Program Overview

Introduction to the MA in History of Family

The MA in History of Family is a postgraduate program designed to equip students with the tools to investigate how families lived, worked, and changed over time, both locally and globally. This program blends genealogy and academic history, allowing students to uncover and interpret historical records, analyze social and cultural contexts, and produce meaningful research that connects personal histories to broader historical narratives.

Program Structure

The program is available in both full-time and part-time modes. The full-time mode can be completed in one year, while the part-time mode takes two years. The program is delivered on campus or online, making it flexible for students with different needs and preferences.

Modules

The program consists of several modules that provide a comprehensive understanding of the history of family. These modules include:

• Introduction to History of Family: This module introduces different ways of researching family and the sources available for unlocking family life.
• Linking Families to Communities: This module links families to the places where they worked, lived, and played.
• Graduate Seminar in Irish Cultural History: This module introduces students to the broad concept of cultural history and examines how cultural values informed the development of Irish society.
• Historical Research in Practice: This module provides an insight into the research techniques, historiographical concerns, and analytical approaches deployed by professional historians in research papers.
• People on the Move: This module introduces students to the key concepts and ideas of migration.
• History Research Seminar: This module trains students in the techniques of organizing and presenting research, and to think across methodological and discipline boundaries.
• Directed Reading in History: This module facilitates the development of skills of historical analysis through concentrated study of a specific topic that aligns with the research expertise of faculty.
• Dissertation: Students are required to complete a 20,000-word dissertation on a topic of their choice, under the supervision of a faculty member.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the program, applicants should hold a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honor, grade 2 (2:2), in a relevant discipline (e.g., History, Geography, Archaeology, or Irish Studies). Applicants with approved equivalent qualifications with substantial experience in the History of Family or relevant professional experience may also be considered for admission.

Fees

The fees for the program vary depending on the mode of study and the student's residency status. For EU students, the full-time fee is €7,995, and the part-time fee is €4,500. For non-EU students, the full-time fee is €18,600, and the part-time fee is €9,900.

Career Opportunities

The MA in History of Family can lead to careers in various sectors, including:

• Heritage, archival, or library work
• Higher education
• Primary and post-primary teaching
• Genealogy and family history research

Graduate Profile

Graduates of the program have gone on to pursue successful careers in their chosen fields. For example, Una Costello, a graduate of the program, founded her own genealogy business, Celtic Genealogy, and credits the program with providing her with the research skills, academic knowledge, and confidence to pursue her passion for genealogy.