The MA in Gaelic Literature is a full-time programme running for 12 months, or a part-time programme running for 24 months, from the date of first registration for the programme.

Applications will be considered from graduates of all disciplines. Successful applicants will normally have an honours primary degree at Second Honours Grade 1 level (or the equivalent) or higher, though applications from graduates whose primary degree is at Second Class Honours Grade 2 level will be considered. For North American students a cumulative GPA of 3.2 is normally expected. Applicants must complete a short personal statement outlining their academic background and interests and their reasons for applying for the programme.

Students take 90 credits as follows:

Part I

Core Modules
GA6012 The Social and Cultural History of the Irish language, 1200-2000 (10 credits)
GA6013 The Transmission and Interpretation of Gaelic literature (10 credits)

Elective Modules
GA6010 Beginners Irish Language (10 credits)
GA6014 The Phases of Gaelic literature (10 credits)
GA6015 Gaelic Ireland, 1600-2000 A.D : the International Dimension (10 credits)
GA6016 Placenames and Sense of Place in Gaelic Literature (10 credits)
GA6018 Intensive Workshop in Irish Poetry (10 credits)

Part II
GA6019 Dissertation in Gaelic Literature (30 credits)
Students will write a 15,000-word research dissertation on an approved topic of their choice relevant to the MA.

Part-time option
Students taking the part-time option complete 60 credits of taught core modules in Year 1. In Year 2 they complete the 30 credit dissertation module.

Postgraduate Diploma in Gaelic Literature
Students who have completed and passed modules to the value of at least 60 credits in Part I and who fail or do not wish to proceed to Part II may exit the programme and be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Gaelic Literature.

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module descriptions may be found here.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2016 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules 2015/2016.

Programme Learning Outcomes for MA in Gaelic Literature (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• distinguish in written or oral presentation the historical and cultural contexts of the broad range of textual material encountered during the course
• Demonstrate digital literacy in the use of discipline-specific online resources
• set forth, in written or oral presentation or otherwise, the interconnectedness of the Gaelic literary experience.
• demonstrate in their own future work an in-depth understanding of the themes and topics that constitute Gaelic literature, from earliest times to present day.
• discuss arguments made in the course regarding Gaelic literature.
• analyse Gaelic literature applying the theories covered in the course, and critically analyse  key texts dealt with in the modules.
• apply aspects of the course to their own writing, creative, academic, journalistic etc
• pursue an extended Master’s level research project, showing discipline-appropriate research, writing and technical skills, developed through clear and recordable processes of enquiry and selection and demonstrated in a c.15,000 word dissertation.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Diploma in Gaelic Literature (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• distinguish in written or oral presentation the historical and cultural contexts of the broad range of textual material encountered during the course
• Demonstrate digital literacy in the use of discipline-specific online resources
• set forth, in written or oral presentation or otherwise, the interconnectedness of the Gaelic literary experience.
• demonstrate in their own future work an in-depth understanding of the themes and topics that constitute Gaelic literature, from earliest times to present day.
• discuss arguments made in the course regarding Gaelic literature.
• analyse Gaelic literature applying the theories covered in the course, and critically analyse  key texts dealt with in the modules.
• apply aspects of the course to their own writing, creative, academic, journalistic etc.