Irish Cultural Studies

 This Major in Irish Cultural Studies offers an interdisciplinary programme of study that extends across, historical, theoretical and practical subjects on the construction, mediation and evaluation of Irish culture in the contemporary world. It offers the student a unique opportunity to explore, experience and analyse the formation of cultural identities associated with Ireland drawn from the following areas: visual culture, traditional music, language, theatre & drama, literature, gastronomy, political history, creative industries, heritage and cultural tourism. This interdisciplinary approach to Irish Cultural Studies will allow the student to learn through study and practical experience different cultural disciplines.

ECTS Credits: 80

• Total Number of Mandatory credits to be taken (excluding the capstone project): 30
• Total Number of Optional credits to be taken : 40
• Total Number of Credits for the Capstone Project: 10

• Contemporary Irish Culture – (Survey - Cross Disciplines)
• Introduction to Irish History: Emergence of Modern Ireland 1845-1998
• Cultural Policy
• Heritage Culture and Tourism
• Irish Cultural Studies Research Preparation
• English Literature of Ireland
• Typography, Culture and Society
• Ornament and Culture
• Narrative in Visual Culture
• Ireland, Film and Documentary
• Key Concepts in Visual Culture
• Resistance: Cultures of Protest
• Curating Public Space: Museums, Galleries and Exhibitions (Theory & Practice)
• Archive Studies
• Locating Identity: Visual Culture after Decolonization
• The Irish Pub: Indigenous Origins and Contemporary Interpretations (Theory & Studio)
• Commemorative Culture of Irish Famines
• Gastronomy 1: History of Food
• Gastronomy 2: Sociology of Food
• Gastronomy 3: Food in Culture, Art and Media
• Gastronomy 4: Political Economy and Ecology of Food
• Food Pedagogy: Exploring Culinary Education
• Irish Philosophy
• Writers in Ireland/Irish Writers: 20th & 21st Century
• Irish Theatre History
• Contemporary Irish Drama
• Irish Drama and Modernism
• James Joyce and the City
• Irish Language 1B1
• Irish Language 1A 
• Irish Language 2A
• Irish Studies 1
• Irish Studies 2
• Irish Language Media
• Irish Language Film
• Irish for Professional Purposes
• The Irish Language and Society
• Irish Cultural Studies 2A
• Introduction to Irish Traditional Music Past and Present
• Stylistic Issues in Irish Traditional Music (Irish Traditional only)
• Socio-Historical Studies (Traditional only)
• Studies in Music History and Performance Practice 1
• The Song and Instrumental Traditions 1
• The Song and Instrumental Traditions 2
• The Harping Tradition and Music Collections
• Ensemble
• Cultural Tourism
• Introduction to Tourism and Travel
• Visitor Attraction Management
• Political Structures
• Ethics and Political Process
• Ireland: Politics, Society and Economics
• Cultural Studies
• Media Memory History
• Media Policy: national and international dimensions
• Designing Modern Ireland
• Irish Cultural Studies Research Thesis

The Major Stream in Irish Cultural Studies will enable the student to:

Analyse the complex, often hybrid, historical formation of cultural identities associated with Ireland drawn from the following:

• Visual culture
• Traditional music
• Language, theatre & drama
• Literature
• Gastronomy
• Political history
• Creative industries
• Heritage and cultural tourism

Interpret contemporary iterations of Irish cultural forms, both on the island of Ireland and elsewhere.

Engage with appropriate industry-based applications of their learning, through written, digital, audio-visual, sonic and performative formats.

Work collaboratively and on own initiative.

Cultural Policy Advisor or Heritage Consultant

Graduates can work with cultural institutions, government agencies, or NGOs shaping policy and programming for heritage, identity, or language promotion. Further study could include MA in Cultural Policy & Arts Management, Heritage Studies, or Irish Studies.

Museum, Archive, or Gallery Curator

With modules in curating public space, archival studies, and visual culture, students are well-prepared for roles in museum and gallery curation, archival research, and collection management. Suitable postgraduate options include MA in Museum Studies, Archival Science, or Public History. 

Creative Industries Professional (Writing, Theatre, Media)

This major supports careers in writing, performance, or cultural production, especially with exposure to Irish literature, drama, film, and traditional music. Further study might include MFA in Creative Writing, MA in Drama and Theatre Studies, or MA in Screenwriting/Media Production.

Cultural Tourism and Experience Designer

With a focus on gastronomy, folklore, visual culture, and tourism, students can work in cultural tourism, festivals, or destination experience design. Postgraduate options include MSc in Tourism, Heritage Management, or Food Culture & Communication.

Irish Language and Cultural Promotion Officer

Graduates with Irish language modules can work in education, translation, media, or public sector roles that promote Irish language and culture. Further study could include Postgraduate Diploma in Irish, Translation Studies, or Applied Linguistics.