History

The School of History & Geography at DCU has significant expertise in all aspects of Irish history and geography. Research-led, dynamic and innovative teaching ensures that as an MA in History student, you’ll develop an understanding of different approaches to history, as well as the range of skills and methods used in its pursuit.

This taught MA course is designed not only to help you obtain a deeper understanding of Irish history in a comparative context, but also to acquire advanced research skills that are transferable to a variety of career paths. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the past from social, cultural, economic and political perspectives.

As a student of the MA in History, you’ll develop aptitudes attractive to employers, including: independence of thought; the ability to marshal, evaluate and communicate complex ideas and information; robust research and analytical skills; and writing, presentation and project management abilities.

Graduates progress to careers in sectors such as education, university and arts administration, business, consultancy, civil service, the heritage sector, journalism, media, and publishing, as well as to doctoral research.

Programme Structure and Content

Modules are generally taught through a combination of seminars, workshops, small group discussions and field trips. There is a strong emphasis on independent learning.  All modules are 10 credits and are examined by continuous assessment in the form of reviews, essays, research papers, learning journals and class presentations.

SEMESTER ONE

Interpretation and Argument in History Writing

This module will introduce students to the tradition of history writing (historiography) as it has evolved and developed in Europe and the world since classical times, and in Ireland from the early seventeenth century to the present. Click here for more information.

Research Methods

This module aims to introduce a range of research methods and focuses on active engagement with the processes of gathering, evaluating and analysing historical evidence. Students are guided through the process of using archives and various online resources. A novel feature of this module is an introduction to Geographic Information System (GIS). A fundamental objective is to equip students to devise, and execute independent research projects. The module imparts important transferrable, research and writing skills. Click here for more information.

Ireland in the Twentieth Century: Crisis, Continuity and Change

Crisis, continuity and change are recurring themes in the history of twentieth-century Ireland. This module examines the central political, economic, social and cultural features of that historical experience using primary sources in a seminar-setting. Click here for more information.

SEMESTER TWO

Ireland’s landscapes: from Plantation to Celtic Tiger

This module examines how changing relationships between economy, politics and society have moulded the Irish urban and rural landscape over the past four centuries. Taking a historical geography perspective, students will be exposed to key concepts and methods including fieldwork by which they can trace the evolution of the landscape. 

Dissertation

This year-long module allows students to produce their own piece of independent historical research, guided by a supervisor who will be an expert in the field. 

Programme Aims and Objectives

•  Acquire specialist knowledge and understanding of the complexities of modern Irish history and historical geography
• Enhance your critical, analytical and interpretative skills
• Develop the ability to plan, research and write a substantial original research project
• Cultivate transferrable skills of independent thinking, analysis, communication, organization and time management

General Entry Requirements

Applicants will normally have an honours level 8 primary degree or equivalent (H2.2) in history or a cognate subject but appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may be accepted as equivalent to an honours degree in accordance with the relevant regulations of the University.

International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. 

Dublin City University is proud to award merit-based scholarships to high achieving students who enter the Faculty of Engineering and Computing and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences for the 2016/17 academic year. These scholarships are available to Indian applicants only and are based on academic merit to those who have a Full Offer. 

The Faculties also award scholarships of €1,000 to high achievers entering Masters and Bachelor programmes who are ranked by academic achievement.