History - Conversion Course

This qualification is a conversion course for students who would not normally have studied history to degree level previously and want to apply for an MA in History, or who want to add the subject History to their teaching qualifications. On completion of the Higher Diploma in Arts History, you will have gained a broad understanding of history through thematic examination of general and specific fields, and developed the analytical and writing skills of the historian.

Students of the HDip in Arts History have an opportunity to experience a broad range of courses, from large core classes to small individual case study groups and seminars. You have an opportunity to specialise in whatever field you wish: from Irish history, international relations, early modern history, medieval studies and early Irish history. Students of this Higher Diploma select any 2nd and 3rd year modules from the undergraduate History offering: Book of Modules. For further information on these individual modules, see the course descriptions at the School of History undergraduate website: History-Undergraduate

Module selection is driven by student choice. If you wish to pursue a master's degree, you are advised to cluster a number of your modules around your future field of study (e.g. modern Ireland, medieval, international relations, etc).

If you are applying for this course to gain a teaching subject please consult with the Teaching Council subject Declaration form to view specific requirements for this subject.

If you are applying for this course for future eligibility into the Professional Master of Education, further information is available here.

Additional Teaching Mode Information
The part-time option will be taught during weekday working hours over 2 years.

Course Practicalities
Students take 60 credits from any combination of years 2 and 3 History undergraduate offerings. You are advised to consult the timetable and balance the load between the autumn and spring teaching periods. Part-time students over two years (by day) may balance the yearly credits in any combination they desire.

Modules are examined by a combination of coursework assessment, in-class examinations and end-of-year examinations. Autumn modules are generally examined by coursework (in-class examination, 1,500-word essay or presentation, depending on modules chosen) weighted at 20%, and a 3,000- or 4,000-word essay (depending on modules chosen), weighted at 80%. Spring modules are examined by coursework (1,500-word essay or in-class test) weighted at 20% and end-of-year examination, weighted at 80%. Seminars (HI3200) and Supervised Projects (HI2104) have separate examination requirements as outlined in module descriptions.

Modules

Further details on the modules listed above can be found in our Book of Modules. Any modules listed above are indicative of the current set of modules for this course but are subject to change from year to year.

University Calendar

You can find the full academic content for the current year of any given course in our University Calendar.

It is intended for those who already have a 3 or 4 year primary degree, preferably in the area of Arts or the Sciences, and who wish to study the subject History intensively over one academic year. The Higher Diploma in Arts is a conversion programme and applicants would not normally have studied the relevant subject to Honours Degree level previously.

English Language Requirements
Applicants that are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Please visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

For applicants with qualifications completed outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.

International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.

The closing date for non-EU applications is 30 June 2023

How Do I Apply
1. Check Dates: Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the fact file boxes at the top of the page.

For Irish and EU applicants we operate a rounds system and you can check the rounds closing dates here.
Note that not all our programmes are subject to the rounds system so check the opening and closing dates for your specific programme in the fact file boxes above.

2. Gather Documents: Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:

Original qualification documents listed on your application including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
Any supplementary items requested for your course if required.

3. Apply Online: Apply online via the UCC online application portal. Note the majority of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.

Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.
Additional Requirements
Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.

In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.

Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.

Please detail your computing/technical/IT skills.

Modules are examined by a combination of coursework assessment, in-class examinations and end-of-year examinations. Autumn modules are generally examined by coursework (in-class examination, 1,500-word essay or presentation, depending on modules chosen) weighted at 20%, and a 3,000- or 4,000-word essay (depending on modules chosen), weighted at 80%. Spring modules are examined by coursework (1,500-word essay or in-class test) weighted at 20% and end-of-year examination, weighted at 80%. Seminars (HI3200) and Supervised Projects (HI2104) have separate examination requirements as outlined in module descriptions.

60

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

Start Date: 7 September 2020

Skills and Careers Information
Higher Diploma in Arts - History graduates have pursued careers in teaching History and further postgraduate study in history, and career paths are as varied as individual interests.