5 Credits)
GA2024 An Ghaeltacht (5 Credits)
GA2025 Teanga na Nua-Ghaeilge Luaithe (5 Credits)
GA2026 Iriseoireacht na Gaeilge (5 Credits)
GA2035 Seán Ó Ríordáin: filíocht agus prós (5 Credits)
GA2036 Na Laoithe Fiannaíochta (5 Credits)
GA2031 Stair na Teanga agus na Litríochta (5 Credits)
GA2032 Litríocht na Sean-Ghaeilge (5 Credits)
GA3003 Filíocht na Seachtú hAoise Déag (5 Credits)
GA3004 Nuafhilíocht na Gaeilge (5 Credits)
GA3008 An tÚrscéal sa Ghaeilge (5 Credits)
GA3016 Filíocht na Nua-Ghaeilge Luaithe (5 Credits)
GA3017 Filíocht na Nua-Ghaeilge Luaithe (5 Credits)
GA3022 Litreacha na Gaeilge (5 Credits)
GA3023 Struchtúr na Gaeilge (5 Credits)
GA3027 Próstéacsanna na Nua-Ghaeilge Luaithe (5 Credits)
GA3029 Bunscileanna Aistriúcháin (5 Credits)
GA3037 Na Dánta Grá (5 Credits)
GA3038 Litríocht an Bhlascaoid Mhóir (5 Credits)
GA3039 Filíocht an 21ú hAois (5 Credits)
GA3031 Filíocht na Sean- agus na Meán-Ghaeilge (5 Credits)
GA3032 Staidéar Bunúsach ar an tSean-Ghaeilge (5 Credits)
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
GA 3001 is a compulsory module on this course. It combines a weekly lecture on matters of language and grammar with a weekly tutorial and a weekly conversation class, and an oral examination at the end of the year. The weekly tutorial includes short assignments such as essays or translations for which marks are awarded which are included in the mark for this module at the end of the year.
Assessment
Most modules are examined at the end of the course; some (see Book of Modules) combine end-of-course examination with continuous assessment in the form of essays.
Who teaches this course
Information on the teaching staff of this course will be found on our Modern-Irish Staff department page.
Why Choose This Course
This Higher Diploma in Arts Nua-Ghaeilge/Modern Irish offers a unique combination of language and literary teaching, and also includes courses on the study of Ireland's manuscript tradition part of which involves reading Gaelic (insular minuscule) script. This is the only university course offering a thorough overview of Irish literature, from the beginning of writing in Irish, to contemporary literature.
Skills and Careers Information
Apart from obvious career opportunities in teaching and research, graduates of the Department of Modern Irish have, for example, been successful in gaining employment as writers and journalists, and as translators (independent, and with the Oireachtas and the European Commission and European Parliament). Many of our postgraduates are involved in the arts - in poetry and music - and this creative environment is one that is actively encouraged within the Department, and through our involvement with the Munster Gaeltacht areas.
Requirements
The programme is aimed at those prospective applicants who already hold a 3 or 4-year primary degree, preferably in the areas of the Arts or the Sciences, and who wish to study the subject Nua-Ghaeilge / Modern Irish.
The Higher Diploma in Arts is a conversion programme and applicants would not normally have studied the relevant subject to Honours Degree level previously (in this case Nua-Ghaeilge / Modern Irish).
Applicants must have passed the UCC GA1002 module (or an equivalent module)
Or
Hold the Dioplóma Sa Ghaeilge Fheidhmeach (from Ionad na Gaeilge Labhartha, UCC)
Or
Establish to the satisfaction of the Department (in interview/or examination) that the applicant is suitable for the programme.
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
The EU fee for this course is Full-time: €6,400 Part-time: €3,900.
The Non-EU fee for this course is €18,500.
Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2026/2027
See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.
Deposits
If your course requires a deposit, please note that booking fees and deposits are non-refundable in all cases.
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:
-
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 indicate your level of language expertise in any of the languages offered by the programme.
IMPORTANT NOTE: 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.
Apply Now