Achieve proficiency in written and spoken Irish while gaining an in-depth understanding of literature, translation, folklore and Scottish Gaelic.
The University offers a comprehensive range of programmes in Irish in both part-time and full-time mode at a number of centres which serve a diverse constituency of students. The breadth of Irish language provision at Ulster and the practice amongst staff and students of using Irish as a primary medium of communication reflects the University’s strong commitment to cultural and linguistic diversity within Northern Ireland. The University’s Irish programmes play a vital role in preserving, sustaining and celebrating Ireland’s Gaelic literary and linguistic heritage as well as serving the demands of the Irish language sector within the local and international job market. At a personal level our programmes also fulfil the needs of individuals who wish to acquire the necessary competence to fully participate in the Irish language community as confident and independent users of the language. The Diploma programme has been designed to reflect the University’s vision of leading in the provision of professional education for professional life. The commitment to support graduates in gaining stimulating and fulfilling employment is one of the School’s primary concerns.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
Students on the programme will study Modern Irish language (grammar, pronunciation, writing) and Modern literature, as well as modules in the development of the language since the Gaelic Revival, Irish Cultural Studies, Folklore, Irish Dialects and Translation. The literature modules will give you a solid understanding of writing in Irish from the early 20th century to the modern day, including the novel, short story, drama and verse, and the language modules will help you to achieve a high level of competence in written and spoken Irish. All students will also have the opportunity to study Scottish Gaelic language and Literature.
5 years part-time (students who complete the Diploma will be considered for entry to year 2).
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until near the start date and may be subject to change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days of attendance will often be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10- or 20-credit modules and postgraduate course typically 15- or 30-credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Masters courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be via one method or a combination e.g. examination and coursework . Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have four learning outcomes, and no more than two items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6 (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Masters degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.
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Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
This module covers the acquisition of written communicative skills, enabling the student to express themselves correctly in writing with confidence in a variety of everyday and academic contexts.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module aims to help students acquire skills and critical acumen in active reading that will be essential for successful progression through the degree program.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module aims to further develop students' skills and critical acumen in active reading, to bring about an awareness of dialect differences, and to expand knowledge of idiom in Irish.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module takes students on the course from B2 (Vantage or upper intermediate):
- Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization.
- Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
- Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
to C1 (Effective operational proficiency or advanced level):
- Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer clauses, and recognize implicit meaning.
- Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
- Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
- Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module examines the various political, socio-economic and cultural factors that precipitated the decline of Irish, its revival at the end of the nineteenth century and the emergence of a modern Irish literature in Irish
Year: 2
Status: C
This module should consolidate the students' C1 level (Effective operational proficiency or advanced level) (CEFRL):
- Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer clauses, and recognize implicit meaning.
- Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
- Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
- Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module examines various diachronic aspects of the Irish language.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module involves an in-depth study of modern Irish poetry from the beginning until the end of the twentieth century. The module aims equally to increase students' competence in the area of literary analysis and structured response.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module builds on an Ghaeilge Scríofa 1 and covers the acquisition of written communicative skills, enabling the student to express themselves correctly in writing with confidence in a variety of everyday and academic contexts.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module seeks to build on the language skills gained in previous modules. The module's primary focus is to help students write and speak Irish with increased accuracy. Students will study the grammatical rules of Irish in a systematic manner while using spoken Irish in a range of speech acts. The module introduces the concepts of register and error analysis.
Year: 3
Status: C
The module provides an elucidation of important aspects of Irish folklore, oral tradition and literary heritage.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module explores the literary tradition of 18th and 19th century Ireland. It examines both poetry and prose texts of various genres from this period, places them in their historical and cultural context and further develops methods of practical criticism.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module will introduce students to the study of grammar, syntax and phonology in Irish translation. Students will also study of the discourse of contemporary Irish translation and engage critically with key concepts in translation.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
The module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline of Celtic Studies whilst generating educational and cultural networks.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module builds on grammatical and literary skills which have been cultivated in other modules. It encourages students to look at written Irish in a new light in order to enhance their own use of the language. The module is delivered through the medium of Irish.
Year: 5
Status: C
This module provides the student with the opportunity to select any topic from the area of Irish Studies/Irish Language and Literature on which he/she may undertake an individual project.
Year: 5
Status: C
This module introduces students to Classical Irish and the Irish of the seventeenth century. It examines Bardic poetry, learned love poetry and key prose texts of the period.
Year: 5
Status: C
This module analyses modern prose and drama in Irish, with a particular focus on the novel.
Year: 5
Status: C
This module examines various synchronic and diachronic aspects of the Irish language.
Year: 5
Status: C
This module seeks to build on the language skills gained in all previous modules. Students will be given the chance to further develop their written and oral proficiency by completing a range of tasks. Detailed comprehension exercises in Irish will enable students to perfect their knowledge of Irish grammar. Extended debates and presentations will help students speak Irish with confidence and complete accuracy.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
The A Level requirement for this course is BCC at to include grade B in Irish.
Applicants may satisfy the requirement for an A level C grade by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.
The University will consider applications on the basis of experiential learning for those who do not hold the normal entry qualifications. Those applicants seeking entry with advanced standing, (eg. transfer from another institution) will be considered on an individual basis but should note that this process can be more difficult in subject combination programmes as both subjects must be satisfied.
