Irish History

Compulsory modules provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the sources and resources at their disposal to undertake a piece of detailed research, and foster their ability to assess and understand the major debates and controversies that have engaged historians in writing Irish history.



In addition, students can choose from a range of specialist modules, exploring key issues and debates associated with their chosen fields (Irish social, political, military or economic history; historic houses and landed estates; local history, etc.).



Students also have an opportunity to complete a minor thesis in their chosen field.

The MA in Irish History offers students a chance to increase their knowledge of a range of periods in Irish history and develop critical research and writing skills at postgraduate level. Students will be offered a combination of compulsory modules and optional modules as part of their programme. This programme comprises two parts: taught modules and a minor research thesis (90 credits in total).



Compulsory taught modules (3 x 10 credits) focus on familiarising students with the resources and sources available for the study of Irish history and also with the major debates and controversies in areas such as Irish urban history, women’s history, medieval Ireland, Irish emigration and Diaspora. Students choose two optional modules (2 x 10 credits) from a suite available in a particular year depending on the availability of lecturers (50 credits in total). A total of 40 credits are awarded for thesis preparation (semester 1, 10 credits) and thesis completion (year-long). Students will be assigned a research supervisor on an individual basis in the first semester and are tasked with completing the thesis alongside their coursework throughout the year.

Students who have an honours degree with a 1:1, a 2.(i) or high 2.(ii) grade in History before the programme begins will be offered a place. Other applications will be considered depending on available spaces. Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.



Minimum English language requirements:

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants..



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.

We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

A taught masters degree in Irish History provides a good basis for pursuing a career in education, journalism, the civil service, academia, research and arts administration. Many people go on to pursue careers or further education in the arts and heritage sector in galleries, libraries, museums, archives and cultural institutions. This qualification can also be of use in diplomatic service, politics, law, public relations, public administration among other options.



Many graduates have used their experience of conducting independent research to engage in further postgraduate research and have enrolled in M.Litt and PhD programmes in Maynooth University and elsewhere.