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.

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

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.

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.

90

Z264: 1 year full-time

Z265: 2 years part-time

Mode of delivery: Face-to-Face

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

Next Intake: 2024/2025 September.

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.