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MPhil in Identities and Cultures of Europe

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What will I learn from this course?

The MPhil in Identities and Cultures of Europe is an interdisciplinary humanities course that will provide you with a firm grounding in theories of identity –  an essential question of our time – from a range of disciplinary perspectives (history, literature, visual arts, gender, sociology, philosophy, etc.) demonstrating how identities are created, maintained, manipulated, and sometimes destroyed. In addition to the core modules, you will have access to a broad range of optional modules from two main areas, Cultural and Political Histories of Europe and Literary and Visual Cultures of Europe, each of which has the question of identities at its heart. You will also have the opportunity to do an internship instead of one of your optional modules, if you prefer. Graduates of this course will have both the critical tools and real-life experience to understand how identities shape society and inform our social reality.

What skills will I gain on the MPhil in Identities and Cultures of Europe? What are the career prospects of this degree programme?

The MPhil in Identities and Cultures of Europe will provide you with advanced skills in critical thinking, problem solving, cognitive flexibility, research methods, written and oral communication, cultural awareness, and self-management, many of which are highly sought after by employers (see the 2018 World Economic Forum report on The Future of Jobs).

What is the duration of the MPhil in Identities and Cultures of Europe?

The MPhil in Identities and Cultures of Europe is a full-time one-year taught Masters course. It is not currently available as a part-time course.

How many classes do I take on the MPhil in Identities and Cultures of Europe?

The MPhil in Identities and Cultures of Europe is made up of two core modules (one in each semester) and four optional modules (two in each semester). Each module has two seminar hours per week. More information on the course structure can be found here.

What is an MPhil and how is it different from an MA?

An MPhil (Master of Philosophy) at Trinity is just like an MA (Master of Arts) at other universities. It is a taught Masters programme. At Trinity we are fond of our idiosyncrasies, have a long tradition, and like to be different! (It is also to avoid confusion with Trinity undergraduate students who can have their four-year undergraduate degree recognised as an MA.)

What is the internship in the MPhil in Identities and Cultures of Europe?

In the second semester students will have the opportunity to intern at an approved NGO, cultural institution or civil society organisation and receive credit for this. The internship can be taken instead of the fourth optional module.

What is the dissertation?

From April to August (following the second semester) students engage in their own research project, writing a dissertation of 15,000-20,000 words under the supervision of a staff member in the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultural Studies.

What is the field trip?

In the first semester, students will take part in a structured three-day study trip to the Leuven Institute for Ireland in Europe, during which they will attend lectures, meet fellow Masters students at KU Leuven, and visit cultural and political institutions at the heart of Europe.

How am I assessed on the MPhil in Identities and Cultures of Europe? Is there an exam?

Exams are not used as a form of assessment in the MPhil in Identities and Cultures of Europe. Instead, assessments are either in the form of essays and reports (submitted at the end of the semester), or presentations (given in class during the semester). Assessment details for all modules can be found in the Course Handbook.

What are the fees for the MPhil in Identities and Cultures of Europe? Are there scholarships available?

The most up-to-date information on the fees (including a full breakdown) for the MPhil in Identities and Cultures of Europe can be found here. The fees include the field trip costs and student levies and charges. There are a range of scholarships available for this programme including the Constantia Maxwell Studentship, the European Excellence Awards for EU students/residents, the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship for non-EU students, the Mitchell Scholarship for US students, the Global Education Programme for students from the Russian Federation, and more. More information on scholarships can be found here.

What are the entry requirements?

In order to be eligible for this course students will normally have a least a 2.1 Honours Bachelor (BA) in their undergraduate degree or a GPA of 3.3 (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject, plus appropriate proficiency in English. A very broad range of subjects in the Liberal Arts and Humanities are considered relevant for the purposes of admission, but if in doubt, email the Course Director. More details on entry requirements can be found here.

What documents do I need to submit an application?

To apply for the MPhil in Identities and Cultures of Europe, you will need:

  • Personal statement
  • Sample of academic writing
  • English language qualifications
  • Degree certificate(s)
  • Degree transcripts
  • Two reference letters
  • Online application form

All your documents will need to be uploaded to Trinity’s online application system. More details can be found here.

What is the deadline for applications?

The deadline for applications for the MPhil in Identities and Cultures of Europe is 30 June. You can apply here.

What are Trinity's rankings?

Trinity College Dublin is consistently ranked 50th in the world in the QS World Rankings by subject for Arts and Humanities and its research output is classified as ‘very high’ by QS. More details can be found here.

I have now completed the course, having submitted all my assessments. When will I receive my results/transcripts? And when will I receive my degree certificate?

Results are informally communicated to students (usually in January) after the Court of Examiners. Degree certificates are issued to students upon graduation in April.

I realise my results/transcripts will not be communicated before January, but I am now applying for a job/another degree and I need proof that I have completed the course. Where I can get official confirmation that I have completed the course?

If you have submitted all your assessments, Academic Registry can provide a document confirming that you have completed the course. To receive such a document, login to https://ask.tcd.ie and place your enquiry online. 

I have now completed the course, having submitted all my assessments. What is the process for the graduation ceremony? How do I register? When does it take place?

Following the Court of Examiners, you will receive (usually in February) a message from Academic Registry with information on how to register for the graduation ceremony. Graduation is normally held in April. For more details, see https://www.tcd.ie/academicregistry/graduation/

I would like to get an official transcript of my results, how do I go about doing this? 

If you have completed the course and your results have been approved by the Court of Examiners, you may request an official transcript of your results from the School Office by sending an email to the Course Administrator: postgraduate.sllcs@tcd.ie