DL851 BA [Hons] English + Equality
Studies

Students develop knowledge of literary history and develop key analytical and research skills. While also learning to understand legal frameworks, social theory, and acquiring a unique skillset, this course allows students to pursue careers in diverse and inclusive leadership, and to become advocates for positive change in society.

This programme also provides students with the opportunity to study abroad through the Erasmus Programme with our partners; Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Université Reims & Université Rennes 2.

In Year 3 the second term is devoted to work industry placement or study abroad.

What is this course about?

Drawing on areas as diverse as sociology, law, and cultural theory, this three-year course offers you the unique opportunity to study literature and equality in one programme in Ireland. You will analyse and critically examine social, economic, political, and cultural issues relating to gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, disability, age, religion, family/marital status, membership of the Traveller community and social class. The literature element of the degree will give you the opportunity to analyse and interpret different forms of writing from various historical periods and cultural contexts. This course meets the requirements of the Teaching Council for teaching English at post-primary level.

What will I do?

• Study a range of literary works, looking at their history, genre and themes.
• Critically examine the history of equality in law and society.
• Develop critical and analytical writing and research skills.
• Investigate the social, cultural and economic dimensions of society in Ireland and the wider world.
• Explore the relationship between representation, culture and politics.
• Gain comprehensive knowledge on legal frameworks that provide the foundation to employment in the field of law and justice.
• Acquire transferable skills in research methods, methodology and practice.
• Examine what equality, diversity and inclusion mean in today’s culture and workplaces.
• Take an optional year for work placement or to study abroad.

What will I study?

In year one, you will study modules on literature beginning with The Early Novel, 18th Century Writing, and moving to discussions on Poetry, American Literature, and Theatre. In year two, modules include Irish Literature and International Modernist Literature. A dedicated module on 19th and 20th century writing will be complemented by modules like Critical Theory, and others that build on the students’ understanding of law and sociology. In the final year, you will undertake a final project to showcase your writing and research skills. You will also complete modules relating to contemporary literature, employment law and technology.

What will I do after I graduate?

As a graduate of this course, you will have multiple options across a variety of careers including journalism, publishing, advertising, public relations, radio, research, international relations and politics, trade unionism, human rights and advocacy, policy development, teaching, law, human resources, and more. You can also expect to find opportunities in equality, diversity, inclusion, and policy development as well as advocacy in the public sector or non-governmental organisations.

Postgraduate opportunities include the Professional Master’s of Education courses to teach English at second level, Master of Business in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, as well as other fields of graduate scholarship including literature, philosophy, law, sociology, sustainability, governance, politics and equality studies.