MD500: Bachelor of Arts in Irish Studies and Religious Studies

MD500 is a three year full-time BA degree programme, first offered in the 2002/2003 academic year. The programme draws upon the existing strengths of the Institute, which is a nationally recognised centre for dialogue between Religion and the Humanities and has long experience of both teaching and research in English literature, History and Religious Studies.

Programme Content

1. Irish Studies
Students pursuing Irish Studies engage in cultural studies, considering aspects of Ireland from a variety of disciplines, including English, History, Philosophy, and with a strong interdisciplinary approach. Students explore the culturally diverse nature of Irish society and history.

The Irish Studies programme asks students to re-imagine notions of Irishness. Who are the Irish? Who were the Irish? What does it mean to be Irish? Individual modules address shifting notions of Irish identity at various seminal points in the past, paying due attention to the manner in which identity is formed on the basis of class, gender, religion and politics.

While works of the great Irish writers are explored, students will also examine how notions of Irishness are represented in popular culture - on the television, through sport, in the cinema. In all three years of the programme there is an emphasis on examining Irish culture and the Irish past outside the lecture hall, through theatre, gallery and museum visits.

Students in second year will pursue a placement either in a Gaeltacht region or in a library or archive, allowing them to experience at first hand Irish culture and the voices of the past.

Further information on Irish Studies course content is available here.

2. Religious Studies
The component subjects of Religious Studies include:

Systematic and Moral Theology,
Scripture,
Philosophy

These subjects are intended to contribute to the academic and intellectual formation of students, to foster personal faith and a capacity to respond to the challenges of contemporary society from a Christian perspective with an awareness of other faith traditions and a commitment to global and social justice.

In addition, a variety of opportunities for faith development are also offered including liturgy and prayer, retreat weekends, reflection days, and social justice groups.

Through placements, third-year students have the opportunity to engage with the wider community through work with refugees, the homeless and in the general area of social justice.

Postgraduate Study

The degree will also provide graduates with a firm foundation from which to undertake postgraduate studies, such as research in Irish Studies in various interdisciplinary programmes in Irish universities, including the MA in Religion and Culture in Mater Dei Institute.

Career Opportunities

The BA degree provides the necessary Liberal Arts foundation to allow graduates to pursue careers in journalism, law, irish culture and heritage, publishing, media work, human resources, teaching*, librarianship, archival studies, administration and the civil service. Many graduates have also pursued taught postgraduate programmes and research at MDI and other leading colleges.

*The degree has the approval of the Teachers' Registration Council for application to the Higher Diploma in Education for the teaching of English and Religious Education.

Entry Requirements

All, except mature applicants, must meet the matriculation requirements of MDI as follows: Leaving Certificate or equivalent with a minimum of two recognised subjects at higher level grade HC3 and four at ordinary or higher level grade D3. These six subjects must include:

English and
Irish*

*Irish language exemption: Applicants who have not studied the Irish language may request an exemption from the Irish language requirement. This exemption request must be sent in writing directly to the Admissions Office of Mater Dei Institute at the time of application through the CAO.

Interview

Mature applicants only.

Points for Entry in 2009

310

Application

Through the CAO (Central Applications Office): http://www.cao.ie. Course code: MD500.

Contact for Brochure and Course Leaflet

Admissions Office, Mater Dei Institute of Education, Clonliffe Road, Dublin 3.
Tel: (01) 808 6518 (Admissions) - (01) 808 6500 (College)
Fax: (01) 837 0776
e-mail: