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UCC Postgraduate courses

Irish - Nua-Ghaeilge/Modern Irish

Course Fact File
CodeHDAGA
Duration1 Year Full-time; 2 Years Part-time
Teaching ModeFull-time, Part-Time. See Additional Teaching Mode Information for more info.
QualificationsHDip in Arts
NFQ LevelLevel 8
Closing DateRolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
Non-EU Closing DateOpen until all places have been filled or no later than 30 June. Early application is advised.
Start Date8 September 2025

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 and Teaching Council subject Declaration form 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.

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

One of the attractions of the course is the variety of topics… I selected modules such as the poetry of Seán Ó Ríordáin; the history of the Irish language and the grammar of Early Modern Irish...

Garret Cahill

Find Out More

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

  • 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 one of 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 but you must satisfy the Head of Deparrtment, that at the start of the course, your linguistic competence in Irish will allow you to draw benefit from courses at second-year and final-year undergraduate level.
  • Applicants must have passed GA1002 (or equivalent module)
    Or
    Hold the Diploma Sa Ghaeilge Fheidmeach (from Ionad na Gaeilge Labhartha)
    Or
    Establish to the satisfaction of the Department (in interview/or examination) that the applicant is suitable for the programme.

All applicants will be considered on an individual basis

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 2024/2025

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:

  • 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 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 30 June. Early application is advised.

Apply Now

For queries regarding course content or timetables please contact

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