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Medieval celtic studies
Medieval Celtic Studies (group 6 subject) CAO Code: MH101 | CAO Points 2021: 338
For full details of MH101 minimum entry requirements see p. 42.
> Anyone with an interest in Irish history, archaeology, languages or literature will be captivated by this subject: from Cú Chulainn to Clonmacnoise, from Brú na
Bóinne to the Book of Kells, all aspects of Medieval Celtic Studies are explored. > The diverse range of topics encompasses heroic literature and pre-historic archaeology, Otherworld tales and mythology, and gender and sexuality in medieval Celtic societies. The links between Ireland and the wider Celtic world are explored through literature and archaeology. > You will study texts through English translations, and gain insights into the society of medieval Ireland: a world of power struggles, cattle raids, love triangles, infidelity, warfare, kingship and much more. Along the way, students discover that certain fundamental human experiences and anxieties were the same in the early Middle Ages as they are in the twenty-first century. > There is an option to study modules in both the Old Irish Language and
Middle Welsh.
Course structure
1st year
BA Bachelor of Arts – Medieval Celtic Studies – Double Major, Major/Minor or as a Minor
> Take 15 credits of Medieval Celtic
Studies > Choose up to 3 other subjects including Critical Skills from the 5 groups available (maximum 1 subject per group – see groups table p. 45) 2nd year and Final year
> Continue with Medieval Celtic Studies and 1 other 1st year subject as a
Double Major, Major/Minor or as a Minor > 2nd and 3rd year optional language modules are available, subject to a minimum level of uptake > Optional 10 credit Elective in 2nd year (see p. 13 for details)
Erasmus/Study Abroad option after 2nd year
For MH101 subject groups table go to p. 45
Possible topics
1st year
> Introduction to the Celtic World > Gender and Sexuality in the
Celtic World > Archaeology > History > Literature > Language (optional) > Literature > History > Language (optional)
2nd year Final year
Why choose this subject?
> A world-leading centre for the study of Medieval
Irish and Celtic Studies, the Department of Early
Irish engages in teaching and research in the history, culture, language and literature of medieval Ireland and related societies. Our special strengths lie in the study of medieval Irish literature, in its growth and development and in its relationship to contemporary
European culture, as well as in the study of the Early
Irish language.
> A diverse and friendly Department, we offer a vibrant and stimulating experience for students. On the research front, the Department has in recent years received several prestigious grants, including a
European Research Council grant to support research in the area of Early Medieval Irish literature and language and has also been the beneficiary of an Irish
Research Council Laureate Award for frontier research on the history of medicine in medieval Ireland.
Options after graduation?
> Through your studies you’ll develop a combination of analytical skills in literature, history and language – useful assets for critical thinking in a variety of careers. Graduates of Medieval
Celtic Studies have found employment in heritage tourism and related areas, education, civil service, library work, Irish language publishing and academic research.
> There is also the option for further study and graduates can also take advanced degrees after the undergraduate programme.
The Department offers several postgraduate options currently including:
> MA Medieval Irish Studies/M.Litt. (Research) Medieval Irish Studies > PhD Medieval Irish Studies
Medieval Celtic Studies is also available in
MH502 LWD: BCL (Law and Arts) p. 184 “ I studied for a Master's degree in the Early Irish
Department. As part of the M.Litt. I had the opportunity to tutor and attend conferences, which helped develop the presentation skills involved in research. My work with the Office of Public Works in Dublin Castle has allowed me to use all the skills I acquired during my undergraduate and master's degrees.”
caMiLLa, GrAduAte
Contact us
Maynooth University Department of Early Irish (Sean-Ghaeilge), Arts Building + 353 1 708 3737
earlyirish@mu.ie www.maynoothuniversity.ie/early-irish-sean-ghaeilge @EarlyIrishMU
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