MA in Medieval and Renaissance Literature
Explore Old English, Middle English, and early modern literature in depth with a specialised MA programme.
Best for:Best for graduates in English or cognate disciplines with a keen interest in medieval and Renaissance literature, textual analysis, and historical literary contexts.
Overview
This Master of Arts programme at University College Cork focuses on the rich diversity of medieval and Renaissance literature, spanning Old English, Middle English, and early modern texts. Students engage with historical contexts, critical analysis, and specialised research under expert supervision. The curriculum emphasises close textual study, interdisciplinary approaches, and the development of advanced literary scholarship. Applicants should demonstrate a strong academic background in English or related fields and a passion for historical literary analysis. The programme is designed for graduates seeking to deepen their expertise in pre-modern literary traditions.
What you'll do
- Engage in close reading and critical analysis of medieval and Renaissance literary texts.
- Develop advanced research skills in literary history and textual criticism.
- Participate in seminars and workshops focused on pre-modern literary traditions.
- Conduct independent research under faculty supervision, culminating in a thesis.
- Contribute to scholarly discussions and collaborative learning in a specialised literary context.
- Explore interdisciplinary approaches to literature, integrating historical and cultural perspectives.
Requirements
Degree required: Honours Bachelor’s degree (Second Class Honours Grade 1 or equivalent) in English or a cognate subject
Language: English; proficiency demonstrated through university-approved English language requirements (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
Instruction: English
- Strong academic background in English or related disciplines
- Ability to conduct independent literary research
- Familiarity with critical literary theory and methods
- Excellent written and analytical communication skills
- Proficiency in reading and interpreting historical texts
- Applicants must meet the required academic grade equivalent to Irish Second Class Honours Grade 1 (2H1) or higher
- North American applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3
- Applicants with qualifications from outside Ireland must meet equivalent academic standards
- No specific nationality or residency restrictions, but international applicants may have separate deadlines
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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How to apply
Deadline: Rolling deadline (open until all places filled); Non-EU applicants: open until all places filled or no later than June 15 · open until filled
Applicants must submit an online application through the University College Cork portal. Required documents include a personal statement (500 words), supplementary online questions, academic transcripts, and letters of reference. International applicants should follow the non-EU application procedure outlined on the university’s website. Early application is strongly advised.
- Personal statement (500 words)
- Supplementary online questions
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of reference
- Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
Contact
International Office· Admissions Contact
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