History

DCU's MA in History offers fresh perspectives on Ireland's journey from colony to independent state, on how Irish sovereignty has developed, on the centrality of land and landscape, and on the fluctuating fortunes of religion, language and gender.



The combination of the disciplines of History and Geography in our school is unique in Ireland.



Through our innovative and dynamic teaching, you’ll gain rich insights on Ireland’s fascinating historical story and its broader international context; both are essential to understand the world today and how our future is being shaped.



Programme Aims and Objectives

Acquire specialist knowledge and understanding of the complexities of modern Irish history and historical geography

Enhance your critical, analytical and interpretative skills

Develop the ability to plan, research and write a substantial original research project

Cultivate transferrable skills of independent thinking, analysis, communication, organisation and time management

Semester One

Interpretation and Argument in History Writing

This module introduces students to the tradition of history writing (historiography) as it has evolved and developed in Europe and the world since classical times, and in Ireland from the early seventeenth century to the present. Click here for more information.



Research Methods

This module introduces a range of research methods and focuses on active engagement with the processes of gathering, evaluating and analysing historical evidence. Students are guided through the process of using archives and various online resources. A novel feature of this module not offered elsewhere is an introduction to Geographic Information System (GIS). A fundamental objective is to equip students to devise, and execute independent research projects. The module imparts important transferrable, research and writing skills. Click here for more information.



Ireland in the Twentieth Century: Crisis, Continuity and Change

Crisis, continuity and change are recurring themes in the history of twentieth-century Ireland. This module examines the central political, economic, social and cultural features of that historical experience using primary sources in a seminar-setting. Click here for more information.



SEMESTER TWO

Ireland’s Landscapes: from Plantation to Celtic Tiger

This module examines how changing relationships between economy, politics and society have moulded the Irish urban and rural landscape over the past four centuries. Taking a Historical Geography perspective, students will be exposed to key concepts and methods including fieldwork by which they can trace the evolution of the landscape. Click here for more information.



The Irish Revolution in a Revolutionary World

This module interrogates the Irish revolution (1912-1923) by placing it in the context of, and comparing it with, other European revolutions that occurred during that era of imperial decline. By examining Irish and other European sources, students will not only deepen their knowledge of the Irish revolution but will consider what can be learned about the Irish experience through the study of other revolutionary or state formation moments, and debate what, if anything, made the Irish experience different? Click here for more information.



Gender and Society in Ireland since 1867

This module examines shifting gender roles in Ireland through the lens of individual women’s lives. Using a variety of primary sources, the module will chart the trajectory of continuity and change in the construction of gender roles. Click here for more information.



Dissertation

This year-long module allows students to produce their own piece of independent historical research, guided by a supervisor who will be an expert in the field. Click here for more information.

Requirements

For admission to the MA in History, successful applicants will have -

• A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent, in History or a cognate subject.

• Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.

• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.

Application Deadlines

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:



• Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2024.

• Closing date for EU applicants is 31st July 2024.



Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.



Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are advised to apply as early as possible.



All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.



Queries

Queries from EU applicants should be directed to postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie

Queries from non EU applicants should be directed to internationalapplications@dcu.ie



To apply for this programme:

• All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal - view Application Weblink above.



• Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.



• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.

Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml

1 year full-time

2 years part-time

The programme commences in September 2024

As a student of the MA in History, you will develop many aptitudes attractive to employers. These include independence of thought; the capacity to marshal, evaluate and communicate complex ideas and information; robust research and analytical skills; reflective writing, presentation and project management skills.



Potential Careers

The MA in History is highly versatile and our graduates progress to a variety of careers in sectors such as:



Education

University and arts administration

Business

Consultancy

The civil service

The heritage sector

Journalism

Media and publishing

Some advance to doctoral research