Irish Writing (M.Phil. / P.Grad.Dip.)

The centre-piece of the course is the core perspectives in Irish Writing module. Running across two semesters, it introduces students to the multiple contexts in which Irish writing in English has developed from the late seventeenth century through to the present. Further exploration of the field of Irish writing is offered through the core Conditions of Irish Writing module. This focuses on the publishers, periodicals and institutions through which Irish writing has been produced and mediated, covering a wide range of historical periods, genres and writers. Further foundational grounding in issues of importance to studying and researching literature at postgraduate level is provided through the Research Skills for Postgraduate English module.

Students also take two specialist option modules, reflecting our commitment to cutting-edge research-led teaching. Within the Irish Writing programme, these modules focus on examining the work of significant Irish writers in detail. In recent years, these included Maria Edgeworth, James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, and Eavan Boland. A wealth of option modules from our other M.Phil programmes, including the chance to take a creative writing option, are also available.

In the final phase of the course, students complete a dissertation of 15,000-18,000 words. This allows them to pursue in-depth research on a subject of their choice under expert supervision and drawing on our fantastic library and archival holdings.