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Irish Studies  (ISS1)

BA (NFQ Level 8) · Academic Year 2024/2025
School
School of Irish, Celtic Studies and Folklore
Attendance
Full Time
Level
Undergraduate
NFQ Level
8
Award
Bachelor of Arts
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Programme Director
Dr Aoife Whelan
Overall Programme Credits:
240
Programme Credits:
Stage 1
Core/Option: 55 Electives: 5
Stage 2
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 3
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 4
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
Stage 1: 55
Stage 2: 50

Curricular information is subject to change.

Irish Studies is an interdisciplinary programme that examines the variety and diversity of Irish history, society, cultural practice and the complex processes through which Ireland and Irish identities have been constructed.

It asks a series of provocative and stimulating questions about ideas of Ireland and Irishness, such as how can we understand the ways in which place, history, culture and society have shaped Ireland, past and present? How do processes of emigration and immigration impact on Irish culture, society and identity? What influence have identity categories such as gender, sexuality, ethnicity and class had on Irish culture, society and identities?

Exchange opportunities available to third year students include: • Edinburgh University, UK • Glasgow University, UK • University of Toronto, Canada • University of Otago, New Zealand • Concordia University, Canada

Irish Studies is a growing discipline, offering other possible international study opportunities in the US, Canada, UK, China, Australia, Europe and South Africa.

Irish Studies graduates develop key skills such as research, critical thinking and writing, that have diverse applications and can lead to employment opportunities in: Journalism and the Media, Tourism, Heritage, Advertising, Business, the Arts, Public Relations, Public Service and Politics.

Graduates are prepared to pursue MA and Diploma courses offered by the UCD School of Irish, Celtic Studies & Folklore including the MA Irish Studies and the MA Irish Folklore & Ethnology. Graduates may also pursue MLitt and PhD studies specialising in one of the many areas of the subject.

UCD School of Irish, Celtic Studies and Folklore
p. +353 1 716 8385
e. bairbre.nichonchuir@ucd.ie


Stage 1

Students must take the two core modules IRST10010 Introduction to Irish Studies and IRST10020 Introduction to Cultural Studies plus 45 credits of options (9 modules in total).



All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)



Students can choose a 5 credit module in place of an elective from any of the option module lists.



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 Core Modules
IRST10010 Introduction to Irish Studies Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
IRST10020 Introduction to Irish Cultural Studies Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Options A: Culture and Identity
Choose a total of 9 modules across Options A (Culture and Identity), Options C (History and Heritage) and Options D (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may take an additional option modules in place of their Spring elective, if they wish.
AH10070 Dublin: Its Museums and Collections Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Options A: Culture and Identity
Choose a total of 9 modules across Options A (Culture and Identity), Options C (History and Heritage) and Options D (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may take an additional option modules in place of their Spring elective, if they wish.
CCIV10010 Introduction to Celtic Civilization Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Options A: Culture and Identity
Choose a total of 9 modules across Options A (Culture and Identity), Options C (History and Heritage) and Options D (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may take an additional option modules in place of their Spring elective, if they wish.
CCIV10040 Vikings in the Celtic World Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Options A: Culture and Identity
Choose a total of 9 modules across Options A (Culture and Identity), Options C (History and Heritage) and Options D (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may take an additional option modules in place of their Spring elective, if they wish.
EMIR10010 Introduction to Early Irish I Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Options A: Culture and Identity
Choose a total of 9 modules across Options A (Culture and Identity), Options C (History and Heritage) and Options D (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may take an additional option modules in place of their Spring elective, if they wish.
IRFL10010 Introduction to Folklore Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Options A: Culture and Identity
Choose a total of 9 modules across Options A (Culture and Identity), Options C (History and Heritage) and Options D (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may take an additional option modules in place of their Spring elective, if they wish.
IR10050 Irish for Beginners/Gaeilge do Thosaitheoirí Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Options A: Culture and Identity
Choose a total of 9 modules across Options A (Culture and Identity), Options C (History and Heritage) and Options D (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may take an additional option modules in place of their Spring elective, if they wish.
MUS10240 Music in Ireland Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Options A: Culture and Identity
Choose a total of 9 modules across Options A (Culture and Identity), Options C (History and Heritage) and Options D (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may take an additional option modules in place of their Spring elective, if they wish.
CCIV10020 Early Ireland: Continuity & Change Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Options A: Culture and Identity
Choose a total of 9 modules across Options A (Culture and Identity), Options C (History and Heritage) and Options D (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may take an additional option modules in place of their Spring elective, if they wish.
CCIV10030 The British Celts Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Options A: Culture and Identity
Choose a total of 9 modules across Options A (Culture and Identity), Options C (History and Heritage) and Options D (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may take an additional option modules in place of their Spring elective, if they wish.
IRFL10040 Ethnography of the Everyday Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 1 of:
Options C: History and Heritage

Choose a total of 9 modules across Options A (Culture and Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options D (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students can choose an additional option module in place of their Spring elective, if they wish.
GEOG10130 Geography Matters Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 1 of:
Options C: History and Heritage

