The first-ever degree course in creative writing in Irish will begin on September 24th at the Poets' House in Falcarragh, Co Donegal.

Cathal O Searcaigh, the noted Donegal poet with a blas so soft you could spread it on bread, will be teaching and the application deadline is September 1st. Donegal County Council is offering one scholarship to an Irish person wishing to do the degree, and the Irish American Poetry Society is offering a scholarship for an American. For information contact Janice Fitzpatrick Simmons on (074) 65470. Lancaster University validates the Poets' House degrees.

Similarly, The Burren College of Art has entered into an agreement with a foreign college - exchange programmes between the school and the Milwaukee Institute of Art allow students to complete their Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in the US, after completing the school's two-year certificate course in visual arts. There are also scholarships available here, thanks to a gift of £40,000 for scholarships to Irish students. Two initial awards of £2,000 each will be available for students enrolling in the certificate course - phone (065)77200 for information.