Program Overview

English Studies

The study of English is concerned with the history and practices of writing in English and encompasses literary works spanning English, Anglo-Irish, American and post-colonial cultures. It aims to develop a thorough knowledge of the history of these literatures while also enabling students to develop a sophisticated critical consciousness and an awareness of critical and cultural theory.

Overview

Compared to (Joint Honours) students, English Studies students cover a longer historical range (including before 1300) and also consider topics such as Popular Literature and Childhood Literature.

Course Details

• Awards: B.A. Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8)
• CAO Information:
  • CAO Points: 521 (2024)
  • CAO Code: TR023
• Number of Places: 45 Places

Admission Requirements

• Leaving Certificate: H4 in English
• Advanced GCE (A Level): Grade C in English Literature (A or B) or English Language (A or B)
• International Baccalaureate: HL Grade 5 in English
• English Language Requirements: All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Fees

For a full list of undergraduate fees, please refer to the relevant section.

Pathways

The pathways available are Single Honours and Joint Honours.

Graduate Skills and Career Opportunities

Trinity’s School of English graduates gain leading roles in intellectual, professional and public life. The skills developed by students of English are in high demand from employers, especially in journalism, broadcasting, teaching, advertising, marketing and business, arts management, publishing, law and diplomacy.

Your Degree and What You’ll Study

The English courses are designed so that the first year consists of compulsory modules, taught through a combination of lectures and tutorials. In the second year there are further compulsory modules, but you will also take approved modules outside English. In the third and fourth year, students choose between a large number of option modules in English, reflecting the great variety of expertise among the staff.

First and Second Years

The first and second year provide an introduction to a variety of critical theories, practices and approaches to literature. You will primarily concentrate on selected prescribed texts. Examples of first and second year modules include: Genres, Irish Writing, Imagining the Middle Ages, Shakespeare, Writing Childhoods, Pulp: Introduction to Popular Literature, American Literature, Postcolonial Literature and Imagining the Contemporary.

Third and Fourth Years

In the third and fourth years, you will choose most of your modules from a wide range of specialist options. In these years, modules are taught at an advanced level in small group seminars. Examples of third and fourth year modules may include: Creative Writing, Ulysses in Context, African and Caribbean Literature, Crime Fiction, Global Shakespeare, Modernism, American Writing, Children’s Literature, Popular Literature and History of the English Language. All final-year students are expected to complete a Capstone project, which might be a dissertation, a study of material from the Library’s Open Collections, or a portfolio of Creative Writing.

Assessment

Assessment is by a combination of submitted essays, journals, dissertation and end-of-semester examinations. In first and second year the weighting is approximately 66% submitted work and 33% final examinations. In third and fourth year it may vary depending on the modules chosen, although submission of a Capstone project is compulsory for all final year students.

Study Abroad

Students in the School of English may apply to study abroad during their third year, either on the Erasmus programme in Europe or on a non-EU exchange in a wide range of countries, including the US, Australia, Canada, Singapore and China.

Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University Dual BA Programme

English Studies is also available within the Dual B.A. Programme between Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University. Please note: The Dual B.A. is only open to Single Honours students. Joint Honours students cannot apply to the Dual B.A..

Student Testimonial

"My favourite thing about English Studies has been the diverse range of ideas I come across every day. I really enjoy the tutorials that accompany the lectures each week too, as they provide a great way get to know people on your course better, hear their opinions, and develop your own ideas." - Claire Hendy, Student.