Celtic Civilisation

BA (Hons) (NFQ Level 8) OR BSc (Hons) NFQ Level 8)

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Curricular information is subject to change.

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Why is this course for me?

The Celtic Civilisation course focuses on the cultures of the Celtic-speaking peoples in Ireland, Britain and beyond. It encompasses diverse elements in folklore, literature, history to allow students to pursue particular fields of interest. This gives students the opportunity to acquire a broad overview of the cultures of the Celtic-speaking peoples and also to develop more specific areas of expertise.

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

Course Pathways
What Will I Study

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
  • Kings & Heroes of Early Ireland
  • Early Irish Myth & Sagas
  • Law & Society in Early Ireland
  • The fortunes of the Celtic languages
  • Folk Religion & Belief
  • Social Life & Legend
  • Myth & Tradition
  • Music & Words: Identity in the Irish Context
  • Calendar Custom

Early Irish

Early Irish (Old and Middle Irish) is the language in which the vast corpus of medieval Irish sagas, laws and historical documents were written. It is the gateway to the colourful social life and the dazzling scholarship of the medieval Irish people. You will have the opportunity to learn Early Irish from scratch in order to become familiar with the main features of the language, and you will be able to read medieval texts on centuries-old manuscripts. No previous knowledge of Irish is required.

For detailed information on subject content click here.

How Will I Study
Study Celtic Civilisation
Study Celtic Civilisation (BSc Social Sciences) as a minor:
Archaeology
International Study Opportunities

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

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

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.

Other Entry Routes
Testimonial

“I chose to study this because of the expertise offered at UCD and my passion for discovering the rich history that surrounds us. Many of the medieval tales come from places not far from home, such as the Hill of Tara, and the Boyne Valley and their mythology is rich. Some topics covered will be familiar like ‘The Coming of the Celts’ and ‘Newgrange” and you will be brought to a much deeper level through your professors and independent learning. I love the atmosphere of the classroom and find it a very open place where you get to know your peers and professors. If you have an avid interest in History, Art History and languages you will love this course.”

Caolan Maher, Student.

Contact Information

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

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

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