Celtic Civilization enables students to form an overview of the history, literature, language and culture of the Celts over the centuries. No knowledge of the Celtic languages is required, but students, if they choose, may get an introduction to early Irish.

Many of the Celtic Civilization modules are good choices as electives for those interested in Celtic culture in Ireland and beyond.

The Celtic Civilisation course focuses on Celtic cultures in Irish, British and European contexts and incorporates optional subjects in folklore, literature, history to allow students to pursue particular fields of of interest. This gives students the opportunity to acquire a broad overview of Celtic culture and also to explore more specific aspects of interest.

First Year

First year modules introduce students to key topics in Celtic Civilisation.

• Introduction to Celtic Civilisation
• The British Celts
• Vikings in the Celtic World
• Early Ireland: Continuity & Change
• Introduction to Early Irish

Second & Final Years

Students will deepen their understanding of Celtic Civilisation.

• Poets, Power and Performance
• Literacy & Language in Early Ireland
• The Study of Folklore: Origins and Development
• Social Life & Legend
• Kings & Heroes of Early Ireland
• Early Irish Myth & Sagas
• Law & Society in Early Ireland
• Folk Religion & Belief
• Myth & Tradition
• Music & Words: Identity in the Irish Context
• Calendar Custom

Welsh

Welsh is the most widely spoken of the modern Celtic languages, and ideal for students wanting to learn a new language at university level. Students gain a working knowledge of the language and can combine this with Celtic Civilisation courses on culture and literature.

Early Irish

You will have the opportunity to study Early Irish at a basic level in order to become familiar with the main features of the language. You will also read examples of texts, prose and poetry, gaining an insight into the riches of the language and literature of early medieval Ireland. No previous knowledge of Irish is required.

For detailed information on subject content click here.

Students can apply to study abroad in third year at one of our international partner institutions.

This degree provides the skills that will allow you to follow a wide range of graduate studies as well as career opportunities in:

• Heritage
• Research
• Media
• Teaching
• Business
• Technology

Graduates are also prepared for further studies in a wide range of Linguistic, Historical and Literary fields including taught masters in the UCD School of Irish, Celtic Studies & Folklore: MA Irish Folklore & Ethnology and MA Irish Studies.

• A-Level/GCSE
• Other EU Applicants
• Non-EU Applicants
• QQI FET Entry Routes
  
• Mature Entry Route
• HEAR
• DARE

UCD School of Irish, Celtic Studies & Folklore
Newman,
Belfield,
Dublin 4

Tel: +353 1 716 8166
Email: roisin.mclaughlin@ucd.ie