MA English - Irish Writing and Film

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University College Cork UCC

Program Overview

The MA in English – Irish Writing and Film at University College Cork is a one-year, full-time program that immerses students in the rich cultural connections between Irish literature and cinema. It suits students who want to explore Ireland’s creative traditions while developing advanced skills in literary analysis, film studies, and creative practice.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-time, one year)
Students begin with core modules that introduce the breadth of Irish cultural texts and their historical contexts. Courses such as Irish Writing and Film: History, Contexts, Aesthetics and Research Methodologies in English provide the foundation for critical engagement with literature and screen media.

Optional modules allow students to tailor their studies. For example, Creative Writing Workshop supports those interested in developing fiction or poetry, while Screenwriting Practice offers training in writing for film. Modules like Irish Literature and Cultural Identity and Film Adaptation Studies encourage students to examine how Irish culture is represented and reimagined across different media.

Final Project (Summer term)
The program culminates in either a traditional dissertation or a creative practice portfolio. Students may choose to produce a 16,000-word thesis on Irish writing and film, or submit a creative project (such as a screenplay or literary portfolio) accompanied by a reflective essay. Both options are supervised by UCC’s expert faculty and supported by access to UCC’s extensive library and digital resources.

Focus Areas

Irish literature, film studies, cultural identity, adaptation, creative writing, screenwriting, research methodologies.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:

Gain advanced knowledge of Irish writing and film in historical and cultural contexts.
Develop critical and creative skills in literary and screen analysis.
Acquire practical expertise in creative writing or screenwriting.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is delivered by UCC’s Department of English, a leading centre for literary and cultural studies in Ireland. Students benefit from workshops with acclaimed writers, directors, and producers, ensuring strong professional alignment with the creative industries.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

UCC is ranked among the top 2% of universities worldwide (QS World Rankings), with strong recognition in English Language and Literature.
The program’s unique combination of literature and film, plus opportunities for creative practice, ensures graduates are well-prepared for careers in publishing, journalism, cultural administration, teaching, and screenwriting.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MA in English – Irish Writing and Film at UCC is designed to immerse you in both critical study and creative practice. You won’t just read and analyze texts — you’ll actively engage with Ireland’s literary and cinematic culture through workshops, creative projects, and direct collaboration with writers, directors, and producers. The program combines academic depth with hands-on opportunities, ensuring you graduate with practical skills that are directly relevant to careers in writing, film, and cultural industries.

Here’s how you’ll gain real-world experience and practical expertise:

Creative writing and screenwriting workshops: Work directly with acclaimed authors and filmmakers to develop your own portfolio of fiction, poetry, or screenplays.
Industry-led seminars: Participate in sessions with visiting directors, producers, and cultural practitioners, gaining professional insights into Ireland’s creative industries.
Collaborative projects: Modules encourage group work where students analyze, adapt, and create texts for both literary and screen contexts, fostering teamwork and creative problem-solving.
Access to UCC’s Boole Library: Extensive collections in Irish literature, film studies, and cultural history support both research dissertations and creative practice projects.
Film and Screen Media facilities: Students benefit from UCC’s dedicated screening auditorium with a 9.1 Cinema Surround Sound system and editing labs equipped with Final Cut Pro X, Da Vinci Resolve, Fade-in, and Logic Pro X, supporting those who choose creative practice pathways.
Mentorship opportunities: Guidance from UCC’s Arts Council Writer/Artist in Residence, who works closely with students on creative projects.
Cultural immersion: Opportunities to engage with Cork’s vibrant literary and film scene, including festivals and events that connect students with Ireland’s wider cultural networks.

This program ensures you graduate not only with advanced academic knowledge but also with the creative confidence, technical skills, and professional connections to thrive in publishing, screenwriting, cultural administration, or further academic research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MA in English – Irish Writing and Film at UCC are well-prepared for careers across Ireland’s cultural and creative industries. Many go on to roles such as Publishing Editor, Screenwriter, Cultural Administrator, and Arts Journalist, while others pursue teaching or research. The program’s unique blend of literary and film expertise ensures you graduate with both critical insight and creative skills.

Here’s how UCC supports your future success:

University career services: The UCC Career Services team provides tailored support for humanities graduates, including CV workshops, employer networking events, and one-to-one career guidance.
Employment stats: UCC reports that over 90% of postgraduates are employed or in further study within a year of graduation, reflecting strong outcomes for MA students.
University–industry partnerships: Students benefit from collaborations with the Cork Film Festival, Fastnet Film Festival, and Arts Council Writer/Artist in Residence, offering direct exposure to Ireland’s literary and film culture.
Long-term accreditation value: The program is delivered by UCC’s Department of English, internationally recognised for excellence in literary and cultural studies, ensuring graduates carry a credential respected worldwide.
Graduate outcomes: Alumni have progressed into careers in publishing, cultural policy, festival programming, and creative writing, while others have pursued doctoral research in English and Film Studies.

Further Academic Progression

After completing the MA in English – Irish Writing and Film, students can continue their studies at UCC through PhD research in English or Film Studies, supported by the university’s strong research culture and facilities. Graduates also have the option to pursue advanced interdisciplinary programs in Digital Humanities, Cultural Policy, or Creative Writing, building on the critical and creative foundation of the MA.