History

Students may take the programme on a full-time [one year] or part-time [two year] basis. Part-time students take the programme over a two-year period, completing their research dissertation in Year Two. Some of the taught modules will be available in the evening.



Learning objectives

Students will acquire graduate employment skills, including written and oral communication skills, analytical skills, and problem-solving skills.



On successful completion of this programme students will be able to:



1. Understand the mentalities of people in other historical periods.



2. Write and speak critically about the nature of historical change.



3. Use a wide range of historical source material—from estate rolls and depositions to newspapers and oral evidence.



4. Convey a critical awareness of the relationship between current events and political, social, economic and cultural processes in the past.



5. Organise and present their work in an effective manner.



6. Complete an original historical research project.



7. Work effectively in group settings.

Students will complete two core taught modules, three optional modules and a research dissertation of c.20,000 words. The topic of the dissertation will be chosen by the student in consultation with an academic supervisor, who will providing one-to-one support and expertise in the student’s chosen field of enquiry. N.B. Post-graduate diploma students are not required to do a dissertation.



Students taking the MA and the Postgraduate Diploma in History follow the same taught programme but only MA students write a dissertation.



CORE COURSES

(Must be taken by students on all three branches of the programme):

Sources and Resources (15 ECTS)

Historical Debates & Controversies (15 ECTS)



OPTIONAL COURSES

Each student must take three courses (30 ECTS) from the list below:

Studies in Local History (10 ECTS)

Studies in the History of Imperialism and Colonialism (10 ECTS)

Irish Politics North and South (10 ECTS)

NGOs & The Making of the Twentieth Century World (10 ECTS)

People on the Move: Studying Migration (10 ECTS)

Digital Archives and Heritage 10 (10 ECTS)

Irish Contacts with Europe, 1770–1973 10 ECTS

A Second Class Honours BA degree or equivalent with a H2.1 or GPA of 3.3 in History is normally required. Different criteria may apply to mature applicants.



Selection will be based on applicants' academic record and academic references testifying to their academic ability and enthusiasm for history. An applicant’s active engagement with history outside of the academic context may also be taken into consideration



The same entry requirements and application procedure are in place for both the MA and PDip programme.

Closing Date

Please view the offer rounds website at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/postgrad-admissions/key-dates/



Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System

1 year, full-time

2 years, part-time.

Next start date September 2024

Closing Date Offers are made on a rolling basis.

Career Opportunities

The MA provides an excellent foundation for doctoral studies in History, and also for those intent on pursuing independent research. Graduates of the programme have found employment in areas such as teaching, public administration, research, library and archives services, cultural and heritage development, tourism, print and electronic media, and party politics. Career benefits from the programme should accrue to those already employed in such areas.