Diploma in Irish Studies

Program Overview

The Irish Studies Online diploma program provides a comprehensive introduction to Irish life and culture through interdisciplinary modules spanning history, literature, music, and sociology. Designed for part-time learners and those without access to traditional study programs, the diploma is delivered online through the University of Galway's learning environment, offering a flexible and accessible learning experience. Graduates gain knowledge and skills applicable to careers in heritage, tourism, and education, while fostering a deeper understanding of Ireland's past and contemporary society.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Irish Studies Online is a two-year part-time diploma course developed by the Centre for Irish Studies, University of Galway. It is designed for those interested in Ireland, especially those without access to traditional programs of study in this area. The diploma aims to provide a basic introduction to Irish life and culture through the disciplines of Archaeology, History, literature in English and in Irish (presented in translation), Political Science and Sociology, traditional Irish music and dance.

Objectives:

The course aims to:

• Provide a basic introduction to Irish life and culture.
• Offer an interdisciplinary approach to Irish Studies.
• Cater to those without access to traditional programs of study in Irish Studies.

Outline:

The program comprises six modules, covering Irish history from the pagan Celtic world to the present day.

Year 1 (15 Credits):

• IS1164: Early Christian Ireland 431-1169 (Semester 1, 5 Credits): This module provides an overview of Irish history from the pagan Celtic world and the coming of Christianity to the arrival of the Normans in Ireland in 1169.
It examines archaeological remains, early Irish literary texts, and the Celtic question.
• IS1166: Early Modern Ireland 1603 - 1845 (Semester 2, 5 Credits): This module explores the patterns of Early Modern Irish society through the study of Irish literature in both Irish (Gaelic) and English, and history during the period 1603 - 1850.
It investigates the development of Irish (Gaelic) poetry, the 1798 rebellion, and the emergence of Anglo-Irish literature.
• IS1165: Medieval Ireland 1169 - 1603 (Semester 2, 5 Credits): This module focuses on the upheaval in Irish society caused by the Anglo-Norman invasion of the twelfth century and its consequences for Irish social, political, and cultural life.
It provides a brief historical survey of Gaelic and Gaelicised Ireland in the early Middle Ages, an insight into the archaeology of the Irish Church, and an introduction to the world of the Irish bardic poet.

Year 2 (15 Credits):

• IS2164: Modern Ireland 1845 - 1998 (Semester 1, 5 Credits): This module examines the patterns of Modern Irish society through the study of Irish literature in both languages - Irish (Gaelic) and English, and history during the period from the Irish Famine to the present day.
It studies the development of Anglo-Irish literature in the 19th century, the 20th century revival of writing in Irish, and Irish society since independence.
• IS2166: From Ceili to Riverdance: Irish Traditional Music (Semester 2, 5 Credits): This module explores key changes in Irish traditional music and dance practice during the long twentieth century, 1893 to 2000.
It examines the role of music and dance practice in rural Ireland and the process of modernization as these practices became urbanized.
• IS2165: Social & Political Change in Contemporary Ireland (Semester 2, 5 Credits): This module uses sociological research to examine Irish society, focusing on how Irish society has been changed by the economic transformation initiated in the 1950s.
It explores planned economic change, unplanned social changes, and the shaping of contemporary Ireland.

Assessment:

Assessment is continuous and takes the form of weekly online reports and discussions, and essays completed at the end of each module.

Teaching:

• Mode of Study: Online Learning
• Teaching Methods: All teaching and student-teacher interactions take place online in the course's online learning environment.
Course content comprises illustrated text, online asynchronous discussions with lecturer and classmates, and multi-media content that includes recorded mini-lectures and recorded site visits.
• Faculty: The course is taught by a team of lecturers from the Centre for Irish Studies, University of Galway.

Careers:

The information and skills introduced by this course may contribute to careers in a wide variety of areas, such as in the heritage, tourism, and education sectors.

Other:

• The course is suitable for those interested in Ireland's past and culture, including primary school teachers, secondary school teachers, heritage employees, and those employed in the tourism industry.
• The course is delivered through the University of Galway's online learning environment.
• Students are expected to be familiar with online learning environments and have access to a computer with internet access.
• Support is provided to students to help them become familiar with the online learning environment.
• The course is offered on a part-time basis.
• The next start date is September 2024.
• The average intake is 25 students.
• The course is at NFQ level 7.
• The ECTS weighting is 30.

• Fees: EU: €1,000 p.a.
2024/25
• Fees: Tuition: €965 p.a.
2024/25
• Fees: Student levy: €35 p.a.
2024/25
• Fees: Non EU: €1,500 p.a.
2024/25