- Students should have an understanding of the basic elements and theories of folkloristic research and of contemporary critical discourse in folklore and ethnology, including the ability to assess assumptions and the ways in which such assumptions have developed within society.
- appreciate and articulate the ways in which the present is moulded by the past in the area of popular tradition and folklore.
- demonstrate digital expertise through the use of digital resources such as www.duchas.ie.
- demonstrate effective communication skills with appropriate use of subject-specific terminology; develop their knowledge and use of subject-specific and transferable skills.
- indicate an understanding of the ethical responsibilities involved in folkloristic research, and an understanding of the necessity of establishing empathy with informants/co-researchers.
- show a capacity for relating what they have learned to their own experience and to issues which arise in the wider community.
This course is available through the following application route(s)
The HDip in Irish Folklore should provide students with the requisite skills, knowledge and experience to enable them to formulate and complete their own research projects in the field of folklore studies
- Designed for students and scholars without any previous background in general folkloristics or comparative ethnology
- Training in original archival and fieldwork research and methods.
- Access to the specialist library and archive holdings of the UCD Delargy Centre for Irish Folklore and the National Folklore Collection
About This Course
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.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
IRFL20010 | The Study of Folklore: Origins and Development | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
IRFL20030 | The Narrative Art | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
IRFL30030 | The Life Cycle | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
IRFL40020 | Seminars and Dissertation 1 | Autumn | 15 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
IRFL30070 | Seminars and Dissertation 2 | Spring | 15 |
Stage 1 Options - A)3 of: Students must then select three option modules from Levels 2 and 3 in Irish Folklore, as listed below (subject to possible timetabling restrictions). |
IRFL30090 | Collectors of Song and Music | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)3 of: Students must then select three option modules from Levels 2 and 3 in Irish Folklore, as listed below (subject to possible timetabling restrictions). |
IRFL20050 | Healers and Healing | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)3 of: Students must then select three option modules from Levels 2 and 3 in Irish Folklore, as listed below (subject to possible timetabling restrictions). |
IRFL20100 | Oral history and tradition | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)3 of: Students must then select three option modules from Levels 2 and 3 in Irish Folklore, as listed below (subject to possible timetabling restrictions). |
IRFL30020 | Calendar Custom | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)3 of: Students must then select three option modules from Levels 2 and 3 in Irish Folklore, as listed below (subject to possible timetabling restrictions). |
IRFL30100 | Popular religion and belief | Spring | 5 |
HDip Irish Folklore (Z086) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 7180
nonEU fee per year - € 15070
***Fees are subject to change
EU fee per year - € 7180
nonEU fee per year - € 15070
***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.
If English is not your native language, unless you have done your primary degree through English in an English speaking country, an English language qualification is required for all programmes.
Higher Diploma in Irish Folklore
You will need:
- A primary degree at third level and a complete transcript of academic history including grades for each subject taken.
- Names and contact details of two referees who can assess your intellectual ability, maturity and motivation.
- Other documentation as required by the University.
- A basic reading knowledge of the Irish language is also required for this programme. This may be acquired concurrently with the student’s Higher Diploma studies.
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: No
The programme is designed for students and scholars without any previous background in general folkloristics or comparative ethnology, with the aim of providing them with a broad knowledge of the essentials of these subjects. The course is suitable as a conversion course which could provide a pathway to higher degrees in Irish Folklore.
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Irish Folklore:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | Z086 Irish Folklore Higher Diploma Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsApply |
* you can change options at the top of the page