UCC College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences celebrates scholars

22 Jan 2026

• UCC ceremony honoured outstanding student achievement across Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
• The ceremony highlighted the diverse routes students take to reach and excel at university.

Undergraduate and PhD scholars from UCC College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences were celebrated at the 2026 Quercus College Scholarship Awards.

The annual awards honour students across Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences who have achieved outstanding results in their university examinations and who demonstrate a strong commitment to academic and research excellence.

Scholars were recognised from a wide range of undergraduate programmes, including Bachelor of Arts (CK101), Applied Psychology BA (CK120), Digital Humanities and Information Technology BA (CK118), BEd Gaeilge (CK124), and Theatre and Performative Practices BA (CK112).

Quercus College Scholarships are awarded based on the results of summer first, second and third-year examinations. To be eligible, students must achieve a first-class honours standard with a minimum total mark of 840 out of 1200 at their first examination attempt. Scholarships are awarded to the highest-scoring student in each programme year.

PhD Excellence Scholars were also celebrated at the event, recognising research that addresses real-world challenges and makes a meaningful contribution to society, while shaping policy and culture.

Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Stephen Graham, Head of UCC College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences, said: “It is a real privilege to celebrate students whose academic achievements set the benchmark across our university. The Quercus Scholars represent intellectual rigour, curiosity and determination at the highest level.”

“I want to encourage all of you, Quercus and PhD Excellence Scholars alike, to take a moment to acknowledge what your award this evening means to you. It can be a marker that you look back on in future years as a moment when your potential was recognised and celebrated. As you continue on your academic journeys, I hope you carry with you a sense of pride and possibility that comes with this moment. I’m excited to see where your talents take you and we are honoured to be even a small part of your journey. Congratulations again to each and every one of you. You have earned this moment, and we celebrate and applaud your achievements once again.”

View more information Quercus College Scholarships here.