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MA|Postgraduate Taught

Irish Studies

Entry year
2025/26
Entry requirements
2.2 (minimum 55%)
Duration
3 years (Part-time)
1 year (Full-time)
Places available
30 (Part Time)
30 (Full Time)

Irish Studies is a broad field of area studies drawing on a range of disciplines to explore holistically the history, culture, politics and society of the island of Ireland and its global relationships.

The modules available reflect the range of Irish Studies expertise across the university and are designed to enable students to undertake research across a wide range of themes in and approaches to Irish Studies, to obtain research methods training in one or more disciplines, and to prepare to write a major dissertation in their chosen field of specialisation.

The aims of the programme are:
• To enable graduates to undertake interdisciplinary postgraduate studies in Irish Studies and gain various benefits:
• An advanced appreciation of the value of interdisciplinarity in Irish Studies.
• An advanced understanding and experience of relevant research methods and skills.
• An advanced appreciation of the value of academic approaches to some issues of historical and cultural debate and of contemporary public concern in Ireland.
• A deepened knowledge of specific themes in Irish Studies reflecting the student’s personal interests and research agenda.

Irish Studies highlights

Student Experience

The MA in Irish Studies at Queen’s provides students with an unrivalled opportunity to examine Ireland in its global contexts. With options from Literature, History, Politics, Anthropology, Irish Language, Archaeology and Sociology. The MA allows students to pursue challenging cross-disciplinary themes such as heritage and identities, language and arts, peace and conflict, reflecting the rich cultural legacy of Ireland across the world. Students will explore the possibilities and opportunities in interdisciplinary work in one of the world’s leading centres of Irish Studies research.

Internationally Renowned Experts

There are more than 70 teaching and research staff in the university who specialise in Irish Studies related subjects and who work closely with the Institute of Irish Studies.

Student Experience

Based in Belfast, we have unrivalled access to the people that were part of the Peace Process in Northern Ireland.

The Institute supports a series of weekly research seminars and a number of annual research events in Irish Studies.

World Class Facilities

Queen’s has outstanding special collections in Irish Studies in the McClay Library.

Student Experience

Queen’s is ranked in the top 170 in the world for graduate prospects (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022).

16% of the Queen’s student population are international students (Queen’s Planning Office, 2023).

Queen’s is ranked in the top 75 universities in Europe for Teaching Excellence (Times Higher Education, 2019).

Queen’s ranked 18 in the world for international outlook (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023).

Queen's is ranked 10th in the UK for graduate prospects (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024).

Student Testimonials

Course Structure

Our Irish Studies courses range from the poetry of Seamus Heaney to the politics of contested parades and language rights in today's Northern Ireland; from the literature of the Medieval sagas and the Gaelic Revival to the controversies around colonialism, the contemporary commemorations of the Easter Rising and the First World War and Ireland's post-Brexit place in the world.

Follow your own interests by selecting your Option Modules from our Irish Studies and Research Methods course lists, including courses from English, History, Anthropology, Politics, Sociology, Irish, Archaeology and Creative Arts.

Detailed Programme Information

For detailed programme information please see the Irish Studies Gateway: https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/IrishStudiesGateway/

People teaching you

Programme Convenor

SHAPP
Peter Gray is Director of the Institute of Irish Studies. He took his undergraduate and doctoral degrees at the University of Cambridge before holding research fellowships at the Institute of Irish Studies at Queen’s, and at Downing College, Cambridge. He taught Irish and British history at the University of Southampton 1996-2005, before returning to Belfast to take up the position of Professor of Modern Irish History. In 2004 Professor Gray was the Burns Library Visiting Professor in Irish Studies at Boston College, Massachusetts, and was Fredrik and Catherine Eaton Visiting Fellow at the University of New Brunswick in 2015. He was chair of the Royal Irish Academy’s National Committee for Historical Sciences 2007-10 and was Head of the School of History and Anthropology at Queen’s in 2010-15. He is a member and former president of the Ulster Society for Irish Historical Studies. He was elected a Member of the Royal Irish Academy in 2013. Email: irish.studies@qub.ac.uk webpage: http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/IrishStudiesGateway/

Teaching Times

Dependant on modules picked

Learning and Teaching

Skills students will learn throughout the MA Programme:

  • Cognitive Skills

    Comprehension of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary issues raised in Irish Studies.
    Ability to question and critically examine cultural assumptions.
    Ability to analyse and criticise arguments in depth.
    Demonstrate skills in reflecting upon and clarifying personal values.
    Formulate and test hypotheses and interpretations.

  • Subject Specific Skills

    An understanding of the broad interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary issues as they relate to the study of the identities and cultures of the peoples of Ireland and the Irish Diaspora.
    An ability to critically engage with research on a theoretical and methodological basis.
    An ability to understand, formulate and address through disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches, historical, social, political and cultural aspects of Ireland and Diaspora.

  • Transferable Skills

    Students of the Institute of Irish Studies go on to pursue careers not only as scholars, but also in a wide range of occupations, including the media, in the heritage sector, public administration and in business.

    Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

Assessment

Assessment is continuous throughout the course of study.

  • A combination of written assignments and class participation. Students who have reached a pass in all taught modules will submit a dissertation.

    Dissertation (not exceeding 15,000 words)

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Modules

Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

  • Year 1

    Core Modules

    Dissertation (60 credits)

    Optional Modules

    Global Ireland (20 credits)
    Presenting Sources (20 credits)
    Irish Poetry (20 credits)
    Research Design (20 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a strong 2.2 Honours degree (with minimum of 55%) in a relevant subject with evidence of study of Ireland, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Applicants who hold a 2.2 Honours degree below 55% in a relevant subject with evidence of study of Ireland (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University), who can also demonstrate relevant professional experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants may be required to submit a piece of written work in support of their application.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

  • Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
  • Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

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Careers

Career Prospects

Introduction

Students of the Institute of Irish Studies go on to pursue careers not only as scholars, but also in a wide range of occupations, including the media, in the heritage sector, public administration and in business.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/

Professional Opportunities

Our students have found employment in the media, in the heritage sector and tourism, in business and in university administration, particularly in study abroad services.

Prizes and Awards

International Scholarships Information on scholarships for international students, is available at http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/International-scholarships/.

The MA Irish Studies has an annual Mary McNeill Scholarship for applicants from North America, worth £3000. For details, see https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/IrishStudiesGateway/Study/

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £7,300
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £7,300
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £9,250
EU Other 3 £21,500
International £21,500

1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How do I fund my study?

The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.

A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.

More information on funding options and financial assistance - please check this link regularly, even after you have submitted an application, as new scholarships may become available to you.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.

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How to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

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Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

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