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Celtic Civilisation

BA/BSc (NFQ Level 8)
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The Celtic Civilisation course focuses on the cultures of the Celtic-speaking peoples in Ireland, Britain and beyond. It encompasses diverse elements in languages, literature, history to allow students to pursue particular fields of interest. This gives students the opportunity to acquire a broad overview of the cultures of the Celtic-speaking peoples and also to develop more specific areas of expertise.

About This Course

The Celtic Civilisation course focuses on the cultures of the Celtic-speaking peoples in Ireland, Britain and beyond. It encompasses diverse elements in languages, literature, history to allow students to pursue particular fields of interest. This gives students the opportunity to acquire a broad overview of the cultures of the Celtic-speaking peoples and also to develop more specific areas of expertise.

Celtic Civilisation is particularly relevant for students interested in any aspect of Irish culture, since the Irish component reveals the rich heritage of the past and places it in the context of the wider historical and cultural experience of Celtic-speaking people in Europe. You can study sagas, mythological tales and nature poetry from the rich literature of medieval Ireland and Wales in translation. You can also explore the evidence for social institutions, religion and mythology from ancient continental sources and from material found in the medieval manuscripts of Ireland and Wales. As well as specifically-designed Celtic modules, the programme gives you a choice of studying relevant modules from other subjects such as linguistics, languages, folklore and history, according to your interests. Many of the modules are excellent choices as electives if you’re interested in Celtic culture in Ireland and beyond.

The Celtic Civilisation course focuses on Celtic cultures in Irish, British and European contexts and incorporates optional subjects in folklore, literature, history to allow students to pursue particular fields of interest. This gives students the opportunity to acquire a broad overview of Celtic culture and also to explore more specific aspects of interest.

First Year

First year modules introduce students to key topics in Celtic Civilisation. Modules include: Introduction to Celtic Civilisation • The British Celts • Vikings in the Celtic World • Early Ireland: Continuity & Change • Introduction to Early Irish

Second and Final Year

Students will develop a fuller view of different aspects of the cultures of the Celtic-speaking people. Modules include: Poets, Power & Performance • Literacy & Language in Early Ireland • Kings & Heroes of Early Ireland • Early Irish Myth and Sagas • Law and Society in Early Ireland • The fortunes of the Celtic languages

Early Irish

Early Irish (Old and Middle Irish) is the language in which the vast corpus of medieval Irish sagas, laws and historical documents were written. It is the gateway to the colourful social life and the dazzling scholarship of the medieval Irish people. You will have the opportunity to learn Early Irish from scratch in order to become familiar with the main features of the language, and you will be able to read medieval texts on centuries-old manuscripts. No previous knowledge of Irish is required.

Study Celtic Civilisation

Art History Irish Folklore
English Irish Studies
Film Studies Italian
German Latin
Greek Linguistics
Greek & Roman Civilisation Music
History Spanish
Irish/Gaeilge Portuguese
Study Celtic Civilisation (BSc Social Sciences) as a Minor:
Archaeology

Students can apply to study abroad in third year at one of our international partner institutions.

This degree provides the skills that will allow you to follow a wide range of graduate studies and career opportunities in: • Heritage • Research • Media • Teaching • Business • Technology

Graduates are also prepared for further studies in a wide range of linguistic, historical and literary fields including taught Masters in the UCD School of Irish, Celtic Studies & Folklore: MA Irish Folklore & Ethnology and MA Irish Studies.

UCD School of Irish, Celtic Studies and Folklore
p. +353 1 716 8166
e. roisin.mclaughlin@ucd.ie


Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students may progress to Stage 2 having passed any two Level 1 Celtic Civilization modules.

Students can take an additional Spring module from the list below in place of their Spring elective, if they wish.
 CCIV10010 Introduction to Celtic Civilization Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students may progress to Stage 2 having passed any two Level 1 Celtic Civilization modules.

Students can take an additional Spring module from the list below in place of their Spring elective, if they wish.
 CCIV10040 Vikings in the Celtic World Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students may progress to Stage 2 having passed any two Level 1 Celtic Civilization modules.

Students can take an additional Spring module from the list below in place of their Spring elective, if they wish.
 CCIV10020 Early Ireland: Continuity & Change Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students may progress to Stage 2 having passed any two Level 1 Celtic Civilization modules.

