Medieval Irish Studies

The Postgraduate Diploma in Medieval Irish Studies enables students to explore the rich tradition of medieval Irish literature and intellectual culture, from the early medieval period and the advent of Christianity until the coming of the Normans at the end of the 12th century. It also enables students to deepen their acquaintance with the language of the period, and endows them with a set of research skills appropriate for further work in this field.

To earn a Postgraduate Diploma in Medieval Irish Studies, students must complete a combination of compulsory and elective modules amounting to a total of 60 credits.



The compulsory modules focus on medieval Irish literature (20 credits), palaeography and manuscript studies (10 credits), and general research skills and methodology (10 credits).



The choice of elective modules depends on the students' level of knowledge of the Old Irish language. Students with a previous knowledge of Old Irish can undertake Old Irish reading modules that focus on the philology, translation and analysis of Early Irish literature (20 credits). Students with no or insufficient previous knowledge of the language will be required to attend a suite of intensive introductory language modules (20 credits).



Students who wish to undertake the Postgraduate Diploma programme on a full-time basis will normally fulfil all credit requirements in the course of one academic year. Those who wish to opt for the part-time option can complete the total credit requirements over the course of two academic years.



Please see Course Web Page link above for module details.

Applicants must normally have a 2:1 at BA level in Medieval Irish and Celtic Studies or a cognate discipline (e.g. History, Philosophy, Modern Irish, Classics). No previous knowledge of Old Irish is necessary to do this course, although students are required to take Old Irish as part of the degree.



Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.



Minimum English language requirements:

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.



For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see

https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/how-apply/english-language-requirements



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850.

Closing Date : 30 June 2025



Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.

We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

MHX54: 1 year Full-time

MHX55: 2 years Part-time

Commences: September

Successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Medieval Irish Studies will equip students for a variety of career paths, including library and archival work, various types of adult education, and employment in the heritage and related industries.