Achieve proficiency in written and spoken Irish and an in depth knowledge of music. Students will spend time in the Gaeltacht.
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. Our programmes will enable you to participate fully in the Irish language community as a confident and independent user of the language and to support you in gaining stimulating and fulfilling employment.
At Magee, you can study Irish as a single honours degree or as part of the combinations framework (major, main or minor) with other subjects (including Drama, Music, Computing, Marketing, Management Studies, Law).
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 optional modules (depending on combination) 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.
The Music programme is based around four core elements: Performance, Composition, Musicology and Music Technology. Year 1 is designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of musical styles, genres and disciplines enabling them to develop existing skills and interests as well as acquire a range of new ones. Year 2 allows students the opportunity to begin specialising by introducing a number of optional modules. Year 3 enables students to focus their degree programme in one or more related areas of specialist interest with a broad range of advanced level modules.
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
3 years full-time.
Teaching
Irish adopts a variety of strategies to encourage and support learning. These include lectures, seminars, practicals, conversation classes, and the provision of formative coursework such as written assignments and presentations. Lectures generally provide an overview of the subject matter to be covered, locate it contextually, direct attention to important issues of interpretation and provide a guide to primary and secondary literature. Seminars take a number of forms: intensive reading and critical examination of texts or discussion of a previously announced topic for which reading has been prescribed. The aim of seminars is to give students an opportunity to discuss material presented in lectures with their peers and their lecturer, to allow the lecturer to judge the degree to which students have understood the lecture topics, and to develop high-order intellectual skills such as critical thinking and transferable/professional skills such as oral presentation. Practicals generally take the form of small class groups and focus on the acquisition of subject-based skills such as reading skills, grammar, and pronunciation. A large proportion of modern language practicals take place in the Multimedia Language Labs and consist of both presentation of new material and linked exercises aimed at reinforcing and testing material covered by the tutor in that session. One-to-one tutorials are organised for the Dissertation.
There is a degree of differentiation in teaching methods according to level. In Year 1, various methods are used to assist students in the transition from School to University. In particular, CALL and multimedia are used in class to improve language skills, especially grammar. This provides students with a supportive environment in which they can take instruction from the tutor and immediately apply newly-acquired/revised knowledge without the pressure of public performance. Immediate feedback from CALL packages assures them that they are on the right track or alerts them/the tutor to any problems. In Years 2 and 3, greater independence is encouraged; CALL is used for independent study and students are expected to make greater independent use of media in Irish.
Assessment
Students are assessed through a combination of coursework assignments and formal examinations. In the final year, all modules except the dissertation are weighted 50% coursework and 50% examination; in Year Two, most modules are assessed entirely by coursework, but this includes a number of class tests. In Year 1, students are assessed by 100% coursework in the first semester, and by a predominance of 50% coursework/50% examination in the second semester. Assessment criteria are directly related to learning outcomes.
All staff in Irish are members of The Irish and Celtic Studies Research Institute which was rated the second in the UK for Celtic Studies in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014. Staff are actively involved in world leading research that informs the subjects they teach.
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 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.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
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.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
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.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
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.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
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
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
Musicology 1 introduces students to the nature of musicological enquiry. Its purpose is to develop students' familiarity with important areas of musical activity, trends and genres, and to address some of the major issues in relation to the study and performance of Western Art and Popular Music. The module also enables students to develop fundamental skills in the study of tonal harmony.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
This module introduces the student to a variety of approaches relating to the study of musical performance, promotes self-awareness and provides a broad context for further development. It is designed to develop current levels of aural awareness and serve as an introduction to improvisation as a means by which musicians may generate and develop musical ideas spontaneously, without reliance on a score
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
This module builds on the skills acquired in MUS102, develops self-awareness, and encourages students to advance their understanding and appreciation of artistic qualities that characterise musical performances. Students are encouraged to make relevant connections between the skills developed here and within other areas of the programme
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
In this module students will be introduced to the study of Irish traditional music and the evolution of early jazz.The study of fundamental harmony introduced in Musicology 1 will be continued with emphasis on early jazz.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
This module engages with a cross-section of musicological and performance-practice issues in the study of nineteenth-century Western Art Music and Contemporary Classical Music.
Year: 2
Status: C
The module provides an elucidation of important aspects of Irish folklore, oral tradition and literary heritage.
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.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
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. The module introduces the concepts of register and error analysis.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
The module introduces a range of the most important theoretical approaches within Translation Studies, which leads to become familiar with specific terminology, reflect and apply theory on both professional practice and academic research. In addition, the module provides students with more refined discourse analysis and translation skills which are relevant for the professional linguist and translator.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module examines various diachronic aspects of the Irish language.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
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.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
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.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module will allow students to enhance their understanding of the Irish language sector in a broader professional context whilst absorbing experiences gained within a work-based environment and/or scenario. This Level 5 Semester 2 module may also serve as a precursor to a placement inspired Research Project in year 3.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module builds on the perspectives established in Musicology 3, and provides students with both a broad appraisal of Irish traditional music, song and dance and specific explorations of music in a variety of styles as well as advanced harmony skills and an insight into popular music aesthetics/experimental pop.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
In this module students increase their knowledge of repertoire and performance styles and develop a range of performance and performance-related skills.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
In this module students develop their individual strengths in performance, their critical faculties and their awareness of the visual dimensions of performance
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module will introduce students to the key historical, practical, theoretical, and aesthetic themes associated with experimental music composition and performance.
