Contemporary Irish Studies (Structured)

Overview

The focus of the Contemporary Irish Studies (Structured) programme of the Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick will be on contemporary Irish studies, and how, specifically, the study of a series of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary areas of the Irish experience can lead to a clearer understanding of the Ireland of today, which will be a baseline for the study of the Ireland of the future. The modules will be delivered by experts, all of whom have a track record in publishing in their respective fields.

Assessments are by research essay and thesis. The essay ranges from 4,500 to 5,000 words and each module is assessed by a single essay. The titles and topics of these essays are negotiated between the student and the course lecturer, with the parameters of choice being set by the lecturer.

A number of generic research and methodology modules are also undertaken, which provide preparation for the work of the thesis. The other element of assessment is an 85,000 to 100,000-word research thesis.

The Structured PhD in Contemporary Irish Studies at MIC aims to:

• Enhance the students’ knowledge of Irish history, literature, culture, society and languages through a theoretically-aware matrix of teaching methodologies and seminars;

• Develop students’ ability to understand and use a variety of theoretical approaches to different areas of Contemporary Irish Studies and to encourage an anamorphic perspective on issues which have hitherto been seen as normative and given;

• Stimulate interest and research expertise in core areas of contemporary Irish society and culture through a variety of methods and approaches;

• Cultivate research skills across a number of subject areas and disciplines in order to achieve a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary perspective on areas of Irish culture, politics, society and ideology.

Careers

Career opportunities include: Irish cultural sector; areas involving aspects of Irish culture, literature and society; advocacy; lobbying; teaching; entry to PhD programmes; technical writing; media work; civil service; web editing; academic administration, magazine publishing (hard copies and online editions), advertising and marketing, arts administration, library administration, teaching English language and literature in other countries, Human Resources, digital copywriter, lexicographer, online editor and webmaster.