Irish History
Established in 1854, UCD is steeped in Irish history and is an institution that has played a key role in the development of modern Ireland. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Subjects taught
Stage 1 - Core
Disseminating HistoryHIS42020
Historiography and Historical Debate in Twentieth-century IrelandHIS42660
Delving into the ArchivesHIS42690
DissertationHIS42880
Stage 1 - Option
The Digital HumanitiesHIS32730
Introduction to Public History: Practicing Public HistoryHIS42310
Pop Culture in Modern IrelandHIS42460
Landscape and Environment in Ireland, 1500-1800HIS42490
De Valera's IrelandHIS42590
One World, One Health?HIS42820
The Body in Modern WarfareHIS42860
Entry requirements
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.
Application dates
How to apply?
The following entry routes are available:
MA Irish History FT (Z264)
Deadline Rolling *
MA Irish History PT (Z265)
Deadline Rolling *
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised.
Credits
90
Duration
Z264: 1 year full-time
Z265: 2 years part-time
Mode of delivery: Face-to-Face
Fees
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
Enrolment dates
Next Intake: 2024/2025 September.
Post Course Info
Careers & Employability
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.