English (Medieval and Renaissance Literature)

Our MA is unique on the island of Ireland for its exploration of the three linguistic and cultural phases of earlier English writing: Old English to c.1100; Middle English (to c.1500); and early modern writing (c.1500-1700), which together provide a foundation for understanding the evolution of literature in English.

Within a supportive research-led teaching environment, our students engage in independent research, small-group discussion, and collaborative projects. You will develop the knowledge and transferable skills – such as writing, research, critical thinking, presentation, teamwork, and time management – that are essential in many professions and in further study.

In addition, you benefit from the thriving research community in the Department of English and have the opportunity to attend scholarly conferences, research seminar series, guest lectures, masterclasses, and reading groups (e.g. English Research Seminars, UCC’s Seminar for Ancient and Medieval Studies, Dante Public Lecture Series). Our MA students have a long history of actively contributing to scholarship and Cork’s literary and cultural life (e.g. via public talks and the English Society’s Inkwell: Medieval to Renaissance symposium, run by students for students).

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. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

Our English MA graduates are linguistically and critically adept writers and researchers. On this programme they develop a broad skill set, knowledge, and experience in independent research, effective verbal and written communication, critical thinking, organisation, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.

Equipped with this array of transferable skills, MA graduates progress to careers in areas such as publishing, second-level teaching, arts and heritage, journalism and broadcasting, civil service, technical writing, and policy research development. Having developed the discipline-specific skills for the study of earlier literatures, graduates have also advanced to doctoral study in the fields of Old, Medieval, and early modern English, and Digital Humanities, and to careers within and beyond academia.