The course is offered in areas of study in which the Faculty of Arts can offer expert guidance and supervision and subject to the availability of resources as determined by the Faculty Board of Arts. Students are required to write a dissertation based on work of an advanced or original nature undertaken by them during the course and to present their findings and conclusions in a scholarly manner in a dissertation carrying 80 ECTS credits. The main criteria of assessment of the dissertation are: originality in approach or content or a comprehensive and self-supporting study of a theme.

The Course shall be open to applicants in possession of one of the following qualifications: (a) the degree of Bachelor of Arts (Honours) with Second Class or better in the same or in a closely related area of study as the area of study applied for, provided that the Board may consider applicants in possession of the Degree with Third Class Honours only if it is satisfied that such applicants are in possession of other qualifications, including relevant experience, obtained following the first cycle degree or (b) the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the same or in a closely related area of study as that applied for, with an average mark of not less than 55% in that area or (c) a degree from this or from another university which the Board considers as comparable to any of the degrees indicated in paragraphs (a) and (b) above. This comparability may, in exceptional cases, extend to applicants proposing a research topic which in itself bridges the area of study of the first degree and the one being applied for. In such cases, applicants would be required to attend an interview to assess their suitability, in accordance with procedures established by the Board. Preparatory Programme: In the case of a mainly research course and depending on the nature of the programme, applicants admitted under paragraphs (b) and if necessary (c) shall be required to complete a preparatory programme, comprising not less than 30 and not more than 60 ECTS credits as directed by the Board, depending on the number of ECTS credits already obtained in that area of study, with an overall average mark of 55% or better, prior to their registration as regular students on the Course. The Board may grant applicants full or partial exemption from the requirement of the preparatory programme if it is satisfied that the applicant possesses post first cycle degree work experience that is relevant to the area of study applied for.