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IRST30210

Academic Year 2026/2027

Irish Studies Research Skills (IRST30210)

Subject:
Irish Studies
College:
Arts & Humanities
School:
Irish, Celtic Stud & Folklore
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Aoife Whelan
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module will enable students to familiarise themselves with the various methodologies, theoretical frameworks and interdisciplinary approaches related to Irish Studies. Students will attend research workshops, supplemented by seminar series, exhibitions and other events, as well as individual advisory sessions. Over the course of the module, students will choose a specific topic to research independently, culminating in a final research project. Students will also complete an online learning journal reflecting on the coursework and will submit a draft research proposal for review before completing their final project.

*Traffic Light Red: Students are not permitted to use generative artificial intelligence (AI) in this module.*
The Module Coordinator may request an in-person discussion to review the student's knowledge of the material submitted. The outcome of any such meetings may impact the grade awarded.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students will have:

- Acquired an expanded understanding of interdisciplinary methodological approaches in Irish Studies research;
- Developed the academic skills required to carry out independent research;
- Enhanced their skills and experience in critical analysis, academic writing, referencing styles, drafting proposals and reflective learning.


Indicative Module Content:

Students will engage in:
- research skills workshops on methodologies, literature reviews, sourcing of data, academic referencing;
- active learning through research;
- research seminars in the School, College, University and wider community;
- independent studies based on research topic;
- tours and visits to research repositories;
- individual advisory sessions with research supervisor.

UNESCO highlights a set of key competencies that support individuals in their development and support society in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UCD has adapted these competencies and is combining them with others to form a general framework of learning competencies. This module will help you develop the competencies below to the levels specified. 
Learning Competency Additional Information Level

Collaboration

 The ability to learn from others; to understand and respect the needs, perspectives and actions of others (empathy); to understand, relate to and be sensitive to others (empathic leadership); to deal with conflicts in a group; and to facilitate collaborative and participatory problem solving. Proficient

Critical Thinking

 The ability to question norms, practices and opinions; to reflect on one’s own values, perceptions and actions. Proficient

Digital Literacy and Judgement

 The ability to access, evaluate, create and communicate information in digital environments; to engage critically, ethically and responsibly with digital technologies and digital information; to understand their opportunities, limitations, risks and impact on individual’s digital identities; and to exercise informed judgement in digital participation and decision-making. Proficient

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


Goal Name Description Coverage

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all 5
 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Seminar (or Webinar)

10
Specified Learning Activities

30
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module will include:
- online workshops and seminars
- active learning
- critical analysis
- analytical writing
- academic writing and referencing
- reflective learning

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Individual Project: Final Research Project (c. 3,000 words) Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
50
 No
Participation in Learning Activities: Research Project Proposal (c. 300 words) Week 9 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No
Reflective Assignment: Online worksheets based on Research Skills Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Learning Journal: Individual feedback through Brightspace throughout the semster Proposal Draft: Group and individual feedback for approval of Research Project topic Research Project: Individual feedback post-assessment

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Seminar Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Mon 11:00 - 11:50
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