History
GradDip History
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 60)
The Graduate Diploma in History is targeted at students who wish to progress to further study, or who wish to develop key transferable skills vital to many and diverse careers. It is designed for students coming to history from a non-cognate subject, those who did not live up to their potential in their BA, as well as those returning to education after a long period of absence. We value and promote a strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and the importance of independent learning. These values are instilled within a robust but supportive environment, with a particular focus on encouraging an awareness of broad historiographical trends and the development of the skills required to assess and analyse different forms of primary evidence. The learning environment stresses the importance of resesarch, critical and analytical thinking, and of making informed challenges to prevailing ideas, interpretations and approaches. Small group seminars are vital to the programme's design; it is here, in a very structured and active learning environment where students hone their ability to present, defend and question historical knowledge. The learning trajectory is supported through the use of weekly research journals, presentations, essays and book reviews. The taught elements of the programme are intended to build and develop the skill set and confidence of learners to equip them to undertake the research project. A feature of the Graduate Diploma Programme is that students who perform strongly in the first semester can apply to be transferred to the MA. The MA is completed within the same academic year.
Course Description
There are two core modules. Renaissance Europe develops your awareness of historiography, while Making History deals with the processes involved in handling and analysing primary sources. Students take one undergraduate module in semester 1 (subject to availability). In addition to the taught courses, you will work on a Graduate Research Project over the course of semesters 1 and 2 (normally a dissertation of 8,000 words).
Vision and Values Statement
The programme is targeted at students who wish to progress to further study, or who wish to develop key transferable skills vital to many and diverse careers. It is designed for students coming to history from a non-cognate subject, those who did not live up to their potential in their BA, and those returning to education after a long period of absence. We value and promote a strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and the importance of independent learning. These values are instilled within a robust but supportive environment, with a particular focus on encouraging an awareness of broad historiographical trends and the development of the skills required to assess and analyse different forms of primary evidence. The learning environment stresses the importance of research, critical and analytical thinking, and of making informed challenges to prevailing ideas, interpretations and approaches. Small group seminars are vital to the programme's design; it is here, in a very structured and active learning environment where students hone their ability to present, defend, and question historical knowledge. The learning trajectory is supported through the use of weekly research journals, presentations, essays and book reviews. The taught elements of the programme are intended to build and develop the skill set and confidence of learners to equip them to undertake the research project. A feature of the Graduate Diploma Programme is that students who perform strongly in the first semester can apply to be transferred to the MA. The MA is completed within the same academic year.
Programme Outcomes
Ability to survey in a critical and analytical fashion the historiography of given subjects
Awareness of a number of major historiographical trends since the nineteenth century.
Development of a strong work ethic and awareness of the effort required to succeed at graduate level.
Drive to work independently but to thrive on and respond to the feedback of peers and the teaching staff within a structured environment.
The ability to survey a body of scholarship written over time, to offer an informed critical and analytical commentary, and to identify fertile areas for further research.
The ability to take an embryonic idea for a research project and develop it into a successful 8,000-word piece of scholarship. A range of skills will be required, including: planning, historiographical awareness, analytical ability to handle primary sources, & ability to communicate findings.
The confidence to work with and handle a range of primary sources, especially those relevant to the chosen research subject of the learner.
Subjects taught
Stage 1 - Core
Research ProjectHIS41660
Renaissance EuropeHIS41910
Stage 1 - Option
Origins of Modern DiplomacyHIS41780
Approaches to the Middle AgesHIS41840
Approaches to the MiddleAges IIHIS41850
Global RevolutionsHIS42390
Pop Culture in Modern IrelandHIS42460
Global History MA MethodsHIS42470
Landscape and Environment in Ireland, 1500-1800HIS42490
Gender and Education in Modern China's Global History (1800-Present)HIS42520
Dangerous and DeviantHIS42580
De Valera's IrelandHIS42590
Race and US National IdentityHIS42600
Brave New WorldsHIS42610
A Global History of RefugeesHIS42620
Keeping the home fires burning: Women and war in Ireland and Britain, 1914-1945HIS42630
Gender & Modern Irish HistoryHIS42650
Historiography and Historical Debate in Twentieth-century IrelandHIS42660
Making an island of saintsHIS42670
Entry requirements
The Graduate Diploma programme is aimed primarily at students who have an undergraduate qualification in a non-cognate discipline or students who are returning to education after a long period of absence.
Application dates
The following entry routes are available:
Grad Dip History FT (Z160)
Deadline
Rolling*
Grad Dip History PT (Z161)
Deadline
Rolling*
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No
The Graduate Diploma programme is aimed primarily at students who have an undergraduate qualification in a non-cognate discipline or students who are returning to education after a long period of absence.
Credits
60
Duration
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.
Fees
GradDip History (Z160) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 6105
nonEU fee per year - € 13270
GradDip History (Z161) Part Time
EU fee per year - € 3650
nonEU fee per year - € 6635
***Fees are subject to change
Enrolment dates
Next Intake: 2019/2020 September
Post Course Info
Careers & Employability
Some graduates of the Graduate Diploma go on to develop their academic careers, applying for places on MA programmes or teacher training programmes. However, many more see the Graduate Diploma as a valuable addition to their undergraduate qualification – a fourth year in which to deepen critical analytical abilities which are valued so highly by employers.