English
Our BA in English offers you the opportunity to explore books, films, and theatre under the guidance of world-class scholars. By studying English you will develop your knowledge, creativity, and writing skills, and get more from the literature you love.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | National University of Ireland | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
3 or 4 years, full-time.
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements
At least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H5 in two subjects and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish. Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:
English O6/H7
Irish O6/H7
Other Language O6/H7
Arts Subjects Requirements with Points to Note
Computer Science (Group 1)
Computer Science is available in First Year Arts and thereafter only as a 10-credit minor subject within the Single Subject Degree Programme.
Portuguese (Group 1)
Students wishing to take Beginners' Portuguese, you must have obtained a minimum H4 in the Leaving Certificate Examination (or equivalent) in another modern continental language, or Irish, Latin, or Greek.
History of Art (Group 2 (a))
History of Art may be taken with another subject in Group 2 in First Year only.
European Studies (Group 2 (b))
This subject is available in First Arts and thereafter only as part of the BA (International). European Studies students wishing to transfer to the four-year BA Hons International must make an application seeking the approval of CACSSS. All such applications are subject to examination results and availability of places.
Studies in Psychology (Group 2 (b))
Studies in Psychology in Arts first year stream only for 2026/27 entry. Subject to be part of Group 2b. This subject is available in Year 1 only.
Chinese Studies (Group 3)
This subject is available in First Arts and thereafter as a 10-credit subject in the Single Subject Programme or as a 20-credit subject in the Major Subject Programme in the three year BA Degree. Students wishing to continue with Chinese Studies as a 30- or 40-credit subject must make an application seeking the approval of CACSSS to transfer to the BA (International). All such applications are subject to examination results and availability of places. These students will spend the third year of their degree studying at an approved university in China and return to UCC to complete their degree programme in Fourth Year.
German (Group 3)
Students wishing to select German Non Beginners should have a minimum grade H4 in German in the Leaving Certificate Examination (or equivalent). Students wishing to take German (Beginners) are recommended to have a minimum of grade H3 in another modern continental language.
Latin (Group 3)
This is available in First Arts and thereafter only as a 10-credit subject in the Single Subject Programme..
Mathematical Studies (Group 3)
Students will be required to achieve a minimum H4 in Mathematics in the Leaving Certificate or equivalent.
French (Group 4)
A Student will not normally be allowed to select French unless they have attained a pass standard in French in the Leaving Certificate Examination (or equivalent).
Studies in Music (Group 4)
This is available in First Arts and thereafter as a 10-credit subject in Single Subject Programme only.
Italian (Group 6a)
Students wishing to take Beginners’ Italian are recommended to have a minimum of grade H4 in another modern continental language, or Irish, or Latin, or Greek in the Leaving Certificate examination (or equivalent). Students wishing to take Non-Beginners’ Italian are recommended to have a minimum of grade H4 in Italian in the Leaving Certificate examination (or equivalent).
Spanish (Group 6b)
Students wishing to take Beginners’ Spanish must have obtained a minimum grade H4 in the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) in another modern continental language, or Irish, Latin or Greek OR evidence of competence equivalent to Grade H4 in a foreign language other than Spanish. Students who have studied Spanish at second level and obtained a grade below H4 can also join the Beginners’ Spanish course. Students wishing to take Non-Beginners’ Spanish must have obtained a minimum Grade H4 in Spanish in the Leaving Certificate examination (or equivalent).
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme LCVP
Distinction 66 points
Merit 46 points
Pass 28 points
QQI FET Applicants General Information
Careers / Further progression
Skills and Careers Information
English is a flexible and attractive degree which can help you achieve success in such professions as:
journalism and broadcasting
teaching
publishing
theatre
public relations
arts management
marketing and information sciences
Graduates of the BA in English have a range of transferrable skills including the ability to:
Write clearly and effectively
Think independently and creatively
Organise and engage in research
Evaluate ideas and derive conclusions based on research
Craft well-supported, logical arguments
Apply theories to understand critical problems
Present information cogently and concisely
Collaborate and work as part of a team
The UCC BA in English supports and sustains a lifelong relationship with literature, and equips you with the skills and knowledge to become a critical thinker, an effective communicator, an elegant writer, and a creative person able to make a positive contribution to our society and culture.
