都柏林圣三一学院

What is English?

Students have the option of studying either English Studies (Single Honours) or English Literature (Joint Honours).

English Studies (TR023)

The study of English is concerned with the history and practices of writing in English and encompasses literary works spanning English, Anglo-Irish, American and post-colonial cultures. It aims to develop a thorough knowledge of the history of these literatures while also enabling students to develop a sophisticated critical consciousness and an awareness of critical and cultural theory. Compared to English Literature (Joint Honours) students, English Studies students cover a longer historical range (including before 1300) and also consider topics such as popular literature and childhood in literature.

English Literature (Joint Honours)

English Literature covers a broad range of literatures written in the English language, from Chaucer to the present day. The aim of the course is to help students acquire a sense of the development of literatures in English over time and space and a rich array of critical techniques and questions.

While Joint Honours students study a range of genres, periods and national literatures, the course is less comprehensive than that of the Single Honours programme.

English: The course for you?

If you want to study the whole range of developments in English and related literatures, from their earliest beginnings through to contemporary studies in the language, you would enjoy either English Literature or English Studies. If you are interested in English Literature in conjunction with another field (such as History or Philosophy), Joint Honours is probably the best option for you; conversely, if your primary interest in English, you might consider English Studies.

English @ Trinity

Our commitment to small-group teaching means that you will benefit from close personal staff supervision, so that your writing and discussion skills develop.

Our English courses have been designed to develop independence of critical thought and the articulation of informed discussion, both oral and written. Much of your work will be undertaken independently, and you will have at your disposal the resources of one of the world’s great libraries, with rich resources in the full range of literature in English.

The School of English also co-ordinates many non-syllabus activities, such as lecture series, conferences and symposia, guest lecturers (such as Anne Enright, winner of the 2007 Man Booker Prize, and Paula Meehan, the Ireland Professor of Poetry) and visiting writers including Richard Ford, the Pulitzer prizewinning author.

The School actively supports several journals of creative and critical writing by undergraduates. Many of our students are involved in student societies, where they take part in activities such as journalism, debating and theatre. In this way we ensure that your time studying English at Trinity is exciting and intense.

Graduate skills and career opportunities

Trinity’s School of English graduates gain leading roles in intellectual, professional and public life. The skills developed by students of English are in high demand from employers, especially in journalism, broadcasting, teaching, advertising, marketing and business, arts management, publishing, law and diplomacy.

Recent graduates work in Google, the Irish Times, the Department of Foreign Affairs, RTÉ and PwC.

The four-year degree provides an outstanding platform for postgraduate study in English, and usually about 30% of our graduates go on to read for a higher degree in English (Master’s degree, PhD degree). Many well-known creative writers are Trinity English graduates, including Eavan Boland, Deirdre Madden, Michael Longley, John Connolly, Derek Mahon, Brendan Kennelly, Anne Enright and Paula Meehan.