Course Summary
The Graduate Diploma in Irish Folklore and Ethnology offers modules on a wide range of topics within the subject area, including research theories, the study of oral narrative, traditional music and song, fieldwork and archival methods, social tradition, popular belief systems, material culture, and Irish and European ethnology.
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
In the normal course, entry requirements will consist of an undergraduate degree at honours level (NFQ Level 8) in the Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences. The School may also consider applicants with equivalent qualifications/professional experience.
Applicants are required to submit original academic transcripts.
Applicants are also required to submit two references, preferably both relating to academic performance.
For applicants with equivalent professional qualifications, applicants will be required to submit a focussed statement of 500 words stating why this particular programme is right for the candidate at this point in their career (to be part of the online application).
Applicants whose first language is not English are required to submit evidence of their language proficiency. Applicants will have reached an overall 7 in IELTS with no individual band lower than 6.5, or equivalent. The School is willing to consider applicants who achieve IELTS 6.5 if they attend a five-week pre-sessional language course offered by the UCD Applied Language Centre.
A basic reading knowledge of the Irish language is recommended for Graduate Diploma students. This can be acquired concurrently with the student’s Graduate Diploma studies.
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information at: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/ Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
Application Details
Online Application.
Who Should Apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic (EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: No
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No
Z255
Graduate Diploma in Irish Folklore & Ethnology Graduate Diploma Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Z256
Irish Folklore & Ethnology Graduate Diploma Part-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
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
Given the nature and reach of the subject, graduates in Irish Folklore and Ethnology can be found across a broad range of occupations and organisations, including heritage institutions, tradition archives, museums and cultural bodies. Graduates have also found employment in teaching, research, the media and journalism. The MA in Irish Folklore and Ethnology can also act as a pathway to higher degrees in Irish Folklore, involving further in-depth research of a chosen topic.
Duration
Z256: 2 years part-time
Delivery: On Campus