MA in Irish Literature and Culture
*Please note that the MA in Irish Literature and Culture will not go ahead in the 2023/24 academic year*
*Please note that the MA in Irish Literature and Culture will not go ahe
The MA programme in Irish Literature and Culture (formerly known as the MA in Anglo-Irish Literature and Drama) is designed for graduates (national and international) who wish to study the distinctive tradition of Irish writing in English in its range and diversity, extending over centuries of dynamic and renowned literary representation towards the vitality of Irish literature emerging today.
Founded in 1968, this Masters programme is the longest-established MA in this subject anywhere in the world and draws inspiration from the many internationally acclaimed writers who were educated or have taught at UCD, from James Joyce to Emma Donoghue. Its graduates teach Irish literature and culture in universities and colleges on all five continents and work in cultural, artistic and publishing sectors nationally and internationally. Connections with and between alumni is an important value of the course, evident in the number of bursaries currently funded by alumni for students in the programme.
The programme’s learning environment comprises small-group seminars and one-to-one thesis supervision. One of the traditional strengths of the course has been the diversity of backgrounds from which students come and the rich variety of intellectual traditions on which they can draw. Class work by students involves discovering, comparing, contrasting and developing positions on issues that arise in the seminar course. This happens through open-ended exploratory engagement with texts and contexts in debate with fellow students and seminar leader.
Teaching, learning and assessment actively support student’s completion of diverse forms of assignment, both shorter essays and a minor thesis (15,000 words). An engagement with contemporary Irish writers is actively encouraged through seminars conducted by the UCD Arts Council annual writer in residence and through student participation in cultural events throughout the city. Links between the MA programme and Dublin’s designated status as UNESCO City of Literature will be further consolidated with the opening of the Ulysses Centre for Irish Writing at Newman House (2018).
To apply, click here.