Qualification : POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA
Award Type and NFQ level : POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA (9)
CAO/MU Apply code : MHX54;MHX55
CAO Points :
Closing Date : 30 June 2025
The Postgraduate Diploma in Medieval Irish Studies enables students to explore the rich tradition of medieval Irish literature and intellectual culture, from the early medieval period and the advent of Christianity until the coming of the Normans at the end of the 12th century. It also enables students to deepen their acquaintance with the language of the period, and endows them with a set of research skills appropriate for further work in this field.
Applicants must normally have a 2:1 at BA level (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent honours degree) in Medieval Irish and Celtic Studies or a cognate discipline (e.g. History, Philosophy, Modern Irish, Classics). No previous knowledge of Old Irish is necessary to do this course, although students are required to take Old Irish as part of the degree.
Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent honours degree).
Minimum English language requirements:
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.
Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850
Head of Department
Department of Early Irish (Sean-Ghaeilge)
Department of Arts and Humanities Institute
Department of School of Celtic Studies
Academic
Academic
Academic
Department of School of Celtic Studies
Department of Irish Cultural Heritage
Department of Early Irish (Sean-Ghaeilge)
Academic
Academic
Department of Early Irish (Sean-Ghaeilge)
Department of Chronologicon Hibernicum
Department of Arts and Humanities Institute
Department of School of Celtic Studies
Academic
To earn a Postgraduate Diploma in Medieval Irish Studies, students must complete a combination of compulsory and elective modules amounting to a total of 60 credits.
The compulsory modules focus on medieval Irish literature (20 credits), palaeography and manuscript studies (10 credits), and general research skills and methodology (10 credits).
The choice of elective modules depends on the students level of knowledge of the Old Irish language. Students with a previous knowledge of Old Irish can undertake Old Irish reading modules that focus on the philology, translation and analysis of Early Irish literature (20 credits). Students with no or insufficient previous knowledge of the language will be required to attend a suite of intensive introductory language modules (20 credits).
Students who wish to undertake the Postgraduate Diploma programme on a full-time basis will normally fulfil all credit requirements in the course of one academic year. Those who wish to opt for the part-time option can complete the total credit requirements over the course of two academic years.
Online application only. To make an application please click here.
To apply for your chosen postgraduate study at Maynooth University, please ensure you have the following documents to make an application:
- Evidence of your primary degree
- Academic transcripts
- A copy of your passport
- A personal statement
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.