| Code | HDAPU |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year Full-time; 2 years Part-time |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time, Part-Time |
| Qualifications | HDip in Arts |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 |
| EU Fees | TBC See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Non-EU Fees | TBC |
| 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 | 6 September 2027 |
Course Outline
The Higher Diploma in Arts (Portuguese) is designed for graduates who do not have an honours degree in Portuguese, but who wish to improve and complement their expertise in Portuguese language and culture at a global level over one academic year (full-time) or two (part-time). The programme will benefit students who might want to join a master’s degree in the area of Portuguese Studies subsequently. The modules in offer cover a wide range of cultural, historical and sociopolitical topics, and examine a vast catalogue of literary, filmic, artistic, musical and popular creative forms. The Higher Diploma will also benefit students who may want to add the subject of the Higher Diploma in Arts to their qualifications.
Students taking the programme full-time take 60 credits as follows:
- Core modules (15 credits)
- Elective Modules (45 credits)
Core modules (15 credits):
PU3301 or PU2201: Portuguese Language (this will vary according to language level) (10 credits)
PU3004 Dissertation in Portuguese Studies (5 credits)
Students taking the programme as part-time take 35 credits (including PU3301 or PU2201) during their first year and 25 credits (including PU3304) during their second year.
For a full list of modules, please consult the Academic Programme Catalogue.
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
Students can expect three contact hours per week for language modules and two contact hours per week for elective modules.
You must also complete independent study outside of weekly contact hours.
This means a full-time student will have approximately a total of 16 hours of classes per week for the duration of the academic year.
Part-time Option
The part-time option will be taught during weekday working hours over two years.
Assessment
Assessment varies according to your choice of modules. Assessment activities include, but are not limited to, essays, exams, in-class tests, portfolios and presentations.
Why Choose This Course
The programme’s main aim is to equip students with advanced knowledge and critical expertise in Portuguese Studies at a global level, integrating the study of varieties of the Portuguese language and the critical analysis of cultural production in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
The Higher Diploma in Portuguese at UCC is taught by an experienced and varied team specialised in developing teaching and research activities at a global level. This programme will give you an updated knowledge of the Portuguese-Speaking World as well as a set of skills adapted to developing a career using Portuguese in your professional life.
Skills and Careers Information
This Higher Diploma will equip you with a range of skills including:
- language, intercultural, communication and technological
- intensive language training
- training in translation and writing for professional purposes.
Students with languages and soft communication skills have more opportunities in international business, teaching, marketing, translating, public service, tourism, recruitment, journalism and media, both at home and abroad.
Requirements
This programme is intended for students who already have a 3 or 4-year primary degree, preferably in the areas of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, and who wish to study Portuguese 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.
Applicants are required to have reached a level of Portuguese equivalent to B1 (CEFR - Common European Framework of Reference) in order to be admitted. Applicants are required to contact the Department should they have queries on this language requirement.
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 TBC.
The Non-EU fee for this course is TBC.
Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2027/2028
See our 2027/2028 Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.
Please note if your course is more than one academic year in duration, tuition fees will apply per year of study.
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 blue '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)
- 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.
- You may enter your motivation and rationale for choosing this programme.
- In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.
- Detail your computing/technical/IT skills.
- Please indicate your level of foreign language expertise in any of the languages offered by the programme.
Please note that the Higher Diploma in Arts programme is not a teacher training programme. Graduates must complete the Professional Master of Education to qualify as a secondary school teacher. See our PME page (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