European History

For general information: https://euhistma.hypotheses.org/

This programme provides excellent preparation for students wishing to pursue a PhD in European history and equips students with a wide range of skills in the international jobs market.



This MA programme offers an innovative and structured introduction to graduate study of European history. The programme has been designed for graduate students with a particular interest in European history, who intend to continue to more advanced graduate research. What constitutes European history has been endlessly debated and it is not the purpose of this programme to establish particular claims for the chronological and geographical boundaries of European history. The programme instead encourages students to think about European history within a comparative framework, be that comparing regions, nations, or other categories of analysis.



This diverse programme focuses on the comparative analysis of European history

Students will develop the ability to understand historical problems in a comparative framework

The programme will be carried out in English, meaning English will be accepted at all partner universities for presentations and assignments.



Over the course of the two year programme, students have the opportunity to study at three leading European universities, developing an understanding of different historiographical and methodological approaches, appreciating the value of comparative approaches to European history, and developing linguistic and other skills necessary for more advanced graduate study. The mobility of the programme enables students to develop their own transnational networks with researchers and fellow students throughout Europe.

Modules cover topics such as the First World War, political violence, comparative revolutions, Communism, European imperialism, gender in modern history, and the history of science and technology.

Applicants need an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university, in a relevant subject area of humanities or social sciences (history, international relations, politics, European studies, economics and sociology, or modern languages). Prerequisites for applying for this Master’s Programme are proficiency in English (level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR) and a good knowledge of a second modern foreign language (level B2 of the CEFR). A command of German (level A2) is also required for applicants at Humboldt-Universität.



Application and admission processes are regulated and administered by all participating universities, according to the local practice. Study places are awarded by each partner university. Applicants have to send their application directly to one of the partner universities. For the period of mobility: All students must apply and register for the programme through their home university. In addition, formal registration and course enrolment is required at those participating university/ies where students attend for at least one semester



Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information: https://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/int%20pmp/



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. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

2 years full-time.

Delivery: On Campus

Z222 - European History Master of Arts Full-Time

Commencing September 2025

Graduate Taught

Careers & Employability

Our graduates progress to a wide range of interesting careers.



Many of our alumni work in international business, foreign affairs and Dublin's vibrant tech sector, where a background in the global humanities is particularly valued. Other graduates work in senior positions across a diverse range of industries including education, the media, NGOs and the Arts, whilst some continue on to PhD research.