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 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, you are advised to check the requirements for the subject area by consulting the https://www.teachingcouncil.ie/ and verify the following:



1) Curricular Subject Requirements

2) Subject Declaration for History



If you are applying for this course for future eligibility into the Profession Master of Education, further information is available at https://www.ucc.ie/en/pec01/



Additional Teaching Mode Information

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

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.



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.



English Language Requirements

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

Closing Date

Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.



Non-EU Closing Date

Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

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 2026

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.