Irish History

UCD’s dynamic School of History, the largest in the country, has long played a vital role in leading national debate and research on the evolution of Irish society, culture and politics. This MA enables students to work closely with some of the country’s most renowned historians of Ireland to continue the tradition of providing context, insight and originality in the research of Irish history and its communication to a wide audience. Our teaching is informed by a global perspective, situating events in Ireland in an international and comparative context. UCD faculty have diverse research interests and our module choices reflect this, ranging from the medieval to the modern period and thematically across histories of religion, the environment, medicine and deviancy, gender and war, and twentieth century Irish society and politics.



Students take 60 credits of taught modules, including core modules in historiography and dissemination, and two options. They can follow their own research interests (for example, selecting to focus primarily on the Early Modern period or the twentieth century) and in their choice of topic for their dissertations. The 30 remaining credits are allocated to the 15,00 word dissertation, a substantial piece of original research. Students will become familiar with the extensive Irish history collections in UCD Archives and UCD Library Special Collections and will have the opportunity to explore other archives and libraries located a short distance away in Dublin city centre. There is a lively and dynamic research culture in UCD and students are encouraged to attend our seminar series in gender history, war studies, global history, and those organised by the Mícheál Ó Cléirigh Institute for the Study of Irish History and Civilisation, and the Centre for the History of Medicine in Ireland.



The MA in Irish History is suitable for those with some background in history or a related humanities subject who are interested in exploring Ireland’s past. Applicants who have not studied Irish history before are very welcome to apply. We have both part-time and full-time pathways.



Students will have an opportunity to focus on their own particular areas of interest and be guided by historians with an excellent track record in the teaching and research.



What Will I Learn?

The MA in Irish History is a 90-credit programme. Students take 60 credits of taught modules, including core modules in historiography, archives, and dissemination, and three options. The modules offered encapsulate the origins, development and contemporary state of research into Irish history. You can follow your own research interests (for example, selecting to focus primarily on the Early Modern period or the twentieth century) and in your choice of topic for their dissertations. The 30 remaining credits are allocated to the 15,00 word dissertation. Through the dissertation and in house conference, students will have an opportunity to develop and present a significant project based on original research. There is a strong emphasis on the use of primary source material, including material from the collections of the UCD archives. The dissertation, at the core of the MA, allows you to engage your own research-based interests. You will be guided by historians with an excellent track record in the teaching and research.



Modules are taught through seminars. You will develop expertise in presenting, analytical thinking, effective communication, and writing with clarity and precision. Every student is free to choose their own degree pathway and the modules on offer include courses in medieval, early-modern and modern history.

Module/Trimester/Credits



Stage 1 Core Modules

HIS42690 Delving into the Archives Autumn 10

HIS42020 Disseminating History Spring 10

HIS42660 Historiography and Historical Debate in Twentieth-century Ireland Spring 10

HIS42880 Dissertation Year-long (12 months) 30



Stage 1 Options - B)2 of:

Should must take 2 of these Autumn option modules.

HIS32730 The Digital Humanities Autumn 10

HIS32980 Britain's War Northern Ireland Autumn 10

HIS42460 Pop Culture in Modern Ireland Autumn 10

HIS42970 Gender in Ireland, 1500-1800 Autumn 10



Stage 1 Options - C)1 of:

Students must select 1 Spring option module.

HIS42590 De Valera's Ireland Spring 10

HIS42860 The Body in Modern Warfare Spring 10

HIS42940 Body, Disease and Society Spring 10

Minimum of 2.1 or international equivalent in BA History or a cognate subject. Minimum of 2.1 in BA History or a cognate subject.



You must supply details of any third level institutions you have attended and professional qualifications you have attained.



You will be asked to complete a supporting statement outlining your reasons and motivation for wishing to undertake the course. In addition, a CV will be required.



You will be asked to provide research proposal (one or two pages in length) which outlines preliminary topics/ideas for MA dissertation



You will be required to provide an academic writing sample, e.g. an essay written during your degree or dissertation. (there is no word limit)



Two academic references from referees who are in a position to assess your intellectual ability, maturity and motivation. Ideally both academic but they can also be one academic and one professional. You can upload your references to your application itself or if your referees prefer, they can email their letters of reference to gradhistory@ucd.ie.



Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6 in each element), or equivalent.



This course is open to graduates from history, social sciences or cognate disciplines.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information at: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/ Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Online Application.



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes



Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: Yes

90

Z264: 1 year full-time

Z265: 2 years part-time

Delivery: On Campus

MA Irish History (Z264) Full Time

EU fee per year - € 7315

nonEU fee per year - € 19900


MA Irish History (Z265) Part Time

EU fee per year - € 4390

nonEU fee per year - € 9950


***Fees are subject to change

Z264 Irish History Master of Arts Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught



Z265 Irish History Master of Arts Part-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

You will be equipped to excel in numerous careers that value critical thinking, writing and time- and project-management skills. Many of our alumni work in international business, foreign affairs and Dublin's vibrant tech sector, where a background in the humanities is particularly valued. Others graduates work in senior positions across a diverse range of industries including education, the media, NGOs and the Arts. Some graduates proceed to PhD studies at Irish, British, and European institutions.