Irish Folklore

University College Dublin

Ireland, Dublin

University RankQS Ranking

127

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Home/Ireland/Dublin /University College Dublin/Irish Folklore

University College Dublin

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines25-Sep-2026

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Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Next Intake 25-Sep-2026

Irish Folklore

About

Studying folklore involves the exploration of traditional popular culture, in the past and in the present. It is primarily concerned with the history and culture of ordinary people, and with the evolution and role of tradition at a vernacular level. As an academic discipline, Folklore (or ethnology) involves the exploration of oral literature, social tradition, material culture, popular belief and practice, as well as traditional music and song. It explores the dynamics of communal memory and of culture as a collective phenomenon. It looks at the nature of popular tradition and the way in which such tradition is transmitted, usually outside of official channels and often across vast distances of time and space.

This course investigates Irish Folklore as a local expression of international cultural phenomena, making the subject particularly suitable for international students.

Requirements

English Program Requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Taught Master's: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

Research Programmes: A minimum overall score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

IELTS Indicator: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band. This test will be accepted for 2022/23 and 2023/24 intake.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Taught Master's: A minimum score of 100 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Research Programmes: A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

TOEFL iBT Home: A minimum score of 100 is required with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Duolingo Test of English (DET)

UCD has approved the use of the Duolingo Test of English (DET) for the 2024/25 intake.
An overall score of 130 will be accepted with no section below 110.

Please note that this does not apply to the CEMS MiM / MSc in International Management. In the case of the CEMS MiM the Duolingo English Test will not be accepted.

Career

A degree in Irish Folklore is relevant to anyone interested in popular culture, tradition and society, and their interconnections. It provides an excellent basis for careers in: • Heritage Bodies and Institutions • Community Organisations and Local Development Initiatives • Media and Journalism • Teaching • Areas related to Irish Studies, Local Studies and Ethnic Studies • Communications

Graduates are prepared to pursue MA and Diploma courses in Irish Folklore at graduate level, as well as MLitt and PhD studies, specialising in one of the many areas of the subject.