*** To note that only qualifications defined as “Applied General” will be accepted for entry onto any undergraduate course at Ulster University.***
BTEC Awards
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of DDM
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2016 Suite)
Award profile of DMM
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma(2012 Suite)
Award profile of DM plus A Level Grade C or award profile of DM plus A Level Grade B
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2016 Suite)
Award profile of DM plus A Level Grade C
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of Merit plus A Level Grades BC
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate (2016 Suite)
Award profile of Merit plus A Level Grades BC
Diploma, National Diploma and Subsidiary Diploma applicants may satisfy the requirement for an element of the offer grade profiles (equating to the final A-level grade stated in the standard 3A level offer profile - grade C) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.
The Irish Leaving Certificate requirement for this course is grades
H3,H3,H3,H4,H4 at higher level to include Irish at grade H3.
Applicants are also required to have Higher Level English Grade H6 or above OR Ordinary Level at grade 04 or above.
The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is to include BCCCC. Candidates must fulfill the subject requirement for Irish via other qualifications.
Applicants may satisfy the requirement for an element of the offer grade profiles (equating to the final A-level grade stated in the standard 3A level offer profile - Grade C ) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.
The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is grades CDD. Candidates must fulfill the subject requirement for Irish via other qualifications.
Applicants may satisfy the requirement for an element of the offer grade profiles (equating to the final A-level grade stated in the standard 3A level offer profile - Grade C ) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.
Overall International Baccalaureate profile minimum 24 points to include 12 at higher level. Candidates must fulfill the subject requirement for Irish (A level grade B or equivalent) via other qualifications.
An overall mark of 60% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access course)
Candidates must fulfill the subject requirement for Irish via other qualifications.
Overall profile of 12 credits at distinction, 30 credits at merit and 3 credits at pass (60 credit Access course) (GB Access course)
Candidates must fulfill the subject requirement for Irish via other qualifications.
For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above English Language.
Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Applicants holding a HND should achieve an overall Merit award (for entry to Year 1 ). Candidates must fulfill the subject requirement for Irish ( A level grade B or equivalent) via other qualifications.
Applicants holding a HNC with overall Merit award will be considered on an individual basis for Year 1 entry only. Candidates must fulfill the subject requirement for Irish ( A level grade B or equivalent) via other qualifications.
Applicants studying on Ulster Foundation Degree courses should achieve an overall mark of 45% in level 5 modules for Year 1 entry only. Candidates must fulfill the subject requirement for Irish ( A level grade B or equivalent) via other qualifications.
Applicants who hold the Ulster University Diploma in Irish Language will be considered for year one entry.
The University will consider applications on the basis of experiential learning for those who do not hold the normal entry qualifications. Those applicants seeking entry with advanced standing, (eg. Transfer from another institution) will be considered on an individual basis.
Studies pursued and examinations passed in respect of other qualifications awarded by the University or by another university or other educational institution, or evidence from the accreditation of prior experiential learning, may be accepted as exempting candidates from part of an approved programme provided that they shall register as students of the University for modules amounting to at least the final third of the credit value of the award at the highest level.
Although students may transfer out of the programme to other courses within the University, transfer in is subject to this condition.
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
Employment opportunities exist in a wide range of areas including education, the media, publishing, government, librarianship and various areas of business.
The employability profile of our students in recent years has been more than impressive, with a disproportional number of our ex-students holding senior positions in Irish language organisations throughout Ireland. This includes: Chief Executive of Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta (Irish medium education advisory body), Senior Programme manager with Foras na Gaeilge (cross-border body responsible for Irish), Programme Manager with CCEA, President of Comhaltas Uladh, Director of An Carn Translations, Principal of Gaelscoil an tSrátha Báin (Strabane Irish-medium primary school) and a Senior Producer in the BBC. The unprecedented growth of the Irish language in recent years has resulted in an increase of demand for services through the medium of Irish. Due to this, our students find themselves in the enviable position of being able to be circumspect when it comes to choosing the career path they wish to follow.
Graduates will also be well equipped to pursue postgraduate studies in the broad field of linguistics, folklore, Celtic Studies, translation and sociolinguistics.
For information on postgraduate research opportunities see: www.arts.ulster.ac.uk/rgs
The price of your overall programme will be determined by the number of credit points that you initiate in the relevant academic year.
For modules commenced in the academic year 2023/24, the following fees apply:
| Credit Points | NI/ROI Cost | GB Cost | International Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 | £4,710 | £9,249.60 | £15,840 |
| 60 | £2,355 | £4,624.80 | £7,920 |
| 30 | £1,177.50 | £2,312.40 | £3,960 |
| 20 | £785 | £1,541.60 | £2,640 |
NB: A standard full-time undergraduate degree is equivalent to 120 credit points per year.
*Please note our on campus part-time postgraduate courses are not open to international (non-EU) students.
Prize for best final year dissertation.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
“The School of Irish creates a lot of opportunities to achieve excellence in Irish, for example, annual trips to the Gaeltacht and also assists in getting work in the Gaeltacht as summer school leaders. I really enjoyed the Irish course and the classes.”
“Is mór a chuaigh an chéim sa Ghaeilge i bhfeidhm orm. Bhí béim ar leith ar an Nua-Ghaeilge agus ar scileanna feidhmiúla teanga a chruthaigh cuid mhór deiseanna dom i ndiaidh an chúrsa. Bhí muid mar a bheadh pobal teanga san Ollscoil, rud a chuidigh liom agus mé ag cur le mo chuid Gaeilge.”