Choose a total of 9 modules across Options A (Culture and Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options D (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students can choose an additional option module in place of their Spring elective, if they wish.
SPOL10180 History of Irish Social Policy Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 1 of:
Options C: History and Heritage

Choose a total of 9 modules across Options A (Culture and Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options D (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students can choose an additional option module in place of their Spring elective, if they wish.
ARCH10050 Intro archaeology of Ireland Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 1 of:
Options C: History and Heritage

Choose a total of 9 modules across Options A (Culture and Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options D (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students can choose an additional option module in place of their Spring elective, if they wish.
HIS10310 Ireland's English Centuries Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 1 of:
Options C: History and Heritage

Choose a total of 9 modules across Options A (Culture and Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options D (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students can choose an additional option module in place of their Spring elective, if they wish.
HIS10320 The Making of Modern Ireland, 1800-2000 Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 1 of:
Options D: Literature
Choose a total of 9 modules across Options A (Culture an Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options C (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)
ENG10130 Contemporary Irish Writing Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 1 of:
Options D: Literature
Choose a total of 9 modules across Options A (Culture an Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options C (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)
IR10210 Cultúr na hÓige Gaelaí Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
IRST20010 Place, People & Identities Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
IRST20060 Reading Irish Studies Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Choose a total of 8 modules across Options A (Culture an Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options C (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may choose additional option modules in place of electives, if they wish.
CCIV20130 Kings and Heroes of Early Ireland Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Choose a total of 8 modules across Options A (Culture an Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options C (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may choose additional option modules in place of electives, if they wish.
ECON20060 Irish Economy: Policy Making in a Global Context Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Choose a total of 8 modules across Options A (Culture an Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options C (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may choose additional option modules in place of electives, if they wish.
IRFL20010 The Study of Folklore: Origins and Development Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Choose a total of 8 modules across Options A (Culture an Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options C (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may choose additional option modules in place of electives, if they wish.
AH20300 Medieval Art and Architecture: characteristics and influences Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Choose a total of 8 modules across Options A (Culture an Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options C (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may choose additional option modules in place of electives, if they wish.
CCIV20120 Law & Society in Early Ireland Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Choose a total of 8 modules across Options A (Culture an Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options C (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may choose additional option modules in place of electives, if they wish.
FS20140 Irish Cinema & TV Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Choose a total of 8 modules across Options A (Culture an Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options C (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may choose additional option modules in place of electives, if they wish.
IRFL20050 Healers and Healing Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Choose a total of 8 modules across Options A (Culture an Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options C (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may choose additional option modules in place of electives, if they wish.
IRFL20090 Folklife & Ethnology Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Choose a total of 8 modules across Options A (Culture an Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options C (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may choose additional option modules in place of electives, if they wish.
MUS20030 Studies in Irish Music Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Choose a total of 8 modules across Options A (Culture an Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options C (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may choose additional option modules in place of electives, if they wish.
HIS21180 Landscapes Remade: People and Place in Ireland, 1500-1800 Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Choose a total of 8 modules across Options A (Culture an Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options C (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may choose additional option modules in place of electives, if they wish.
HIS21240 Celts, Romans and Vikings: The Formation of Early Ireland Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Choose a total of 8 modules across Options A (Culture an Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options C (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may choose additional option modules in place of electives, if they wish.
HIS21120 Northern Ireland, 1920-2010: from partition to Paisley Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Choose a total of 8 modules across Options A (Culture an Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options C (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may choose additional option modules in place of electives, if they wish.
IRFL20100 Oral history and tradition Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 1 of:
Choose a total of 8 modules across Options A (Culture an Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options C (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may choose additional option modules in place of electives, if they wish.
DRAM20110 Contemporary Ireland On Stage Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 1 of:
Choose a total of 8 modules across Options A (Culture an Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options C (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may choose additional option modules in place of electives, if they wish.
IR20220 Bláthú na Nuafhilíochta Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 1 of:
Choose a total of 8 modules across Options A (Culture an Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options C (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may choose additional option modules in place of electives, if they wish.
IR20240 An Ghaeilge ar an Scáileán Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 1 of:
Choose a total of 8 modules across Options A (Culture an Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options C (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may choose additional option modules in place of electives, if they wish.
IRFL20030 The Narrative Art Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 1 of:
Choose a total of 8 modules across Options A (Culture an Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options C (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may choose additional option modules in place of electives, if they wish.
CCIV20070 Poets, Power and Performance Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 1 of:
Choose a total of 8 modules across Options A (Culture an Identity), Options B (History and Heritage) and Options C (Literature). You must choose at least one module from each group.
All students are strongly advised to balance their workload evenly across both trimesters. This means you should pick 30 credits in autumn (Trimester 1) and 30 credits in spring (Trimester 2)

Students may choose additional option modules in place of electives, if they wish.
ENG20440 Reading the story of Ireland: Irish Literature in English Spring  5

See the UCD Assessment website for further details

Module Weighting Info
 
  Award GPA
Programme Module Weightings Rule Description Description >= <=
BHACS024 Stage 4 - 50.00%
Stage 3 - 30.00%
Stage 2 - 20.00%
Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20

Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67

Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07

Pass

2.00

2.47