BA Irish at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

The BA Irish develops a sophisticated grasp of modern Irish language and culture, with modules on Irish-language film studies, human rights in contemporary literature, Celtic mythology and Scottish Gaelic, and tailored work placements in the Irish-language sector. Teaching on all core and most optional modules is conducted through Irish, and the degree exempts graduates from An Teastas Gaeilge do Mhúinteoirí Iarbhunscoile for teaching in the Republic of Ireland.

Department: School of Arts, English and Languages | Duration: 3 years full-time | Intake: September 2027 (Academic Year 2027/28) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 core modules: Celtic Mythology (20 credits), Gaeilge 1 (40 credits) and Nualitríocht na Gaeilge ó 1916 go dtí an lá inniu (20 credits). Students complete 3-4 hours of language classes a week and attend a 3-week Gaeltacht residential in Rannafast, Donegal at the end of Stages 1 and 2.

Career pathways

Former students hold senior positions in various Irish-language sectors, and the School maintains links with media production companies, the translation sector and language promotion agencies. Graduates can continue to the MRes, MA Translation or PGCE.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB including A-level Irish. A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate is accepted (Distinction* equated to A, Distinction to B). Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level H3 in Irish. Graduate entry: minimum 2:2 Honours degree provided subject requirements are met. Access courses, BTEC Extended Diplomas, HNCs and HNDs can be considered if Irish subject requirements are met. GCSE English Language grade C/4 required. No interview normally. International applicants: IELTS 6.5 with minimum 5.5 in each component or equivalent.

Domestic applicants: GBP 4,985 a year (2026/27). NI/ROI residency, full-time undergraduate tuition; 2026/27 rate Source

International applicants: GBP 24,600 a year (2026/27). International and EU Other rate Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time

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