The Monthly Poet: Three Irish Poets

Meet for 3 classes over 3 months (26/01/2026, 23/02/2026 and 23/03/2026).

The Monthly Poet aims to open up poetry to everyone. In each session explore an individual poet’s life and works.

You will assess key thematic and technical aspects of the selected poetry and engage with poetic elements such as form, rhythm, rhyme and imagery. Discussions will deepen understanding and highlight each poet’s unique contributions to the evolution of poetic forms.

You will have access to the selected poems in advance through our Learning Platform, supplemented by recordings and documentary footage to enhance learning through authentic voices and historical context.   

This course will focus on the following Irish poets:

• Paul Muldoon
• Eavan Boland
• Derek Mahon

Any essential or recommended reading will be shared by the course teacher once the course is confirmed to run. 

You will require access to a device with an internet connection. 

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course, you should be able to:  

• Share ideas and arguments about poems using recognised literary terminology;
• Identify the tools and techniques (such as form, meter, rhyme, imagery) used by poets;
• Contextualise poems within their historical, political, and social environments, appreciating how these factors influence writing. 

No previous experience is required.  

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be aged 16+.  

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.  

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s Accessible and Inclusive Learning Policy. Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services.

This course is suitable for those with no prior experience of university study. No previous knowledge of literature is required.

You will need to have reading, listening and communication skills, including the ability to understand detailed ideas and information presented verbally and in writing. You must be comfortable learning in English if it is not your first language. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Please note that the course booking deadline is 8 days before the course start date.