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MA in History

Note: The 'At a Glance' section below is indicative only.

Available: Full-time/Part-time

Level: 9

Duration: 1 yr FT/2 yrs PT

Location: MIC Limerick/online

Delivery Mode:

Online

Assessment:

Primary source analysis, presentations, reading and discussion, essays and minor thesis (20,000 words).

  • Programme Overview
  • Programme Content
  • Entry Requirements
  • How to Apply
  • Ask a Question

Programme Overview

The fully online Taught Master of Arts in History provides an opportunity for students to develop their abilities at postgraduate level, through a mix of taught modules, participation in a dynamic research seminar and completion of a research dissertation.

Key Features

The programme, running from September to July, is delivered entirely by full-time faculty in the MIC Department of History. It consists of six taught modules in history and 20,000 word dissertation. Teaching takes place in small, supportive groups where discussion and debate are encouraged.  

The programme is delivered fully online with a mixture of pre-recorded lectures, live online class, and online tasks. Live classes take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the autumn and spring semesters, usually beginning at 4pm. All modules are assessed by means of continuous assessment. The dissertation is normally due in August.

The programme is also available in part-time (two years) and flexible part-time (over a maximum of three years) options.

Download the MA in History programme flyer here.

 

MA in History - More than a Master's at MIC
MA In History - More than a Master's at MIC
This programme combines taught modules & dynamic research to bring the past into the present
Testimonial: MA in History
Testimonial: MA in History
"The thesis allowed me to pursue my own areas of interest."

MA in History programme is 'hugely engaging'

MA in History graduate, Triona Waters, enthused: "The MA in History at MIC was an incredibly engaging and fulfilling degree to undertake. It consisted of a wide variety of interesting modules where the lectures facilitated weekly class discussions based on the materials that were being studied. Engaging in these classes, as well as the monthly seminars offered by the History Departments at MIC and University of Limerick, encouraged me to develop my critical thinking which greatly improved my analytical and qualitative research skills.

"Whilst the module assignments strongly developed my understanding of the subject matter, the thesis allowed me to pursue my own areas of interest. This programme provided a strong framework for those interested in pursuing academic careers and so, my decision to do a PhD in Psychiatric History at MIC was strongly based on my MA in History experience."  

MA in History provided a ‘new beginning’ for graduate

Winnie Davern retired from working in the health service after 30+ years and "was searching for a ‘new beginning’ and indeed I found this in the MA in History at MIC". 

"The combination of taught modules, varied research seminars, field trips to archival repositories and the research thesis meant that this academic programme was both an engaging and challenging experience. The lecturers were encouraging and supportive and the small class size ensured that there was plenty of lively debate and captivating exchanges.  

"My thesis centred on a private collection of correspondence written by my grandparents between 1917 and 1919. I had always wanted to explore what these narratives could reveal about life in the early twentieth century. The invaluable guidance, assistance and support I received from my supervisor empowered me to critically analyse and assess the inherent complexities of these primary source documents.

"For me the MA in History at MIC was a fascinating and rewarding journey of discovery."

Testimonial: MA in History
Testimonial: MA in History
"The lecturers were encouraging and supportive."

Further Information

Dr. Brian Hughes, Programme Coordinator

E: Brian.Hughes@mic.ul.ie

T: + 353 61 204901

Dr. Richard McMahon, Programme Coordinator

E: Richard.McMahon@mic.ul.ie

T: + 353 61 204356

Programme Content

The MA in History will be delivered online for the 2022-23 Academic Year. 

Six modules only will be offered in any one year. The modules which will be taught in 2021/22 are:

The Irish Revolution 1912-1927 

This module offers an in-depth political, social and cultural analysis of the period 1912 to 1927, which shaped modern Ireland and led to the end of the Union with Great Britain and the creation of two new states. It begins with the Home Rule crisis in 1912 and ends with the entry of Fianna Fail into the Free State Dail in 1927.

Image-based Research in History 

This course will introduce students to scholarly theories of photography, representation and visual discourse. It will examine and analyse images such as photographs and political cartoons as primary source documents and will consider methods and methodologies of representing non-textual research findings.

Research methods in History 

This course comprises two distinct sections. In the first section students will gain a critical understanding of different schools of history, of historic methods (text analysis, case studies…) and approaches to studying history (oral, economic, ethnographic, etc.). It will address key intellectual questions across the historical discipline and focus on theories and theorists relevant to historians. The second section of the course will provide students with a forum in which to address research skills appropriate to their particular field - literature review; library and archive sources; electronic databases and resources - and will attend to framing and refining research problems and questions. The organisational and presentation skills necessary for writing a research proposal and dissertation will be a key component of the second section of this course.

Families and Communities in Ireland and Britain, 1500-1750 

This module will explore the family, marriage, relationships, and interactions between different categories of kin in early modern Ireland and Britain. The ideology underpinning patriarchal authority will be considered. Other themes include: courtship and the making of marriage; domestic violence; separation and divorce; ideas about the roles of individual members of the family within the domestic economy; the birth and rearing of children; the social place of single people and widows; and representations of homosexuality and other illicit sexual acts. Students will be introduced to a variety of sources and to debates on gender history.

Violence, Law and Order in Eighteenth- and Nineteenth-century Ireland

Writing History

This module will introduce students to the main developments in European and Irish history writing from the eighteenth century to the early twenty-first century. It will introduce students to key questions (for example, the debate about historical ‘objectivity’), specific case studies and seminal thinkers.

Dissertation 

Working under the close supervision of a faculty supervisor, each student will engage with scholarly works and primary source material in his/her chosen historical field and complete a written dissertation.

Entry Requirements

  • Applicants will be considered for entry on the basis of a primary degree in History or a cognate discipline at a minimum of 2.2 honours.
  • Potential students who do not meet the normal entry requirements may be considered for admission and should contact the Programme Director for information.
  • Click here for English language requirements.

How to Apply

EU Applicants

Applications for the MA in History are now open.

To apply, please complete all the steps below:

  1. Download and complete the application form here.
  2. You will be required to send your university transcripts, (and include details of 2 referees on your application form).
  3. In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IETLS (or equivalent) is required.
  4. Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee using Stripe here, and return the completed application and transcripts by email: to TaughtProgrammes@mic.ul.ie.

Applications will close at 5pm on Friday 31 May 2024.

Non-EU Applicants

You are advised to contact the MIC International Office before applying:

E: International@mic.ul.ie or T: +353 61 204988 /+353 61 774790

 

Transferring from another 3rd Level Institution

The transfer route into MIC depends on the content overlap of your new and old course and the number of places on the new course in the year you apply. Before submitting an application you should contact international@mic.ul.ie where we will consider your case with the relevant Head of Department of the course you wish to transfer to.

EU/Non-EU Status Assessments

The designation of a student as being from the EU or a Non-EU country determines the fees they will pay at MIC, i.e. there may be cases where a non-EU national acquires EEA citizenship during the course of their third-level studies and would qualify for EU fees for example. 

Click here for more information on EU/Non-EU assessments which will be conducted by MIC International office to determine status. 

Fees

For Postgraduate Fees click here.

US Students please note that you can apply for Federal Aid.

Contact
EU Applicants:
061 205160 / 204348
Contact
Non EU Applicants:
+353 61 204988 / +353 61 774787

Ask a Question

  • Programme Overview
  • Programme Content
  • Entry Requirements
  • How to Apply
  • Ask a Question