Masters Degrees in British & Irish History, Ireland

The M.Phil in Modern Irish History introduces well-qualified Humanities or Social Sciences graduates to research in modern Irish history, to the problems currently addressed by historians and to the methods they apply to study of the subject. Drawing on the current interests of staff, the course is based on the rich resources of Trinity College Dublin's library and of the adjacent Dublin libraries and archives. The course provides opportunities for in-depth study of selected issues in modern Irish history. It also serves as an introduction to students wishing to pursue doctoral studies.

The course comprises three main elements. A number of research training modules focus on the range of approaches, technologies and resources available to researchers in modern Irish history. In addition students take special subject modules in each term. Topics on offer change from year to year, but cover a range of specialised themes from the seventeenth to twentieth centuries. Some modules concentrate on key moments or developments in Ireland's history, while others examine Ireland's relationship with the outside world, whether through emigration or through its place in the British empire. Finally, Students write a dissertation of between 15,000 and 20,000 words on any area of modern Irish history based on primary sources and relevant scholarly writing.

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The M.Phil. in Irish Art History provides an exciting programme exploring a range of key aspects of the history and analysis of Irish visual expression from pre-Christian to Contemporary art and architecture. The course is designed both for graduates of art history and for those from other, cognate, disciplines. While focused on art and artists in or from Ireland, the imagery, objects and structures are all explored within international and interdisciplinary contexts, as the course is intended to provide graduates with a range of transferable analytical and practical skills that can be applied within other cultural environments. A particular advantage of this course is the accessibility of a wide range of relevant art objects and structures in, and in the vicinity of, Trinity College as well as extensive library and archival resources. Since its establishment ten years ago, the course has attracted applications from all over the world. Many graduates have continued on to undertake Ph.D. research in Trinity and in other universities internationally, while others have taken up posts in museums, galleries, and auction houses as well as in cultural media.

The course offers general introductions to Irish art and architecture as well as a more specialized focus on selected periods and themes. It provides students with a critical understanding of the analysis of works of art within their cultural contexts, and an appreciation of the range of works created in Ireland over time. A core dimension of the course will involve exploring the concept of 'Irishness'. Through engagement with museums and galleries in Ireland, students will also have an understanding of a key curatorial issues of relevance in the development of exhibitions and collections, including the technical opportunities which the digital age offers to curators and art historians. In addition to taking compulsory core modules, students choose a number of electives, which allow them to build specific skills and to follow their individual interests. Students are assessed on the completion of a range of coursework assignments, including essays, critiques, and research exercises. The capstone of the course is a dissertation of 15,000-20,000 words on a topic selected by the student, and carried out under the supervision of a member of staff in the Department of History of Art and Architecture or the Irish Art Research Centre (TRIARC).

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The M.Phil course in Early Modern History offers well-qualified graduates in History, the Humanities and the Social Sciences an introduction to research in the political, social, cultural and religious history of Ireland, Britain and Europe across the early modern period. This one-year course (or two years part-time) is designed to introduce students to a wide range of issues in, and approaches to, early modern history. It also provides students with training in research methods and skills. The course is built around Trinity College Library's unparalleled resources for the period from the Reformation to the French Revolution. The course may also serve as an introduction to graduate study for students intending to pursue doctoral studies.

The core module for this course is From Reform to Revolution: Cultural Change and Political Conflict in Early Modern Europe. Students also choose two major of study, one in each term. Availability of modules alters from year to year. Subjects recently offered include: Religious Tolerance and Intolerance in Early Modern Europe; War and Society in Early Modern Ireland and Europe; The War of Ideas in the English Revolution; Gender, Identity and Authority in Eighteenth-Century France; Renaissance Kingship. In addition, students take modules focussed on research training and skills. These are designed to introduce the diverse resources and methodologies that historians encounter in their research while also equipping students with the practical skills that are required for the study of early modern history. The Research Seminar in Early Modern History provides an opportunity for invited early modernists from Ireland and elsewhere to discuss their work with graduate students. The capstone of the course is the independent dissertation project. Students complete dissertations of between 15,000 and 20,000 words based on their own primary research. Each student is assigned a supervisor who provides individual academic guidance on their research project.

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This programme offers a variety of innovative and stimulating modules, based on interactive discussion and the use of primary source materials and the opportunity to undertake historical research on a subject of the student’s own choosing. It consists of six taught modules and a 20,000 word dissertation.

