Explore the stories, traditions, and cultural heritage of Ireland - from anywhere in the world.
The history of Ireland isn’t just found in archives or carved into ancient stones – it lives in the words, songs, and stories passed down over centuries.
Now, wherever you are in the world, you can embark on an extraordinary literary journey from the comfort of your own home with University College Cork’s Online MA in Gaelic Literature and Culture.
This unique postgraduate programme offers something truly special: an opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Gaelic literary tradition, from the earliest Christian manuscripts to the modern era, in a flexible, fully online format.
Whether you have a deep-rooted connection to Ireland, a passion for literature, or simply a curiosity about the cultural forces that shaped the Irish identity, this course is your gateway to understanding Ireland through its language, landscape, and legacy.
Learn more about University College Cork's online MA in Gaelic Literature and Culture here - starting 8 September 2025 (Early application is advised)
A journey across time, place, and imagination
What makes the MA in Gaelic Literature and Culture at University College Cork (UCC) stand apart is its broad, cross-disciplinary approach. Taught by leading experts in the field, you’ll travel through time, tracing the voices of Ireland’s scribes, poets, and storytellers as they navigated mythology, spirituality, colonialism, and migration.
Students will have access to primary sources rarely explored in university programs, including manuscript materials housed in Ireland and abroad. These invaluable texts unlock a deeper understanding of how historic events, landscape, and the Irish diaspora have shaped Gaelic literary traditions.
Study from anywhere, at your own pace
The MA in Gaelic Literature and Culture is designed to fit around your life. Delivered entirely online and taught through English (with texts in translation), the MA welcomes students from all backgrounds. No prior knowledge of Irish is required.
"No one else offers a program like this online. UCC offering this programme has allowed me finally to pursue a decade-old dream and to make that dream a reality. It is a fantastic course, of which I am proud to be a part." (Falicia, Florida, USA)
Whether you’re a working professional, a lifelong learner, or an Irish diaspora member keen to reconnect with your heritage, you can complete this course full-time in one year or part-time over two years.
You’ll choose from modules designed to offer both depth and variety. For those new to the language, a module in Irish for Beginners is available, giving you a direct link to the sound and structure of the language behind the literature. Other modules explore topics such as the beauty of Gaelic folksong, where lyrics, melody, and memory intertwine to tell stories of love, loss, and rebellion.
A programme with global appeal
Among those who have chosen to study the course is bestselling author Rick Riordan, creator of the Percy Jackson series. The Boston-based writer enrolled at UCC in the hope that Irish legends might inspire his next bestseller.
“Before I turned to Irish myth, I wanted to be sure I had done as much research as possible, even though I knew the stories fairly well,” Mr Riordan said. “Being a full-time writer and based in Boston, I wouldn’t have been able to study Irish mythology in Ireland for an extended period of time, but UCC’s online Gaelic literature MA provided me with everything I needed. It truly is a fantastic program for anyone interested in Irish history, literature, language, or mythology.”
Bestselling author Rick Riordan. Credit: Getty
Study online with UCC
Looking to gain a world-class qualification without pressing pause on your life? University College Cork offers flexible online study options that bring a top-ranked university to you, wherever you are.
Whether you're passionate about Arts and Humanities, committed to Sustainability and Climate Action, focused on Health and Wellbeing, or driven by Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, UCC Online lets you study from wherever you are.
Join a global community of learners and take the next step in your education with UCC by visiting www.ucc.ie/online.
Find out more about University College Cork’s Online MA in Gaelic Literature and Culture here. You can keep up to date with University College Cork on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
