Skip to main content

Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Trinity Menu Trinity Search

School of Languages, Literatures and Cultural Studies

You are here Programmes > Postgraduate > Postgraduate Taught Programmes

Postgraduate Taught Courses

The following courses are offered by the school, and most can be studied as a Certificate, Diploma or MPhil.

Our taught courses consist of a programme of core and option modules, each one of which has coursework associated with it. Each module consists of a two-hour lecture, the preparation associated with that lecture, and an assignment. The final aspect to our Master’s Degrees is a research dissertation, completed under the supervision of an academic expert in the field.
Most of our taught courses offer three entry route options:

  • Certificate

Our Certificate programmes consist of a manageable set of modules and their associated coursework, designed to give a good introduction to the subject in question.
Key facts:

    • 30 ECTS Credits in total
    • An average of between 4 and 5 hours of lectures each week.
    • An average of around 14 hours each week for preparation and completing the final assignment.
    • Each term lasts 12 weeks.
    • The Certificate is completed over two terms.
    • It is ideally suited for candidates with only limited time to devote to their studies each week over around six months.

  • Diploma

Our Diploma programmes consist of a full programme of modules, including core modules, option modules and their associated coursework. The Diploma develops many, but not all, of the transferable skills of the Master’s Degree.
Students who have already completed the Certificate programme can trade-in their Certificate and complete the additional modules over two terms to earn the Diploma. This transfer cannot take place until the Certificate programme has been fully completed.


Key facts:

    • 60 ECTS Credits in total
    • An average of between 6 and 8 hours of lectures each week, or between 4 and 5 hours of lectures each week for students topping-up the certificate.
    • An average of around 28 hours each week for preparation and completing the final assignment, or around 14 hours each week for students topping-up the certificate.
    • Each term lasts 12 weeks.
    • The Diploma is completed over two terms.
    • The Diploma is ideally suited for candidates who can devote around six months to their studies, full-time.

     

  • Master’s Degree

Our Master’s Degree programmes consist of a full programme of modules, including core modules, option modules and their associated coursework, along with a dissertation. The Master’s Degree develops the full range of transferable skills, and prepared candidates for further study at the doctoral level, as well as to pursue careers in industry.
As an ancient university, Trinity’s taught Master’s degrees in humanities subjects are termed “MPhils” (Master of Philosophy), rather than “MAs” (Master of Arts). This is because the MA is an honorary degree awarded by Trinity and other ancient universities. You can find out more here. There is no difference in the academic standing of a taught MPhil and a taught MA.
Our Master’s Degrees can be completed over the course of twelve months of intensive study, full-time. Alternatively, students who have already completed the Diploma can trade in their Diploma and complete the dissertation to earn the Master’s Degree. This transfer cannot take place until the Diploma programme has been fully completed.


Key facts:

    • 90 ECTS Credits in total
    • An average of between 6 and 8 hours of lectures each week during term.
    • An average of around 28 hours each week during term for preparation and completing the final assignment.
    • Each term lasts 12 weeks.
    • Much of the dissertation is completed during the summer months, outside term time. Around 36 hours per week are required. Students topping-up their Diplomas only complete the dissertation.
    • The Master’s Degree is completed over twelve months.
    • The Master’s Degree is ideally suited for candidates who want an intensive and thorough grounding in their subject, and can devote twelve months to their studies, full-time.

Our taught postgraduate courses draw on the wealth and breadth of the research housed in Trinity College Dublin’s School of Languages, Literature and Cultural Studies and its partner schools.

Our Early Irish Programme, on the other hand, is a highly specialised, focused programme, aiming to build knowledge of the medieval language of Ireland. This course is offered only at the Diploma and Master’s Degree levels: