The MA in History is an innovative addition to the taught programmes of the School of History at UCC.  It is a 12-month programme (24-months part-time).

It offers unique flexibility and diversity: choose your area of specialisation (Modern Ireland, Medieval and Renaissance History, Media and History, and International and European History) and between multiple modules. You select from diverse topics, themes and approaches such as revolution and regime change, collective memory and commemoration, cultural heritage, the medieval world view, Ireland’s relationships and encounters with the wider world, identity, nationalism, the evolution of healthcare, radicalism and social unrest, the historical uses and applications of modern media, war and peace, booms and busts since the dawn of modern finance, contemporary history, US foreign relations or feminist history. Take the opportunity to focus on political, economic, social, cultural, international or transnational history.

In addition, the MA in History provides the option of a work placement with a relevant host in the media, heritage, publishing business, private or public sectors to apply and enhance your skills. The thoughtful and inventive assessment mix will provoke and challenge you, and the internationally-respected faculty team will mentor you throughout the degree. Equip yourself with a sophisticated appreciation of history and its applications.

Part One (45 credits)

1. All students take 15 credits of the following compulsory modules:

• Making History Public (10 credits)
• Changing Directions in History: Transformative Historians and their Work (5 credits)

2. Students select 20 credits from one of the following streams:

3. Finally, students choose an additional 10 credits from any module on the MA that they have not already selected or they may take the following

• HI6063 Work Placement and Portfolio (10 credits)

Part Two (45 credits)

• HI6100 Dissertation (45 credits)

Students work closely with an academic supervisor to complete a 20,000 word minor dissertation on a topic of their choosing within the broad area of history. There will be a series of workshops to facilitate students in selecting, researching and writing their dissertations.

To be considered for admission to the MA in History programme, an applicant will normally possess a primary degree result of Second Class Honours Grade 1 (2H1) primary degree  (or equivalent) in History, or a cognate/suitable subject (normally in the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences or Law).  For North American students a cumulative GPA of 3.3 is normal.

Candidates who hold a primary degree in History or a cognate/suitable subject with a Second Class Honours Grade II (2H2) will also be considered (normally in the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences or Law), as will those with a GPA between 2.7 and 3.2. These applicants will be requested to provide additional information, documentation, samples of work and/or be interviewed by a Selection Committee.

In exceptional circumstances, professional experience in a relevant and related field (e.g. working in publishing, journalism, the heritage industry, archives etc.) may be accepted as compensating for the absence of an undergraduate degree  awarded at a grade lower than 2H2.  Admission of such applicants will be subject to the approval of the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences.

All applicants whose first language is not English are required to sit either an IELTS test or a recognised equivalent test. The minimum requirement is an IELTS score of 6.5, with no individual section lower than 5.5. Further information on English language requirements can be found at http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/how/

Application for this programme (CKE 44 full-time; CKD 24 part-time) is on-line at https://www.ucc.ie/en/apply/#. Places on this programme are offered in rounds. The closing dates for each round can be found here.

For full details of the application procedure click How to apply.

Please note you will be required to answer specific additional/supplementary questions as part of the online applications process for this programme. A copy of these additional/supplementary questions are available to view here.

The School of History may ask applicants to provide letters of reference when considering applications.

All other required supporting documentation (e.g. evidence of non-UCC undergraduate/postgraduate qualifications) must be UPLOADED via the PAC “Application Status” link or sent in hard copy to The Postgraduate Applications Centre, 1, Courthouse Square, Galway (marked with the applicants PAC application number)

Early applications are encouraged for early decisions.