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Courses
Courses
Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
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University Life
University Life
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About University of Galway
About University of Galway
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Colleges & Schools
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Research & Innovation
Research & Innovation
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Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at University of Galway
We explore and facilitate commercial opportunities for the research community at University of Galway, as well as facilitating industry partnership.
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Alumni & Friends
Alumni & Friends
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At University of Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
MA in History
Why not do something you love while gaining a useful qualification? Study for an MA in History at the University of Galway. There are still some places for September 2024, with full-time (one year) and part-time (two year) options. Students will learn about controversies in History, engage with a range of archival material, and carry out research under the mentorship of an experienced historian.
This master’s programme enables you to develop a sophisticated understanding of the challenges of interpreting the past. Specialists in modern, early modern and medieval history introduce you to a range of historical sources, reflecting on their uses and limitations. You will learn to evaluate ways in which historians, politicians and the media interpret the past. You will develop research and analytical skills, using the techniques of the history profession to present your findings. Find Out More here.
- Please note that some modules are offered in the evenings to facilitate part-time students
Core Structure
All students take two core modules: Making History: evidence and interpretation [15 ECTS] and Historical Debates and Controversies: Studies in Historiography [15 ECTS]. These are taught by historians working in medieval, early modern and modern history.
Students take three optional modules [10 ECTS each] from the lists below. While these address a variety of themes and issues, there is a particular emphasis on Transnational History, which studies the movement of people, ideas, and goods across national borders. The core modules on the programme also address questions relevant to this area.
Most of these modules are taught through weekly two-hour seminars with a strong emphasis on student participation in discussion.
We hope to be able to offer all the options listed above but cannot guarantee staff availability absolutely at this stage.
Assessment
All modules are assessed by coursework. Modes of assessment include projects, essays, reviews, reports and oral presentations. A final dissertation involving original research is an essential component of the programme (except for those taking the post-graduate diploma).
Testimonials
The M.A. in History at University of Galway appealed to me for a variety of reasons. For an American student, it was cost-affordable, but I also enjoyed the fact that there were several specific routes that I could take within the programme such as transnational history and local and regional history. I was able to learn about a variety of types of history and historical writing while also developing my interest in childhood and gender studies. We were instructed by members of the history staff, as well as lecturers from other areas, with each instructor offering us a new perspective. The lecturers were constantly available to offer advice and the weekly seminars allowed for us to witness upcoming research publications and network within the historical community.
For my dissertation, I delved into the archives at the local county council and learned with absolute certainty that I wanted to pursue a Ph.D. The M.A. programme gave me the focus and momentum needed to continue my research to doctoral level, and I am now an IRC funded PhD student at University of Galway.
Jamie Canavan, MA History
How to Apply
Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System.
Selection will be based on applicants' academic record and academic references testifying to their enthusiasm for the subject and their ability to carry out a research project.
Contact
Dr Róisín Healy
Programme Director
Discipline of History
T: +353 91 492551
E: roisin.healy@universityofgalway.ie