Accredited modules include: Revolutionary Ireland, 1789-1803; The American Irish, 1850-1920; Irish Communities in Early Modern Europe; Science and Enlightenment in Early Modern Europe; Race, gender and ethnicity in the United States in historical perspective; The evolution of popular culture 1750-1950; Oral History: Theory and Practice; Image-based research in History; Popular Protest in Pre-Famine Ireland; The Town in Nineteenth Century Ireland; Research methods in History (Core); The Irish Protestant Tradition 1536-1869; Ireland and the Two World Wars; Visualising Ireland; The Churches, Society and the Irish State after 1922.

Lectures take place 4pm-7pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

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This programme is offered jointly by faculty from the Departments of History and Geography, Mary Immaculate College and the Department of History, University of Limerick. The programme meets the needs of graduates in history, or in related disciplines (e.g. Irish Studies, human geography, archaeology, anthropology) who wish to carry out historical research, especially in relation to a particular locality. The course is particularly suited for those hoping to proceed to PhD programmes in history, but also facilitates those interested in historical research for their own personal development.

The course is part-time, over two academic years. The emphasis is on conducting and presenting research. It consists of six taught modules delivered through lectures and seminars, as well as the preparation of a thesis for submission at the end of the second year.

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Overview

This programme enables students to examine and research the rich subject area of Irish history from the earliest times to the present day, and to assess the major events which led to the emergence of modern Ireland.

Compulsory modules provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the sources and resources at their disposal to undertake a piece of detailed research, and foster their ability to assess and understand the major debates and controversies that have engaged historians in writing Irish history.

In addition, students can choose from a range of specialist modules, exploring key issues and debates associated with their chosen fields (Irish social, political, military or economic history; historic houses and landed estates; local history, etc.).

Students also have an opportunity to complete a minor thesis in their chosen field.

Course Structure

This programme comprises two parts: taught modules and a minor research thesis (90 credits in total).

Compulsory taught modules focus on familiarising students with the resources and sources available for the study of Irish history and also with the major debates and controversies in areas such as Irish urban history, women’s history, Irish emigration and Diaspora. Students choose from a suite of optional modules available in a particular year. Students take a total of 50 credits in taught modules (three in semester 1 and one in semester two).

During semester two, there will be a concentration on the minor thesis and students will be assigned a research supervisor on an individual basis. A total of 40 credits are awarded for thesis preparation and completion.

Duration: 1 year Full-time

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Overview

This programme enables students to examine and research the rich subject area of Irish history from the earliest times to the present day, and to assess the major events which led to the emergence of modern Ireland. Compulsory modules provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the sources and resources at their disposal to undertake a piece of detailed research, and foster their ability to assess and understand the major debates and controversies that have engaged historians in writing Irish history. In a range of specialist modules, students explore key issues and debates associated with the individual fields (social, political, military, historic houses and landed estates, local history, etc.).

Commences

September

Course Structure

Course Structure (Content)

This programme comprises two parts: taught modules (a combination of compulsory and optional modules) [50 credits] and a minor research thesis [40 credits] [90 credits in total].

Compulsory modules

Compulsory taught modules focus on familiarising students with the resources and sources available for the study of Irish history and also with the major debates and controversies in areas such as Irish urban history, women’s history, Irish emigration and Diaspora.

Part-time students may take one module in Semester 1 of their first year and the other in Semester 1 of their second year. Compulsory modules will be delivered in the evening on alternate years to enable part-time students to take both modules over the two-year cycle of the programme.

All students must successfully complete compulsory modules amounting to a total of 25 credits. 

Optional modules

Students choose from a suite of optional modules which include Historic Houses and the world of goods; The evolution of Irish landed estates; The Irish soldier; Victorian Ireland; The evolution of the urban landscape; Doing local history; Reading the Irish landscape. All optional modules are delivered in Semester 2 of each academic year. 

A suite of optional modules on offer will be delivered in the evening on alternate years to enable Part-time students to take a selection over the two-year cycle of the programme.

Note: The range of optional modules available to Part-time students will depend upon the number of students who register for individual modules.

All students must successfully complete optional modules amounting to a total of 25 credits. 

Thesis preparation and thesis completion

Thesis modules span both semesters.

Part-time students complete HY608 Thesis preparation during Semester 1 of Year 2 and HY609 Thesis completion during Semester 2 of Year 2. A total of 40 credits are awarded for thesis preparation and completion. Students submit their thesis by 1 July of Year 2.