Further information
September 2026
Approximate Available Places 6
Find out about the mature entry requirements at https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/undergrad/entryreqs/matureapplicants/
Approximate Available Places Overall 58
Entry 2026
Early online application (discounted): Fee €35 Closing Date: 20 January 2026 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €50 Closing Date: 1 February 2026 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: €65 Closing Date: 1 May 2026 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2026 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2026. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2026, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2026 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €65 applies.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
Our BA in English offers you the opportunity to explore books, films, and theatre under the guidance of world-class scholars. By studying English you will develop your knowledge, creativity, and writing skills, and get more from the literature you love.
The English Department at UCC has a strong tradition of creativity and independent thinking. In choosing the BA in English, you will join a community of scholars who are passionate about literature and dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and reach your potential.
Our BA introduces you to the subject in its fullest sense. Through reading, writing, discussion, and group and independent research, you will learn about literary genres, movements, and historical periods and develop a deep understanding of critical theories and current debates. You will also have the option of studying creative writing and digital literacy. The programme enables you to gain invaluable experience and skills in research, creative and critical thinking, effective communication, presentation, and teamwork.
Placement or Study Abroad Information
You will have the option to add a year on to this three-year degree should you wish to spend a year studying abroad. The BA English (International Pathway) means you spend Year 3 studying at one of our partner universities in Europe, Canada, or the USA. You will then return to UCC for Year 4 to continue your studies.
You will have the option to add a year on to this three-year degree should you wish to spend a year studying abroad. The BA English (International Pathway) means you spend Year 3 studying at one of our partner universities in Europe, Canada, or the USA. You will then return to UCC for Year 4 to continue your studies.
The programme offers a varied and stimulating introduction to literature and culture in the English language. You will be introduced to writing in a range of genres, including novels, poetry, and drama, from several historical periods, and will gain a solid foundation in key critical and cultural theories.
Year 1 Modules
EN1010 Critical Reading and Writing (5 credits)
EN1011 Literature in Time (5 credits)
EN1012 Literature in Question (5 credits)
EN1101 Contexts: the Production and Reception of Literature and Film (5 credits)
EN1103 Problems in Literature (10 credits)
In addition choose two subjects from the list below, with no more than one from each group.
Group 1 Asian Studies; Computer Science; History; Portuguese
Group 2a* History of Art
Group 2b* European Studies; Folklore; Gaeilge/Irish; Greek & Roman Civilisation, Studies of Psychology (Year 1 only)
Group 3 Archaeology; Chinese Studies; German; Latin; Mathematical Studies; Politics
Group 4 French; Sociology; Studies in Music
Group 6a** Geography; Italian
Group 6b** Celtic Civilisation; Philosophy; Spanish
*Groups 2(a) and 2(b): Students can combine group 2(b) History of Art with any subject from Group 2(a) in First Year only. Students can only study one subject from Group (2a) and 2(b) in Second and Third Year.
**Groups 6(a) and 6(b): Students may not combine Italian with Celtic Civilisation or Philosophy in Second Year. Students may not combine Geography with Celtic Civilisation, Philosophy or Spanish in Second Year.
Year 2 Modules
Core: Critical Skills Seminars; Introduction to Old English Language; Special Topics in Literature and Culture.
Electives: Introduction to Renaissance Literature; Modern Drama; Adaptation, Literature and Culture; Romance and Realism; American Literature to 1900; Eighteenth-Century Literature; Chaucer: The Canterbury Tales and Related Texts; Women and Literature; DH2006 Curation and Storytelling in the Digital Age; LL2003 Aspects of the Classical Tradition.
Year 3 Modules
Core: Special Studies Seminars; Dissertation.
Electives: The Irish Literary Revival and Irish Modernism; Victorian Literature; Modernism; Romance: Medieval to Renaissance; Contemporary Irish Writing; Studies in Shakespeare; Contemporary Culture; Of Monsters and Men: Old and Early English Literature; Modern and Contemporary American Literature; Romantic Literature.
Dr Miranda Corcoran
miranda.corcoran@ucc.ie
+353 (0)21 490 2585
http://www.ucc.ie/english
English Department Office
englishdepartment@ucc.ie