Students take a year-long seminar (Sources & Resources) focusing on palaeography and manuscript studies; it also introduces students to auxiliary sciences such as diplomatic, heraldry and philology and includes a team-work, web-based project on a medieval scriptorium. All students take Latin and one other language (of their choice). No prior knowledge of these languages is required. To round out the year, students choose modules in Archaeology, Classics and History, and English, French, German or Irish Literature.

A Second Class Honours, Grade 1 BA, or a GPA of 3.3, or equivalent international undergraduate degree (at NFQ Level 8) in a relevant subject. Selection is based on an applicant’s academic record, academic references stating her or his potential for completing a research project, as well as samples of the applicant’s written work.