European History

The MA in European History is offered as a one-year full-time programme. It introduces participants to wider debates in European history and prepares them to complete a minor research thesis in conjunction with taught modules. The breakdown for this programme is 60 credits relating to taught modules and 30 credits relating to the thesis.



Participants are offered a mix of required and optional modules. Compulsory taught modules familiarise participants with significant contributions to the field and major historiographical debates in early modern and modern European history from 1500 to the present, currently including the history of genocide, the two World Wars, and cultural history. Participants may also choose optional modules from other taught MAs within the Department and may undertake language courses.



Participants commence independent consultations with their supervisor on a proposed thesis during the first semester, concentrating on research and writing for the minor thesis in the second. A total of 30 credits are awarded for the thesis, with an option to conduct additional independent readings guided by their supervisor.



MA participants are also encouraged to collaborate with fellow postgraduates and departmental staff at social occasions, seminars and conferences. There are limited opportunities for well-qualified candidates to act as a tutor in the undergraduate programme, enabling them to gain valuable teaching experience.



Assessment is through a mix of written assignments, in-class participation and presentations. Participants also develop an extended thesis on a topic agreed upon with the supervisor and subject to departmental guidelines. For the thesis, emphasis is on independent study in close consultation with the supervisor. Taught modules are conducted during the week according to the regular student timetable.

The MA in European History introduces students to vital debates in European History while developing their critical research and writing skills. Students are offered a combination of compulsory and optional modules, and must also write a minor research thesis. Compulsory taught modules familiarise students with significant contributions to the field, introduce them to the nature of postgraduate research, and prepare them to write the thesis. These are complemented by optional modules drawn from this and other MA programmes within the Department. Students are assigned a thesis supervisor in the first semester and must complete their thesis alongside their coursework throughout the year.

Students who have an honours degree with a 1:1, a 2.(i) or high 2.(ii) grade in History before the programme begins will be offered a place. Other applications will be considered depending on available spaces. Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.



Minimum English language requirements:

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants..



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.

We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

Assessment is through a mix of written assignments, in-class participation and presentations. Participants also develop an extended thesis on a topic agreed upon with the supervisor and subject to departmental guidelines. For the thesis, emphasis is on independent study in close consultation with the supervisor. Taught modules are conducted during the week according to the regular student timetable.

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

In general, there are two levels of fees payable. EU students from EU countries including Ireland pay a subsidised level of fees for both taught courses and research programmes. Tuition fees for students from outside the EU are not subsidised and are thus somewhat higher than for EU students.

A taught Masters degree in European History equips students with a sound basis for pursuing an advanced research degree (e.g. PhD), or careers in education, journalism, the civil service, academia, research and arts administration, both in Ireland and the European Union more generally. Many have gone on to pursue careers or further education in the arts and heritage sector, in galleries, libraries, museums, archives and cultural institutions. This qualification can also be of use in diplomatic service, politics, law, public relations and public administration including with EU bodies.



Some graduates subsequently embark upon PhD programmes in Maynooth University or another third-level institution and their experience of independent research sets them in good stead to engage in future postgraduate research and apply for funding on a competitive basis.