Students can take an additional Spring module from the list below in place of their Spring elective, if they wish.
 CCIV10030 The British Celts Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 CCIV20130 Kings and Heroes of Early Ireland Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 CCIV20120 Law & Society in Early Ireland Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - D) Min 3 of:
Please select three of the following modules.
 CCIV20100 Intro to Medieval Welsh Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - D) Min 3 of:
Please select three of the following modules.
 CCIV30070 Introduction to Early Irish 1 Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - D) Min 3 of:
Please select three of the following modules.
 EMIR10010 Introduction to Early Irish I Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - D) Min 3 of:
Please select three of the following modules.
 GRC20220 Greeks, Romans, and Barbarians Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - D) Min 3 of:
Please select three of the following modules.
 IRFL20010 The Study of Folklore: Origins and Development Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - D) Min 3 of:
Please select three of the following modules.
 IRFL20030 The Narrative Art Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - D) Min 3 of:
Please select three of the following modules.
 IRST20010 Place, People & Identities Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - D) Min 3 of:
Please select three of the following modules.
 AH20300 Medieval Art and Architecture: characteristics and influences Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - D) Min 3 of:
Please select three of the following modules.
 ARCH20610 Historical Archaeology Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - D) Min 3 of:
Please select three of the following modules.
 CCIV20070 Poets, Power and Performance Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - D) Min 3 of:
Please select three of the following modules.
 EMIR10020 Introduction to Early Irish II Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - D) Min 3 of:
Please select three of the following modules.
 IR20010 Teanga na Gaeilge II B (Irish language II B) Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - D) Min 3 of:
Please select three of the following modules.
 IRFL20090 Folklife & Ethnology Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - D) Min 3 of:
Please select three of the following modules.
 IRFL20100 Oral history and tradition Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - D) Min 3 of:
Please select three of the following modules.
 IRFL30020 Calendar Custom Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - D) Min 3 of:
Please select three of the following modules.
 IRFL30100 Popular religion and belief Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - E) Min 0 of:
This a College of Arts and Humanities module, It is the equivalent of an elective. You can take it instead of taking one of your Stage 2 electives. Please make sure that you have selected the correct number of programme options from the list above. This is not one of your required options.
 HUM20010 Career Readiness for Arts Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 CCIV30110 Early Irish Myths & Sagas Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Please select four of the following modules. Additional Modules can be taken in places of electives.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects)
 CCIV30070 Introduction to Early Irish 1 Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Please select four of the following modules. Additional Modules can be taken in places of electives.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects)
 EMIR10010 Introduction to Early Irish I Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Please select four of the following modules. Additional Modules can be taken in places of electives.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects)
 IRFL20010 The Study of Folklore: Origins and Development Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Please select four of the following modules. Additional Modules can be taken in places of electives.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects)
 IRFL20030 The Narrative Art Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Please select four of the following modules. Additional Modules can be taken in places of electives.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects)
 IRST20010 Place, People & Identities Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Please select four of the following modules. Additional Modules can be taken in places of electives.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects)
 CCIV30100 Introduction to Early Irish 2 Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Please select four of the following modules. Additional Modules can be taken in places of electives.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects)
 EMIR30130 Literacy & Learning Early Irl Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Please select four of the following modules. Additional Modules can be taken in places of electives.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects)
 GRC30290 Magic in the Ancient World Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Please select four of the following modules. Additional Modules can be taken in places of electives.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects)
 IRFL20100 Oral history and tradition Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Please select four of the following modules. Additional Modules can be taken in places of electives.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects)
 IRFL30020 Calendar Custom Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Please select four of the following modules. Additional Modules can be taken in places of electives.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects)
 IRFL30100 Popular religion and belief Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 CCIV30110 Early Irish Myths & Sagas Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Please select four of the following modules. Additional Modules can be taken in places of electives.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects)
 CCIV30070 Introduction to Early Irish 1 Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Please select four of the following modules. Additional Modules can be taken in places of electives.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects)
 EMIR10010 Introduction to Early Irish I Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Please select four of the following modules. Additional Modules can be taken in places of electives.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects)
 IRFL20010 The Study of Folklore: Origins and Development Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Please select four of the following modules. Additional Modules can be taken in places of electives.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects)
 IRFL20030 The Narrative Art Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Please select four of the following modules. Additional Modules can be taken in places of electives.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects)
 IRST20010 Place, People & Identities Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Please select four of the following modules. Additional Modules can be taken in places of electives.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects)
 CCIV30100 Introduction to Early Irish 2 Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Please select four of the following modules. Additional Modules can be taken in places of electives.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects)
 EMIR30130 Literacy & Learning Early Irl Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Please select four of the following modules. Additional Modules can be taken in places of electives.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects)
 IRFL20100 Oral history and tradition Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Please select four of the following modules. Additional Modules can be taken in places of electives.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects)
 IRFL30020 Calendar Custom Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Please select four of the following modules. Additional Modules can be taken in places of electives.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects)
 IRFL30100 Popular religion and belief Spring  5

SDG4 SDG 5 SDG 10 SDG 11 SDG 16 SDG 17

 

By joining the UCD College of Arts and Humanities you will be part of a vibrant community of students and faculty who are committed to creating a more sustainable, just and equitable future. Our courses are designed to equip students with the best education in their chosen arts and humanities subjects. Our research and teaching and learning connect with many of the SDGs, most notably:

  • SDG 4: Quality Education -Promotes inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

  • SDG 5: Gender Equality - Advances gender equality by addressing social norms, histories, and cultural practices that contribute to gender disparities.

  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities - Encourages understanding and action against social, economic, and political inequalities.

  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities - Enhances cultural understanding and heritage preservation, fostering sustainable communities.

  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - Promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions through critical inquiry into human rights, ethics, and governance.

  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - Encourages global partnerships and collaboration by fostering international understanding and dialogue.

Our programmes equip students with critical thinking, empathy, and cultural awareness, essential for addressing complex global challenges.

I chose to study this because of the expertise offered at UCD and my passion for discovering the rich history that surrounds us. Many of the medieval tales come from places not far from home, such as the Hill of Tara, and the Boyne Valley and their mythology is rich. Some topics covered will be familiar like ‘The Coming of the Celts’ and ‘Newgrange” and you will be brought to a much deeper level through your professors and independent learning. I love the atmosphere of the classroom and find it a very open place where you get to know your peers and professors. If you have an avid interest in History, Art History and languages you will love this course.

Caolan Maher, Student.

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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Celtic Civilisation:

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Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science

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DN520
Joint Honours
Bachelor of Arts

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Commencing September 2025
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DN700
Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science

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Commencing September 2025
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