Course Summary
The Higher Diploma in Arts (Nua-Ghaeilge/Modern Irish) is a conversion course for those with a prior knowledge of Irish who want to study Irish to honours degree level.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Requirements
• It is intended for those who already have a 3 or 4 year primary degree, preferably in the area of Arts or the Sciences, and who wish to study one of the subject Nua-Ghaeilge/Modern Irish.
• The Higher Diploma in Arts is a conversion programme and applicants would not normally have studied the relevant subject to Honours Degree level previously but you must satisfy the Head of Deparrtment, that at the start of the course, your linguistic competence in Irish will allow you to draw benefit from courses at second-year and final-year undergraduate level.
• Applicants must have passed GA1002 (or equivalent module)
Or
• Hold the Diploma Sa Ghaeilge Fheidmeach (from Ionad na Gaeilge Labhartha)
Or
• Establish to the satisfaction of the Department (in interview/or examination) that the applicant is suitable for the programme.
All applicants will be considered on an individual basis.
For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.
International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.
• In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
• Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements.
Application Details
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 7 September 2026
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Linguistic
The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
Apart from obvious career opportunities in teaching and research, graduates of the Department of Modern Irish have, for example, been successful in gaining employment as writers and journalists, and as translators (independent, and with the Oireachtas and the European Commission and European Parliament). Many of our postgraduates are involved in the arts - in poetry and music - and this creative environment is one that is actively encouraged within the Department, and through our involvement with the Munster Gaeltacht areas.