Bachelor of Arts in Irish Folklore

The Bachelor of Arts in Irish Folklore at University College Cork offers students an in-depth exploration of Ireland’s rich cultural heritage through the study of traditional stories, customs, music, and beliefs. This comprehensive undergraduate degree provides a multidisciplinary approach, combining insights from history, anthropology, literature, and cultural studies to deepen understanding of Ireland’s folkloric traditions and their significance within Irish society and beyond. Throughout the programme, students engage with a variety of thematic modules that examine Irish mythology, legends, festivals, oral storytelling, and material culture, enabling them to appreciate the diversity and continuity of Irish folklore over time.

Students have the opportunity to develop vital research skills as they undertake fieldwork, collect oral histories, and analyze folk materials using contemporary methods. The curriculum encourages critical analysis of folkloric sources and promotes an understanding of their social, political, and cultural contexts. The programme also emphasizes the importance of preserving and promoting Ireland’s intangible cultural heritage and prepares students for careers in cultural heritage management, museums, archives, research, teaching, or further academic study.

In addition to core modules, students can choose electives that align with their specific interests within Irish folklore or related disciplines, providing a flexible and tailored academic experience. The programme is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners committed to fostering a vibrant learning environment that bridges theoretical knowledge and practical applications. Through lectures, seminars, workshops, and field trips, students gain not only scholarly expertise but also practical skills in ethnographic research and cultural documentation. Graduates of this programme leave equipped with a comprehensive understanding of Ireland’s folkloric traditions, ready to contribute to the preservation, interpretation, and promotion of Irish cultural heritage locally and internationally.

The Bachelor of Arts in Irish Folklore at University College Cork offers students a comprehensive exploration of Ireland’s rich cultural heritage through the study of traditional stories, customs, beliefs, and practices. This program provides an in-depth understanding of folklore as a vital aspect of Irish identity, focusing on both historical and contemporary expressions of Irish culture. Students will engage with a wide range of materials, including oral traditions, old manuscripts, song and music, festivals, and community practices, gaining valuable insights into the social and cultural contexts in which these traditions developed and continue to evolve. The curriculum combines theoretical approaches with practical engagement, encouraging students to analyze, interpret, and contribute to the living traditions of Ireland. Courses cover topics such as myth and legend, storytelling, rural traditions, festivals, and the role of folklore in Irish society. Additionally, students will learn research methods specific to folkloristic studies, including fieldwork and ethnography, enabling them to undertake their own original research projects. The program is designed to develop critical thinking skills, cultural awareness, and research competence, preparing graduates for careers in academia, media, cultural preservation, tourism, and community development. Throughout their studies, students will have opportunities to participate in workshops, field trips, and folklore festivals, gaining practical experience and making connections with practitioners and experts in the field. By the end of the program, graduates will have a deep appreciation of Irish folklore’s significance and its role in shaping Ireland’s national identity, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret traditional cultural expressions. This degree not only fosters a scholarly understanding of Ireland’s oral and material traditions but also encourages students to become active contributors to the preservation and promotion of Irish folklore in contemporary society.

The Bachelor of Arts in Irish Folklore at University College Cork requires students to complete a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide a thorough understanding of Irish oral traditions, myths, legends, and cultural practices. The program typically spans three to four years, depending on whether students undertake an honours or ordinary degree. Core modules include Introduction to Irish Folklore, Irish Mythology, Folk Tales and Legends, and Ethnographic Methods. Students are also encouraged to engage in fieldwork and community projects to gain practical experience in collecting and analyzing folklore materials.

The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating history, anthropology, literature, and cultural studies. Language proficiency in Irish is often recommended, and some modules may be taught in Irish to promote fluency. Students have opportunities to participate in seminars, workshops, and guest lectures by leading scholars in Irish folklore and related fields. Assessment methods include essays, research projects, presentations, and fieldwork reports, aiming to develop research skills and critical thinking.

In the final year, students typically undertake a substantial research dissertation on a topic of their choice, guided by faculty advisors. The program encourages active engagement with local communities and cultural organizations to facilitate experiential learning. Graduates will be equipped with skills in ethnographic research, cultural analysis, and oral history collection, preparing them for careers in academia, cultural heritage management, archives, and media productions related to Irish folklore. The department offers resources such as a folklore archive, libraries, and research centers to support student projects and postgraduate pursuits.

Financing for the BA in Irish Folklore at University College Cork is primarily based on a combination of government grants, student contributions, and potential scholarship opportunities. Irish students enrolled in this program are eligible to apply for the Free Fees Initiative, which covers the cost of tuition fees for eligible students. Additionally, students from eligible income backgrounds may qualify for student grant schemes provided by the Irish government, such as the SUSI Grant, which helps offset living expenses and course-related costs. International students are required to pay tuition fees, which vary depending on their nationality and residency status; these fees are payable annually and can range from approximately €9,000 to €25,000 depending on the student's admission category.

Students are encouraged to seek scholarship opportunities offered directly by University College Cork, which include academic achievement awards, research bursaries, and specific funds for students in arts and humanities disciplines. Part-time employment opportunities within the university or local community can also provide supplementary income to support living costs during studies.

Most students rely on a combination of these sources to finance their education, including family support or personal savings. Some students may also access student loans from financial institutions, although these are less common in Ireland compared to other countries. The university provides financial advice and resources to assist students in planning their budget, understanding available funding options, and applying for necessary grants or loans. Overall, financing a degree in Irish Folklore at UCC depends largely on individual circumstances, national support schemes, and personal financial planning, with many students managing to study through a combination of these funding avenues.

The BA in Irish Folklore at University College Cork offers students a comprehensive exploration of Ireland’s rich cultural heritage, focusing on traditional stories, customs, music, dance, and oral history. The program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of Irish folklore and its significance within Irish society and the wider European cultural context. It combines interdisciplinary coursework in history, anthropology, literature, and cultural studies, allowing students to engage with primary folklore sources, including folk tales, songs, and myths, through both theoretical and practical approaches.

Throughout the program, students learn about the methods of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting folklore, including fieldwork techniques essential for documenting oral traditions. They examine the social functions of folklore and its role in shaping cultural identity, community cohesion, and national consciousness. The curriculum also includes studies of historical contexts affecting folklore development, comparisons with other cultural traditions, and the impact of modernity and globalization on traditional practices.

Students will have opportunities to participate in heritage projects, ethnographic research, and field trips across Ireland to experience local traditions firsthand. The program aims to develop critical thinking, close reading, and communication skills, preparing graduates for careers in cultural heritage management, museum curation, arts administration, education, and research.

The learning environment combines lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical fieldwork, supported by access to extensive archives and collections of folklore materials housed at the university. The faculty includes experts in Irish history, folklore studies, anthropology, and literature, providing a rich academic environment. The program is suitable for students with an interest in Irish culture, history, and storytelling, offering a pathway to further research or professional engagement with Ireland’s intangible cultural heritage. Graduates of the program will be equipped with both theoretical insights and practical skills necessary to preserve, promote, and understand Ireland’s diverse folklore traditions in a contemporary context.