MA (Old & Middle Irish)

College of Arts, Social Sciences, & Celtic Studies

Course overview

The MA in Old and Middle Irish is designed to provide students with a thorough grounding in Irish language and literature of the period c. 600–c. 1200. It is aimed at those who already have a good basic knowledge of Irish (Medieval or Modern), or another Celtic language, and, exceptionally, at those who have the appropriate background to undertake the study of Old and Middle Irish at the outset.  


Staff help to identify thesis-topics which may lend themselves to eventual publication. While teaching is through English (to accommodate students from different backgrounds), the use of Irish is actively supported, and the University’s bilingual campus is of special benefit to all students of Irish, of whatever period. 

Key facts

Entry requirements

NQAI Level 8 degree or equivalent, Second Class Honours or equivalent. IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.


 

Duration: 1 year, full-time

Next start date: September 2013

ECTS weighting: 90

Average intake: -

Closing date: You are advised to apply early, which may result in an early offer; see the offer round dates

Mode of study: Taught

Course outline

The programme offers modules in the following:

  • Grammar of Old and Middle Irish
  • Literary History 600–1200
  • Close reading of medieval Irish texts
  • History, scholarship and culture in medieval Ireland
  • Comparative Celtic linguistics 

 

 

Applications and selections

Applications are made online via The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). Relevant PAC application code(s) above.

Who teaches this course?

  • Dr Graham Isaac, BA, PhD
  • An tOllamh Máirín Ní Dhonnchadha, BA, MA, PhD
  • Dr Clodagh Downey, BA, MA, PhD 

Requirements and assessment

Assessment takes three forms: written examinations, essays, and a minor thesis. Essays are completed during Semester One and Two. Written examinations are held at the end of Semester Two. The minor dissertation is completed by the end of the summer.

Find out more

An tOll. Máirín Ní Dhonnchadha
T +353 91 493 010
E mairin.nidhonnchadha@nuigalway.ie
www.nuigalway.ie/oldirish | www.nuigalway.ie/oldirish/index.html

PAC code

GYA33

Fees for this course

EU (Total): €6,015
 - Student levy: €224
Non-EU (Total): €13,250

Fees for courses

Current students

Current Students

Download taught and research

Postgrad prospectus cover 
NUI Galway Postgraduate Taught Prospectus

Research prospectus cover

NUI Galway Postgraduate Research Prospectus 

 

Past students



Trish Ní Mhaoileoin

"My journey to Old and Middle Irish was long and somewhat arduous, but ultimately fulfilling. Having acquired a BA in archaeology and Spanish from UCD, I continued to pursue an MA in archaeology, focusing on medieval rural settlements in south Leinster. Pursuing a career choice as an archaeologist proved to be untenable and I wandered for a few years until I decided to move to Galway from New Zealand where I had been living, to do the Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge in NUIG. Through the Dioplóma, I heard about the MA in Old and Middle Irish and thought that it would be a wonderful bridge between my interests in medieval Irish history and culture, and my burgeoning interest in the Irish language. The MA in Old and Middle Irish provided me with a thorough grounding in the literature of the early Irish period - from prose to poetry, from secular narrative to ecclesiastical and legal texts—and a solid language base from which to advance to research at PhD level. I am now in the early stages of my research on the multi-faceted legendary warrior figure, Fergus mac Róich. My thesis will involve linguistic and editorial work (both on, and in, Irish), and critical, historical and comparative literary work."