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.
Year: 4
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 research project
Year: 4
Status: C
This module examines various synchronic and diachronic aspects of the Irish language.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced study in interactive media systems for installation and/or performance applications.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module develops the learner's understanding of the key role the `forgotten' medium of sound has in contemporary media and in our everyday lived experience. Learning will be grounded in an historical overview of the development of sound study, sound technology and the principal sound art projects of the last 150 years. This grounding will be used to encourage students to develop their own analyses of the ways in which sound frames and permeates our everyday lives and to create their own sound productions informed by these perspectives.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
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.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module analyses modern prose and drama in Irish, with a particular focus on the novel.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
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: 4
This module is optional
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.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module will allow students to develop the skills necessary to undertake and complete a research project, allowing them to pursue in depth a particular topic, agreed with a supervisor, in which they have a particular interest.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module will allow students to develop the skills necessary to undertake and complete a research project, allowing them to pursue in depth a particular topic, agreed with a supervisor, in which they have a particular interest.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This modules explores the development of Jazz in the United States in the twentieth century using a range of critical and analytical techniques.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module will allow students to develop the skills necessary to undertake and complete a research project, allowing them to pursue in depth a particular topic, agreed with a supervisor, in which they have a particular interest.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module provides students with a historical, theoretical, stylistic and aesthetic study of music and moving image and the opportunity to compose for the screen. The module focuses primarily on film music and its genres but also covers other screen media, in particular music video and music for television. The module is divided between theoretical and analytical work, including the discussion of selected case studies, and practical work composing and editing in the lab.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
In this module students may focus on repertoire/styles in which they have demonstrated particular strengths. They enhance their performance profile through involvement in a range of performance-related activities.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module is designed for students who have displayed the potential to pursue performance to a level of artistic excellence.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module will provide students with an overview of the sounds, conversation, communities and contexts of traditional musics in Ireland with a view to developing critical thinking and commentary skills in relation to issues raised.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This Module is intended to encourage and empower the student to compose medium scale (6-10 minute) works demonstrating a variety of creative approaches and skills.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module is geared towards developing compositional skills the student has acquired in MUS517 Composition Portfolio 1, and channelling them towards the production of two large scale pieces of music.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced study in audio production.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module allows students to spend a period of time working outside the university in a suitable music or arts organisation.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module allows students to spend a period of time working outside the university in a suitable music or arts organisation.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module introduces students to the practice of teaching music outside the formal school environment. It considers practical supports to help build skills in the planning, delivery and monitoring of teaching, and to encourage future teachers to become reflective in their practice. It also introduces students to the entrepreneurial context in which such teaching in the community is often situated.
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
Grades CCC
Applicants may satisfy the requirement for the A level C grade by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.
*** 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 Distinction Merit Merit
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2016 Suite)
Award profile of Merit Merit Merit
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma(2012 Suite)
Award profile of Distinction Merit plus A Level Grade C or award profile of Distinction Merit plus A Level Grade C
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2016 Suite)
Award profile of Merit Merit 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 CC
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 CC
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.
96 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
Grades CCCCC
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 by the University.
DDD
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.
Overall profile of 55% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access course)
Overall profile of 45 credits at merit (60 credit Access course) (GB Access course)
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 with distinctions in 15 Level 5 credits.
Applicants holding a HNC with overall Merit with distinctions in 45 Level 4 credits.
Foundation Degree - an overall mark of 40% in Level 5 modules for Year 1 entry.
Applicants who hold the Ulster University Diploma in Irish Language will be considered for Year 1 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.
Studying music at Ulster prepares graduates for a range of careers both inside and outside of the music industry. Our students have been successful in establishing careers as composers and performers, studio engineers, teachers, community music leaders and many progress to postgraduate study at the University of Ulster and other domestic and international institutions. Meanwhile, the interdisciplinary opportunities afforded to music students across the subject areas at the School of Creative Arts equips our graduates with a unique range of skills and experiences vital to any career in the creative industries that few other institutions can provide.
Students can study abroad as part of Erasmus+.
Students can gain placement experience as part of Luach Breise.
£4,710.00
£9,250.00
£15,840.00
Prize for best final year dissertation.
Students visit the Gaeltacht for a week in the Autumn and in the Spring each year. The cost of each course is circa £125 to cover travel, accommodation, food, activities, excursions and classes.
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.”
