Qualification : BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE
Award Type and NFQ level : UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)
CAO/PAC code : MH111
CAO Points : 999
Closing Date : 01 July 2025
Degree Overview
The BA in Creative Writing and English offers you the opportunity to develop critical and creative skills within one programme, which is innovative not only for its integration of two intertwined subjects, but for its industry links and its teaching practices.
As a student of Creative Writing and English, you will learn:
>how to develop your creative writing (fiction/poetry/ memoir/creative non-fiction) through intensive workshops;
>the practicalities of creative literary industries;
>about the development of literary genres and practices;
>about the conditions that shape literature from history and geography to questions of gender, race, sexuality, and class.
1st year
Semester 1
Take 3 x 7.5 credit modules of Creative Writing and English:
>Introduction to Creative Writing
>Foundational English 1 (Prose)
>Climate Fiction
PLUS choose 1 other subject, which may include Critical Skills, from the available Subject Groups 1, 2, 4 or 5.
Semester 2
Take 3 x 7.5 credit modules of Creative Writing and English:
>Introduction to Creative Writing
>Foundational English 2 (Poetry and Drama)
>Literary Criticism and Theory
Continue with your other subject.
2nd year
Creative Writing and English modules
Optional 10 credit Elective in 2nd year
Erasmus/Study Abroad option after 2nd year
Academic
Academic
Academic
| Subject | Required | Ordinary Level Grade | Higher Level Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish | Yes | O6 | H7 |
| English | Yes | N/A | H5 |
| Language | Yes | O6 | H7 |
| Math | No | N/A | N/A |
| Science | No | N/A | N/A |
International & EU/EFTA Entry Requirements
Mature Students
Mature Applicants
Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time/flexible degrees the mature age is 21.
Mature applicants who have a disability
If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require examination support for any written tests that may be required, please submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2025 to the Access Office. Unfortunately we are unable to consider applications for alternative examination accommodation after this deadline.
01 February 2025
Additional Information
Leaving Certificate Applicants
Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish & 3rd language & H5 English required. MH111 Round 1 Points 2024: New in 2025
HEAR and DARE
DARE: The Disability Access Route to Education is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.
HEAR: The Higher Education Access Route is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Contact the Access Office for more information about these access routes.
The Maynooth Education
Click here for details about optional Critical Skills courses, Electives and degree pathways.
APPLY TO THE CAO - WWW.CAO.IE
The application process depends on the type of applicant you are. Click here for all information about how to apply.
Categories of applicant:
- School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
- Mature students (23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University/part-time degrees the mature age is 21)
- EU/EFTA/UK students
- International students (outside the EU)
- QQI (Further Education) students
- Transferring students
- Deferring students