History

We value and promote a strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and the importance of independent learning. These values are instilled within a robust but supportive environment, with a particular focus on encouraging an awareness of broad historiographical trends and the development of the skills required to assess and analyse different forms of primary evidence.



The learning environment stresses the importance of resesarch, critical and analytical thinking, and of making informed challenges to prevailing ideas, interpretations and approaches. Small group seminars are vital to the programme's design; it is here, in a very structured and active learning environment where students hone their ability to present, defend and question historical knowledge.



The learning trajectory is supported through the use of weekly research journals, presentations, essays and book reviews. The taught elements of the programme are intended to build and develop the skill set and confidence of learners to equip them to undertake the research project. A feature of the Graduate Diploma Programme is that students who perform strongly in the first semester can apply to be transferred to one of the related MA programmes listed below. The MA is completed within the same academic year.

Full-time Graduate Diploma students will take (1) Renaissance Europe, a module that develops your awareness of historiography and the critical skills needed for graduate-level history (2) a core module from the suite of MA programmes offered in the School of History (3) Project Development, a course designed to devise and make preparations for your final research project (4) A further 10 credit MA option and (5) The Graduate Diploma Project, normally a dissertation of around 8,000 words. Part-time Graduate Diploma students will spread the programme over two years, but will take Renaissance Europe and Project Development in the first semester of their first year.

The Graduate Diploma programme is aimed primarily at students who have an undergraduate qualification in a non-cognate discipline or students who are returning to education after a long period of absence



An NFQ Level 8 degree is required but applications are assessed on a case by case basis.



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.

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Z160 - Full-Time: 1 Year

Z161 - Part Time: 2 Years

Delivery: On Campus

GradDip History (Z160) Full Time

EU fee per year - € 6105

nonEU fee per year - € 13270


GradDip History (Z161) Part Time

EU fee per year - € 3650

nonEU fee per year - € 6635


***Fees are subject to change

Z160 History Graduate Diploma Full-Time

Commencing September 2025

Graduate Taught



Z161 History Graduate Diploma Part-Time

Commencing September 2025

Graduate Taught

Careers & Employability

Some graduates of the Graduate Diploma go on to develop their academic careers, applying for places on MA programmes or teacher training programmes. However, many more see the Graduate Diploma as a valuable addition to their undergraduate qualification – a fourth year in which to deepen critical analytical abilities which are valued so highly by employers.