UCAS code Q540
This degree offers students a unique opportunity to study the history, politics, culture, literature, and language of Ireland. The interdisciplinary nature of the course provides students with a broad grounding in the humanities and social sciences, equipping graduates with a diverse and versatile skills set suitable for a wide-range of careers.
You will explore Irish identity and society from a number of perspectives including the historical, the linguistic, the political, the literary and the ethnographic. You will then have the opportunity to develop expertise in your chosen area of study through the range of modules available in your second and third year.
The role of Ireland as an emerging independent nation, as well as part of a broader matrix of British and global history is explored. Its outstanding contribution to English literature in writers such as Wilde, Yeats, Joyce, Beckett, Bowen, McGahern, Heaney, and Edna O’Brien feature as part of this absorbing degree. Students can undertake in-depth study of the Northern Ireland ‘Troubles’ and explore the lessons which can be drawn from the region’s peace process for divided societies around the world. Students will also have the option of studying the Irish language, with modules catering to beginners as well as those who may already have a background in the language.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Students take 45 credits of required modules and 15 credits of optional modules in each semester.
Up to 15 credits of optional modules may be taken from cognate subjects elsewhere in the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures, with prior permission from the Subject Lead and subject to timetabling compatibility.
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| BEGINNERS' IRISH LANGUAGE 1 (IRIS241) | 15 |
| BEGINNERS' IRISH LANGUAGE 2 (IRIS142) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
Students take 60 credits of optional modules in semester one and 30 credits of required modules and 30 credits of optional modules in semester two. Other optional modules from other departments may also be available and will be confirmed ahead of the academic year.
Registration onto HLAC220 is for students planning to undertake a Work Placement Year between second and final year, or for those who are interested in developing their transferrable skills in preparation for a short placement or other work experience.
Registration onto IRIS217 is subject to a suitable placement being sourced. Students cannot register directly for this module.
Up to 15 credits of optional modules may be taken from cognate subjects elsewhere in the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures, with prior permission from the Subject Lead and subject to timetabling compatibility.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH METHODS FOR IRISH STUDIES (IRIS201) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
Students must take 60 credits of optional modules in semester one, and IRIS310 and 30 credits of optional modules in semester two.
Other optional modules from other departments may also be available and will be confirmed ahead of the academic year.
Up to 15 credits of optional modules may be taken from cognate subjects elsewhere in the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures, with prior permission from the Subject Lead and subject to timetabling compatibility.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION IN IRISH STUDIES - SECOND SEMESTER (IRIS310) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
You will explore Irish identity and society from a number of perspectives including the historical, the linguistic, the literary and its material culture. You then have the opportunity to choose modules in order to specialise in a specific area.
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and small-group discussions. Lectures introduce the key themes, concepts and debates that shape the study of Ireland, while seminars provide opportunities to explore ideas in greater depth through discussion and collaborative learning. Students are encouraged to contribute actively to seminars and to develop their confidence in presenting and debating ideas.
As you progress through the programme, you will take increasing responsibility for your own learning. The first year provides a structured introduction to Irish Studies, while the second and third years allow you to specialise in areas that match your interests and career aspirations. In your final year, you will undertake an independently researched dissertation on a topic of your choosing, supported by expert academic staff.
You will be supported throughout your studies by an academic advisor who can provide guidance on academic development and module choices. Staff maintain regular office hours, and learning resources are available online through the University’s virtual learning environment. Opportunities for study abroad and work-based learning are also available during the programme.
Assessment is designed to help you develop and demonstrate a wide range of academic, professional and transferable skills. You’ll encounter a variety of assessment methods during your degree, including essays, projects, presentations, analytical exercises, portfolios, blog posts, video presentations, seminar contributions and reflective work.
The range of assessments allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in different ways while developing expertise in research, communication, critical thinking and digital fluency. Assessment throughout the programme reflects real-world applications of subject knowledge and supports the development of skills valued by employers.
You will receive regular feedback to support your progress and development. Assessment criteria, deadlines and guidance are provided at the start of each module, enabling you to plan and manage your workload effectively.
A key part of the degree is the development of independent research skills. In the second year, you will study research methods for Irish Studies, preparing you for the final-year dissertation, where you will complete an extended independent research project under the guidance of a specialist supervisor.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
With a combined degree, you can study two subjects as part of the same degree programme.
The Institute of Irish Studies is part of the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures and is based in 1-7 Abercromby Square. The Institute of Irish Studies runs an acclaimed public-lecture series, and as a student you will gain the opportunity to meet and engage with prestigious speakers from across the globe. Former speakers have included two Nobel Laureates, three Presidents of the Republic of Ireland, four Secretaries of State for Northern Ireland, a Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations and numerous prize-winning authors and cultural commentators.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
An Irish Studies degree provides you with a range of transferable skills will allow you to pursue a career in many different areas. Alternatively, many of our graduates go on to undertake further academic research.
Recent employers of Irish Studies graduates include: