English

Course details

The Higher Diploma in English is a postgraduate qualification intended for students who already have a degree in another subject and who wish to study English intensively. You study a range of second- and third-year English undergraduate modules, over the course of one academic year (full time) or two academic years (part time).

The HDip is a conversion course and so you will not normally have taken English to honours degree level in your original undergraduate course of study. A valuable qualification in itself, the HDip in English may also be used as a pathway to further study, and the course is aimed at graduates who may wish to be considered for a subsequent master’s course in English

Registration with the Teaching Council

The Higher Diploma in Arts programme consists of modules to the value of 60 credits taken from Levels 2 and 3 of the undergraduate BA degree.  The Higher Diploma in Arts is recognised by the Teaching Council for teacher registration provided candidates have completed modules to the value of at least 70 credits in the chosen subject. Students who register for the Higher Diploma in Arts and wish to register the chosen subject with the Teaching Council must also register for an additional 10 credits of first year modules in that subject.

Course Details

The HDip in English consists of modules to the value of 60 credits taken from a range of existing second- and third-year modules in English. The course runs for one year (full time) or two years (part time). Credits may be made up through a combination of lecture modules (generally 5 credits) and seminar courses (10 credits). Courses covering a wide range of periods and a perse array of texts and critical approaches are offered every year. The range of courses offered changes every year, but the period of literature covered in modules will always range from the Middle Ages, right through to the twenty-first century.

You can take modules specialising in areas including:

• European and American cinema
• Irish literature
• American literature
• Shakespeare
• Mediaeval and Renaissance writing
• Victorian literature
• Modernism and postmodernism
• Critical theory
• Drama
• Poetry
• The novel
• The short story

This wide range ensures that students accepted to the course should be able to satisfy their inpidual preferences and chosen areas of specialisation. 

In general, if you wish to qualify as a teacher, you are advised to refer to the school curriculum and match the modules to that broad field. Modules are chosen in consultation with the programme coordinator in September.   For students who will wish to register the subject with the Teaching Council, the 10 credits of first year modules will be in addition to their Higher Diploma in Arts programme registration.  There will be no additional fee for students who register for the additional 10 credits with the Higher Diploma in Arts.  Students who have already completed 10 credits of first year modules in the subject as part of their primary degree will be exempt from the additional requirement to meet the Teacher Council requirements.

Detailed Entry Requirements

• It is intended for those who already have a degree, preferably in the area of Arts or the Sciences
• The Higher Diploma in Arts is a conversion programme and applicants would not normally have studied the relevant subject to Honours Degree level previously.  

Course Practicalities

Depending on modules selected, class contact time in lectures and seminars will be approximately 10 hours per week, with considerably more than this devoted to directed study (primary and secondary reading and preparation for classes, completion of coursework etc.) outside class hours.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary depending on modules taken, but include in-class tests or final exams, take-home essays, oral presentations, on-line journals or portfolios, and preparation and contribution in class.