Start Dates are available throughout the year (2026)

The Institute of Irish Studies is an interdisciplinary centre of academic excellence with a global reputation for the study of Ireland. Our disciplinary base ranges from Irish history from medieval to modern times, literature, politics, conflict and peacebuilding, transformative justice, migration, cultural geography and gender studies.IntroductionEstablished in 1988, the Institute of Irish Studies is a world-leading centre for Irish Studies research and the only centre of its kind in the UK, engaging in multidisciplinary research into Ireland and its worldwide relations.Our postgraduate researchers pursue many original lines of research across the spectrum of Irish studies, including literature, history, politics, conflict and migration, as well as the transformation of Ireland. Timeframes span from the medieval to the present day and we have a unique Irish library and archive, the Mac Lua Library, housing many rare books, political papers and periodicals.There are also rich opportunities for expert dual supervision if you wish to pursue a cross-disciplinary topic.Research topicsKey research themes within the Institute of Irish Studies are:Religion, Identity and Conflict in IrelandThe Literature, Theatre and Culture of Ireland and the IrishThe Social, Cultural and Oral Histories of Britain and IrelandMedieval Europe, Britain and IrelandThe VikingsPerformance and Irish TheatreEarly Medieval British and Irish Intellectual CultureGaelic and Old Irish.Consociational power-sharing.Parliamentary studiesDevolution and Politics in Northern Ireland.We welcome research proposals that match those of our researchers. These include:Medieval Europe, especially Britain and Ireland AD 400-1350Political inclusion and exclusion in IrelandReligion and identity in Ireland and its diasporaPolitical violencePost-conflict transformationPolicing and communityThe impact of ethno-sectarian reproductionWomen’s and gender historyPolitical activismLegislative reformNineteenth and twentieth-century literature and culture, particularly W.B. Yeats, modern drama, Modernism, modern poetry and Irish fiction including James Joyce, John McGahern and periodical culturesTwentieth and twenty-first century history and politics, especially Irish Republicanism, women’s activism, grass-roots organisation.

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Irish Studies MPhil

At University of Liverpool

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