European History

The MA European History (UNICA) is a stimulating two-year interdisciplinary, comparative Master’s programme which offers the choice between partner universities in six European capitals – Dublin, Berlin, Oslo, Paris, Rome, and Vienna. Over two years, students study in two or three of the collaborating universities, beginning and completing their programme in their host university. For general information: https://euhistma.hypotheses.org/ This programme provides excellent preparation for students wishing to pursue a PhD in European history and equips students with a wide range of skills in the international jobs market.



This MA programme offers an innovative and structured introduction to graduate study of European history. The programme has been designed for graduate students with a particular interest in European history, who intend to continue to more advanced graduate research. What constitutes European history has been endlessly debated and it is not the purpose of this programme to establish particular claims for the chronological and geographical boundaries of European history. The programme instead encourages students to think about European history within a comparative framework, be that comparing regions, nations, or other categories of analysis.



• This diverse programme focuses on the comparative analysis of European history

• Students will develop the ability to understand historical problems in a comparative framework

• The programme will be carried out in English, meaning English will be accepted at all partner universities for presentations and assignments



What Will I Learn?

Over the course of the two year programme, students have the opportunity to study at three leading European universities, developing an understanding of different historiographical and methodological approaches, appreciating the value of comparative approaches to European history, and developing linguistic and other skills necessary for more advanced graduate study. The mobility of the programme enables students to develop their own transnational networks with researchers and fellow students throughout Europe.



The MEH is a two year Master’s programme divided into four phases (two winter and two summer terms). The programme starts in the winter term and it has a modular structure. It is made up of 120 Credits Points (CP) - 30 CP each term. All students will study in at least two different universities. A minimum of 30 ECTS credits must be obtained abroad. The Master’s thesis is to be written in English and will be supervised by academic staff of two of the different partner universities.



Modules cover topics such as the First World War, political violence, comparative revolutions, Communism, European imperialism, gender in modern history, and the history of science and technology.

Module/Trimester/Credits



Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of:

Students must spent one trimester at a partner university and can choose to spend a second trimester studying at a second partner institution.

HIS42370 European History (UNICA) (Berlin) Autumn and Spring (separate) 30

HIS42410 Euro History (UNICA) (Vienna) Autumn and Spring (separate) 30

HIS42550 Euro History (UNICA) (Rome) Autumn and Spring (separate) 30

HIS42570 Euro History (UNICA) (Paris) Autumn and Spring (separate) 30

HIS42890 Euro Hist (UNICA) Oslo Autumn and Spring (separate) 30



Stage 1 Options - D) Min 3 of:

Students must take 30 credits in their first trimester and a further 30 credits in the autumn trimester of year 2 if they do not spend the trimester at a second partner institution. If they study abroad at the partner institution in Year 2, they will need to take 30 credits at UCD in spring of Year 1.

HIS32730 The Digital Humanities Autumn 10

HIS41780 Origins of Modern Diplomacy Autumn 10

HIS41840 Approaches to the Middle Ages Autumn 10

HIS42390 Global Revolutions Autumn 10

HIS42690 Delving into the Archives Autumn 10

HIS42810 French Colonial Identities in North Africa Autumn 10

HIS42840 Modern Asia Autumn 10

HIS42850 NATO’s Wars: From Bosnia to Afghanistan Autumn 10

HIS42970 Gender in Ireland, 1500-1800 Autumn 10

HIS41850 Approaches to the Middle Ages II Spring 10

HIS42480 War, Peace, and Globalisation Spring 10

HIS42590 De Valera's Ireland Spring 10

HIS42860 The Body in Modern Warfare Spring 10

HIS42940 Body, Disease and Society Spring 10

HIS42950 How the West came to rule Spring 10

HIS42980 Middle East State & Society Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - E)1 of:

Take this module in Year 2 of the programme

HIS42120 UNICA Dissertation Autumn & Spring & Summer (separate) 30



Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of:

If your home university in the programme is not UCD, you must register to both these modules. Students, whose home university is UCD, should not register to these modules.

HIS42900 UNICA Euro Hist Exchange 1 Autumn & Spring & Summer(separate) 30

HIS42910 UNICA Euro Hist Exchange 2 Autumn & Spring & Summer(separate) 30

Applicants need an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university, in a relevant subject area of humanities or social sciences (history, international relations, politics, European studies, economics and sociology, or modern languages). Prerequisites for applying for this Master’s Programme are proficiency in English (level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR) and a good knowledge of a second modern foreign language (level B2 of the CEFR). A command of German (level A2) is also required for applicants at Humboldt-Universität.



Application and admission processes are regulated and administered by all participating universities, according to the local practice. Study places are awarded by each partner university. Applicants have to send their application directly to one of the partner universities. For the period of mobility: All students must apply and register for the programme through their home university.



In UCD you will be asked to complete a supporting statement outlining your reasons and motivation for wishing to undertake the course. In addition you will be required to provide an academic writing sample, e.g. an essay written during your degree or dissertation. (there is no word limit). In addition, a CV will be required



Two academic references from referees who are in a position to assess your intellectual ability, maturity and motivation.Ideally both academic but they can also be one academic and one professional. You can upload your references to your application itself or if your referees prefer, they can email their letters of reference to gradhistory@ucd.ie.



In addition, formal registration and course enrolment is required at those participating university/ies where students attend for at least one semester.



Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information: https://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/int%20pmp/



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information at: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/ Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Online Application.



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:



Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

2 years full-time. Delivery: On Campus.

Z222 - European History Master of Arts Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Our graduates progress to a wide range of interesting careers. Many of our alumni work in international business, foreign affairs and Dublin's vibrant tech sector, where a background in the global humanities is particularly valued. Other graduates work in senior positions across a diverse range of industries including education, the media, NGOs and the Arts, whilst some continue on to PhD research.