Public History

The MA Public History draws upon the established strength and expertise of the UCD School of History. Within this program you will work closely with historians who are active in the practice of public history and commemorations. This course offers you the opportunity to build a tailored skillset that will allow you to disseminate history across multiple media, to explore how history can inform public discourse, and to shape policy in culture, education, politics, and the media. Through a mix of academic and practical modules, you will be guided through the theory and application of public history. The course also offers the opportunity for students to undertake relevant work experience in podcasting, publishing, policy, and print media.



UCD is an ideal base for the research of Irish and public history, both because of its renowned archives and the James Joyce library. UCD is also very conveniently located for the use of Dublin city centre research and cultural institutions, including the National Library of Ireland and the National Archives where an extensive range of Irish manuscripts and Irish state papers are housed.



- Provides successful graduates with both theoretical and practical skills to disseminate history across multiple platforms

- Develops skillset as a historian alongside interdisciplinary analysis of memory studies and commemoration

- Practical skills in podcasting, exhibitions, and conference organisation



The course consists of a mixture of traditional history and public history modules. A built-in internship module offers students the opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom to a variety of real-world settings. Previous internships have been arranged at Marsh’s Library, Century Ireland, Newstalk FM, Dublin City Council Culture Company, the National Folklore Collection, and UCD’s own History Hub. Students will develop the ability to understand historical problems in a comparative framework, while the dissertation module develops significant research skills.

Module offerings include:​

An Introduction to Public History



Practicing Public History



Disseminating History



Dissertation

A primary degree in an appropriate field such as a Bachelor of Arts, or in a cognate discipline. You must supply details of any third level institutions you have attended and professional qualifications you have attained.



Excellent academic grades 2H1 or an equivalent of a UCD GPA 3.2 NFQ Level 8. Transcripts will be required.



You will be asked to complete a supporting statement outlining your reasons and motivation for wishing to undertake the course.



Two academic references from referees who are in a position to assess your intellectual ability, maturity and motivation.



Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6 in each element), or equivalent.



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

Z247 - 1 year full-time,

Z248 - 2 years part-time.

Delivery: On Campus

Z247 Public History Master of Arts Full-Time

Commencing September 2025

Graduate Taught



Z248 Public History Master of Arts Part-Time

Commencing September 2025

Graduate Taught

Students graduating from this programme will be equipped for careers in media, history, further academic study (PhD programmes), research, policy, heritage, and education (both within Ireland and abroad). The quality and versatility of MA programmes within the School of History has allowed its graduates to pursue careers in a wide range of professions including journalism, publishing, teaching, government, law, archives, public relations, and librarianship.