Course Summary
Our MA in Irish Traditional Music provides a holistic practical and theoretical immersion in Irish Traditional Music practice and scholarship. The programme draws on wide-ranging internationally-recognised expertise to offer a progressively flexible postgraduate pathway in Irish Traditional Music.
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
Applicants must have a Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8), in music or a related subject (such as, but not exclusively, anthropology, folklore, or cultural studies).
Consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may also be given to applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements but who have relevant professional experience, such as musicians of high standing or those with a relevant and demonstrable track record in the traditional arts sector.
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.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, the performing arts or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
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
Postgraduate students join a thriving research culture in our Department, in the diverse artistic and cultural hub that is Cork city. Focusing on a combination of academic, creative practice, and transferrable professional skills allows students to develop unique and distinctive profiles that can contribute meaningfully to multiple national and international communities of practice engaged in Irish Traditional Music.
Our MA in Irish Traditional Music graduates pursue a wide range of careers in the creative arts, academia, culture industries, and media. Many have applied successfully for PhDs in Ireland or overseas. Our graduates include professional performers, composers, academics, educators, arts managers, and music industry professionals.