Modern Irish History

Course Overview

The M.Phil. in Modern Irish History programme introduces well-qualified Humanities or Social Sciences graduates to research in modern Irish history, to the problems currently addressed by historians, and to the methods they apply to study of the subject. Drawing on the current interests of staff, the course is based on the rich resources of Trinity’s library and of the adjacent Dublin libraries and archives. The course provides opportunities for in-depth study of selected issues in modern Irish history. It also serves as an introduction to students wishing to pursue doctoral studies.



Is This Course For Me?

The M.Phil. in Modern Irish History is designed to provide students with knowledge of chosen areas of modern Irish history, and to develop research and organisational skills. The programme is open to students of History and cognate disciplines.



Since its inception in 2005, the course has attracted students from across the world interested in learning. This mix of students ensures that all students explore Irish history from a wide variety of perspectives and experience.



Course Structure

Taken as a full-time course, the programme lasts for 12 months, starting in September. Teaching will be spread over two terms, beginning in September and concluding the following April. EU/ UK/EEA students can also take the course on a part-time basis over two years.



An M.Phil. degree within the School of Histories and Humanities consists of 90 ECTS.

The course comprises three main elements:

A number of research training modules focus on the range of approaches, technologies, and resources available to researchers in modern Irish history.



In addition, students take special subject modules in each term. Topics on offer change from year to year, but cover a range of specialised themes from the seventeenth to twentieth centuries. Some modules concentrate on key developments in Ireland’s history, while others examine Ireland’s relationship with the outside world, whether through emigration or through its place in the British Empire.



Finally, students write a dissertation of between 15,000-20,000 words on any area of modern Irish history based on primary sources and relevant scholarly writing.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should normally have at least an upper second class (2.1) Honours Bachelor degree or equivalent (for example, GPA of 3.3) in a relevant area. Since places on the course are limited, applicants may be interviewed or asked to submit a writing sample for assessment.



All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Closing Date: 30th June 2025

1 year full-time (EU and non-EU students)

2 years part-time (EU/UK/EEA students only)

Next Intake: September 2025

Career Opportunities

About a quarter of graduates have done doctoral studies and research careers in Ireland, Europe or North America, while others have embarked on further professional training as lawyers, teachers, librarians, counsellors and archivists. Some are now public servants, and others work in business/service industries.