Program Overview

English (Medieval and Renaissance Literature)

Course Fact File

• Code: MAEMRL
• Duration: 1 Year Full-time
• Teaching Mode: Full-time
• Qualifications: MA
• NFQ Level: Level 9
• Closing Date: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
• Non-EU Closing Date: Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
• Start Date: 8 September 2025

Course Outline

Our MA in English (Medieval and Renaissance Literature) offers students the opportunity to explore Old English, Middle English, and early modern literature in all its rich variety and contexts.

The MA examines canonical and lesser-known texts, forms, and authors from the islands of Britain and Ireland, ranging from the earliest works in English, such as riddles, elegies, and wisdom poetry, to the proliferation of texts and genres in Middle English writing of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, including Chaucer, to the cheap print of the sixteenth century and the popular plays of Shakespeare. We take a particular interest in interrogating conventional boundaries between periods (including between Old and Middle English, and between medieval and Renaissance texts), between genres, and between media (from oral to written traditions, from page to stage, and from text to screen).

Under the guidance of the MA’s expert scholars, who have published widely on many of the topics covered on the course, you will explore key conceptual and critical issues in Old, Middle, and Renaissance English literature; the historical, cultural, and material contexts of this literature; and the afterlives and legacies of this literature across time and media (transmission, reception, adaptation, appropriation).

On this MA programme we will introduce you to the discipline-specific skills that are required for postgraduate study of earlier English (palaeography, codicology, linguistic analysis, use of databases and bibliographies) and foster transferable skills that are invaluable in a range of careers. The MA English (Medieval and Renaissance Literature) programme is stimulated by exceptional medieval and early modern contexts and resources in the local area, such as the nearby Elizabeth Fort, Edmund Spenser’s Kilcolman Castle in north Cork, and the early printed book collections of the Boole Library’s Special Collections.

The MA English (Medieval and Renaissance Literature) consists of two parts, a taught course and a dissertation, totalling 90 credits.

Part I (50 credits)

Modules

• EN6052 New Histories of the Book: Theories and Practices of Earlier Writing (10 credits)
• EN6009 Contemporary Research: Skills, Methods, and Strategies (10 credits)

Elective Modules

• EN6051 Middle English Literature (10 credits)
• EN6053 Old English Literature to c.1200 (10 credits)
• EN6054 Renaissance Literature c. (10 credits)

Part II

• EN6017 Dissertation in English (40 credits)

Academic Programme Catalogue

See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.

Course Practicalities

The MA English (Medieval and Renaissance Literature) is taught through a combination of seminars (two 2-hour sessions per week), consultation, presentations, and self-directed study as well as associated reading. Students carry out independent research for their dissertation in close consultation with their supervisor.

The MA is assessed by a combination of continuous assessments (which may include essays, seminar participation, an e-Portfolio, research presentations, or other exercises) and concludes with the submission of a dissertation of 15-17,000 words.

Why Choose This Course

Our MA is unique on the island of Ireland for its exploration of the three linguistic and cultural phases of earlier English writing: Old English to c.1100; Middle English (to c.1500); and early modern writing (c.), which together provide a foundation for understanding the evolution of literature in English.

Within a supportive research-led teaching environment, our students engage in independent research, small-group discussion, and collaborative projects. You will develop the knowledge and transferable skills – such as writing, research, critical thinking, presentation, teamwork, and time management – that are essential in many professions and in further study.

In addition, you benefit from the thriving research community in the Department of English and have the opportunity to attend scholarly conferences, research seminar series, guest lectures, masterclasses, and reading groups (e.g. English Research Seminars, UCC’s Seminar for Ancient and Medieval Studies, Dante Public Lecture Series). Our MA students have a long history of actively contributing to scholarship and Cork’s literary and cultural life (e.g. via public talks and the English Society’s Inkwell: Medieval to Renaissance symposium, run by students for students).

Skills and Careers Information

Our English MA graduates are linguistically and critically adept writers and researchers. On this programme they develop a broad skill set, knowledge, and experience in independent research, effective verbal and written communication, critical thinking, organisation, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.

Equipped with this array of transferable skills, MA graduates progress to careers in areas such as publishing, second-level teaching, arts and heritage, journalism and broadcasting, civil service, technical writing, and policy research development. Having developed the discipline-specific skills for the study of earlier literatures, graduates have also advanced to doctoral study in the fields of Old, Medieval, and early modern English, and Digital Humanities, and to careers within and beyond academia.

Requirements

To be considered for admission to an MA programme within the School of English, an applicant will normally possess a honours primary degree result of Second Class Honours Grade 1 (2H1) level or higher or equivalent qualification in English or a cognate subject. All applicants must satisfy a Selection Committee who may request applicants to provide letters of reference.

For North American applicants a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3 is expected.

The selection committee for the MA English (Medieval and Renaissance Literature) in the Department of English, University College Cork also attaches strong importance to the additional special supplementary online questions and the online 500-word personal statement for the MA English (Medieval and Renaissance Literature).

Fees and Costs

Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2025/2026

See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.

Deposits

If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.

Fee payment

Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.

How can I pay?

See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.

How To Apply

1. Check dates
2. Gather documents
3. Apply online

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

• You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
• Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
• Please detail your computing/technical/IT skills.
• Please enter the name and email address for two academic referees who can provide references for previous relevant academic performance, qualifications, and aptitude.

The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.