|
Liverpool course is a leader in Irish studies  This
year heralds the 20th anniversary of the Institute of Irish Studies at
the University of Liverpool. SARAH HACKETT finds out why the city is a
natural home for a centre dedicated to all things Irish.
Throughout its 20-year history the Institute of Irish Studies in Liverpool
has gained an international reputation of excellence in teaching and researching.
And the study of Ireland’s rich history and culture is a growing
area of interest — especially with postgraduate students.
Since the first graduating class of 1990 there have been over 100 students
graduating with a Postgraduate degree in Irish Studies with a further
28 graduating this year.
Recent years have also seen a three-fold increase in applications for
the Institute’s undergraduate degrees of Irish Studies, Irish Studies
and English Language and Literature and Irish Studies and History.
The Institute was founded in 1988 on a recommendation of the Anglo-Irish
Agreement and was one of the first university departments in England devoted
to the study of Ireland.
This September sees the launch of a new degree in Irish Studies and Politics
— thanks to the £5million Tony Blair Chair in Irish Studies,
which celebrates the Institute’s world-leading research, teaching
and promotion of Irish affairs.
It also recognises the key role the Institute has played in developing
and informing peace programmes in the North of Ireland.
Marianne Elliott is the Institute’s Director of Irish Studies and
in 2000 she was awarded an OBE for services to Irish Studies and the Northern
Ireland Peace Process.
Reflecting on the past achievements and the future of the Institute she
said: “The Institute proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary in
the same year as Liverpool celebrates being European City of Culture.
“Liverpool’s historic links with Ireland and distinctly Irish
culture was crucial to the decision to site the new Institute in Liverpool
University.
“We have come a long way in the 20 years.”
Describing the links that have been forged between the Institute and the
local community, she said: “Liaising with local and national schools
it runs a widening participation programme with particular emphasis on
attracting students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“It also runs a public lecture series and past public lecture speakers
have included Seamus Heaney, Roddy Doyle and Mo Mowlem.”
This year guest speakers will include BBC correspondents Orla Guerin and
Ferghal Keane.
The Institute holds two fundraising dinners each year in association with
the Merseyside Irish Business Group including the St. Patrick’s
Day Ball and the Sporting Dinner.
One of the most popular modules at the Institute is the study of the Irish
language — this year alone the module has over 40 students.
Lecturer Dr Patrick Nugent from Co. Clare is a native Irish speaker and
joined the Institute in 2001 teaching both the Irish language and Irish
culture.
He said: “Over the seven years I have been at Irish Studies, I have
thoroughly enjoyed myself and I have found the students to be very co-operative
and enthusiastic and particularly enjoy exploring their Irish identity.”
This is thanks to the atmosphere of the old Georgian House where the Institute
is situated and more importantly the staff who work there, which includes
administrator Linda Christiansen who has been with the Institute since
its inception.
And for most of the staff the words of Dr Nugent ring true, as he said:
“Possibly my single most important achievement since coming to the
Institute of Irish Studies is the cultivation of a sense of pride amongst
students of Irish descent in their origins and culture.”
For more information about The Institute of Irish Studies contact 0151
794 3831, e-mail: irish.studies@liv.ac.uk or log-on to: www.liv.ac.uk/irish/
Tony Barrett: The graduate
The majority of students at the Institute are either first, second or
third-generation Irish or have a strong affiliation to Ireland.
Tony Barrett was one of the first graduates from the Institute of Irish
Studies.
He now works as the Liverpool FC correspondent for the Liverpool Echo
newspaper and credits his degree for helping his career in journalism.
He said: “I decided to do Irish Studies because of a long-standing
interest in Irish history, politics and literature which was inherited
from my father.
“And even though football was not part of my degree course —
although the amount of time I spent talking about it suggested it was
— the analytical, research and writing skills I picked up have been
a massive help to me in this job.
“These wide ranges of skills have also helped other past students
who are now working in the heritage sector, teaching, PR and the media.”
What is testament to the success of the Institute of Irish Studies is
how past and present students would describe their experiences.
Reflecting the sentiments of many students Tony said: “For me the
most important thing I took from my degree wasn’t the qualification,
it was the sense of how enjoyable education can be.” |
