History 2

While studying history as written by others is undeniably a fascinating pursuit, at postgraduate level students begin the exciting process of discovering what was previously unknown. Readers who are interested in getting involved have a marvelous array of taught and research based postgraduate programmes to choose from. 

The typical route for students who wish to eventually work as professional historians or researchers in academia is to first undergo a taught or research based Masters (MA, MLitt, or MPhil) before progressing to doctoral level. The need to complete a PhD is not so strong for students interested in other careers, whether history related such as archival, museum or heritage industry work, or traditional areas of graduate employment such as business, teaching and law.

Conversion course Higher Diplomas in UCC and NUI Maynooth enable those who have not studied history to honours level to enjoy the perfect introduction to this captivating subject.

Whether considering the taught or research option, it is well worth investigating fully all Masters options before applying. Course and research topics and formats vary greatly from institution to institution, depending on the academic staff’s area of historical expertise. Two common themes that appear in nearly all programmes are the development of research abilities and histiographic knowledge.

Research skills include accessing primary sources, dealing with large amounts of historical data, and interpreting and presenting that information. Histiography is essentially the history of history, how the discipline has developed over the centuries and the various ways in which historical information can be interpreted, e.g. economic history, revisionism, etc.

Branches of study can be roughly divided into three groups, focusing on a place (e.g. America, Ireland, Local), time (e.g. Early, Medieval, Modern) or theme (e.g. Family, Military History, Medicine).

Local History (UL, NUI Maynooth, UCC and Mary Immaculate College) is a growing discipline at fourth level. These programmes are particularly fruitful in terms of research as the majority of primary and secondary resources are on the student’s doorstep.

Dedicated Medieval courses are provided by NUI Galway, UCD, Mary Immaculate College, NUI Maynooth and Trinity College. Usually included are Latin and palaeography (the ability to read and interpret ancient texts; two key skills for study of the medieval and renaissance age). Taught modules and research topics vary hugely in a subject that spans from Iceland to the crusader kingdoms of the Middle East, from the fall of the Roman Empire to the beginnings of Reformation.

Plenty of postgrad history courses are not as confined to a particular age or place like the above examples – the MAs in History in NUI Galway and University of Limerick for example offer a wide choice of modules on different eras and themes.

A number of fascinating and unique courses are dedicated to particular themes. UL’s History of the Family (MA) examines topics such as migration, the relationship between families and community, and research techniques in family history. NUI Maynooth’s MA in Military History and Strategic appeals to anyone with an interest in history, international relations, security studies and war studies. The programme covers the development of warfare since the 18th century and the current security policies of Ireland and Europe.

The History of Art is an established discipline in its own right, with postgrad courses available in Dublin, Limerick and Cork. Dr Yvonne Scott, Director of the Trinity Irish Art Research Centre (TRIARC) says the subject has very strong tradition in this country, and that Trinity’s MPhil in Irish Art History is very popular with increasing student numbers each year. A mixed student body consists of people pursuing a hobby and those hoping to build a career are united in their love of art.

Potential careers for students include working in galleries, museums, academia, arts administration, as well as art journalism and managing art collections. Research methods according to Dr Scott, involves the usual library work but firstly, and most importantly, the image itself – understanding the context (why/when/how) in which it was created. This process is called ‘learning to read to visual text’, and according to Dr Scott there is a huge range of methodologies that are progressing all the time.

Archaeology is another branch of history that is well catered for at postgraduate level. Courses are available from UCD, NUI Galway, and UCC – with all three universities providing Higher Diploma entry for applicants without a degree in archaeology. Courses include fieldwork and theoretical study, as well as the option to choose from specialised modules such as Celtic, Medieval and Urban Archaeology. For those with more advanced knowledge, there are taught and research masters available. Research courses allow students to investigate a highly specialised area (e.g. Bronze Age settlements in particular geographic area), while taught masters provide the necessary professional skills (e.g. project management, GIS) for a career in archaeology.


Search for postgraduate history courses in the National Education Database.