Program Overview

Introduction to the MA in History

The MA in History at the University of Galway is a postgraduate program designed to train students in advanced historical research. The program equips students with key skills in identifying and locating historical sources, interpreting them in their wider context, and learning how to present their findings to others.

Program Structure

The MA in History is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time program. The program consists of two core modules and three optional modules, followed by a dissertation based on independent historical research. The core modules introduce students to historical theory, historiography, and advanced research methods. The optional modules allow students to shape their degree around their personal interests, such as local history, transnational and global history, political history, social history, and more.

Core Modules

• HI6104: Making History: Evidence and Interpretation: This module is designed to develop the student as a historian. Students will explore how the discipline of history has evolved and will study the challenges of particular kinds of sources.
• HI503: Historical Debates and Controversies: Studies in Historiography: This team-taught module examines perceptions of History as a discipline and methodological approaches to different periods and themes.

Optional Modules

• PI6110: Ethics and Artificial Intelligence
• HI6108: Everyday Lives: An Intimate History of 20th Century Women
• MIC6100: Resisting through Culture: Conflicts in Europe and Beyond
• HI6106: Issues in Irish Local History
• SP6122: Social and Political Context of Activism and Advocacy
• HI6110: Race and Reparative Histories
• FM6119: Film, Politics, and Colonialism
• HI580: Irish Contacts with Europe

Unique Features

• Self-directed learning: Design your degree around your own interests.
• Interdisciplinary Perspectives: Engage with insights from other disciplines.
• Scholarly Community: Learn in small seminar groups and participate in research seminars.
• Access to Unique Historical Sources: Explore documents held exclusively in the University of Galway's archives.

Careers

A Master's in History opens doors to a wide range of careers, including museums, heritage and archives, education and research, publishing, journalism and media, public policy, government and NGOs, and business and professional sectors.

Entry Requirements

• Minimum Entry Requirements: Candidates must hold at least a Second Class Honours Level 8 primary degree in a related subject area.
• English Language Entry Requirements: For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required.

Fees and Funding

The fees for the academic year 2026/27 are as follows:

• Masters Full Time: EU Tuition - 7,900, Student Contribution - 0, Non-EU Tuition - 19,300, Levy - 140.
• Scholarships are available, including the Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships and Global Scholarships.

Why University of Galway?

University of Galway is a world-renowned research-led university with a commitment to top-quality teaching. It is ranked in the top 2% of universities globally and is first in Ireland for sustainable development.