 

Module Code

Module Title

HY 602

Interpreting local evidence [12.5] Compulsory

HY 607

Debates and controversies in Irish History [12.5] Compulsory

HY 605

Doing local history (Optional) [2.5] Optional

HY 606

Reading the Irish landscape (Optional) [2.5] Optional

HY 632

The Irish Soldier, 1685 to the Present (Optional) [12.5] Optional

HY 642

Historic houses and the world of goods (Optional) [12.5] Optional

HY 643

The evolution of Irish landed estates (Optional) [10] Optional

HY 604

The Evolution of the Irish urban landscape (Optional) [10] Optional

HY 656

Victorian Ireland (Optional) [12.5] Optional

 

Duration: 2 years Part-time

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Overview

This MA enables students to explore and examine the rich tradition of early Irish literature and intellectual culture, from the early medieval period and the advent of Christianity until the coming of the Normans at the end of the 12th century. It also enables students to deepen their acquaintance with the language of the period, and to endow them with a set of research skills appropriate to work in this field.
This programme comprises two parts: taught modules (compulsory and elective modules) [60 credits] and a minor thesis [30 credits] [90 credits in total].

Course Structure

The compulsory taught modules focus on medieval Irish literature (20 credits), palaeography and manuscript studies (10 credits), and general research skills and methodology (10 credits).
The choice of the elective modules depends on the students’ level of knowledge of the Old Irish language. Students with a previous knowledge of Old Irish will do Old Irish reading modules that focus on the philology, translation and analysis of Early Irish literature (20 credits). Students with no or insufficient previous knowledge of the language will be required to attend a suite of intensive introductory language modules (20 credits).

Career Options

Successful completion of the Masters programme will equip the student for library work, various types of adult education, and employment in the heritage and related industries. Successful completion of the programme at a high level, with an appropriate degree of competence of Old and Middle Irish, will normally equip students to proceed to study for a PhD, a necessary qualification for an academic career.

The minor thesis amounts to approximately 15,000 words (30 credits) on a topic approved by the Head of Department, under the supervision of a designated supervisor. The topic is agreed by the end of the first semester, and the work is begun during the period between the first and the second semester. The thesis is submitted by a specific date at the end of the academic year, typically either in July or October.

How To Apply

How to Apply
Online application only http://www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity

PAC code
MHX52

The following information should be forwarded to PAC, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway or uploaded to your online application form:

Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed. Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide two academic references and a copy of birth certificate or valid passport.

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/postgraduate-studies/fees-funding-scholarships

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This programme aims to investigate the origins, nature and evolution of the main European intellectual movements. From the modern to the post-modern, the course will familiarise students with the main schools of thought which have shaped the European traditions and to explore their relevance to contemporary issues.

Programme Structure

This programme will run over three 12 week semesters. Typically, Semesters 1 and 2 will each have three taught modules (lectures and course work) from at least two academic disciplines, depending on availability, plus the additional Research Methodology module in either semester 1 or 2. Semester 3 will be dedicated to the writing of a dissertation in consultation with a designated supervisor. Part-time options are also available. Each module will involve ongoing assessment, such as essays and oral presentations.

Students take three modules from at least two academic disciplines per semester, depending on availability, plus the additional Research Methodology module in either semester 1 or 2.

• Students can choose from a range of modules on the programme, including the following:
• Understanding, Dialogue, and Interpretation
• Philosophy and the Subject: From the Modern to the Postmodern
• Literary Aesthetics
• Contemporary European Thought and the Critique of Modernity
• Diversity and Tolerance in Early Modern Europe
• Power, Violence and Freedom
• French Thinkers and the Concept of Justice
• From reasoning on human nature to post-modernist instability: Great German writers and their images of humanity against the backdrop of the history of ideas
• Europe as a Transnational Space: Theory and Textual Practice
• From reasoning on human nature to post-modernist instability

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Overview

Two year MA programme

- Only European History Masters course in the country

- In-depth study of selected topic in early modern and modern European history – from Portugal to Russia

Course Structure

- Small group tuition. Introduction to theories, methods and classical studies in the field.

- Strong emphasis on each student’s development as an independent researcher, and active student participation in the shaping of courses.

- MA thesis on subject of choice.

- Intensive tuition in modern European languages.

Career Options

Preparation for further graduate studies (PhD) in European history.
Broad chronological and interregional approach creates generalist knowledge.
Strong language component: programme will appeal to students thinking of international careers

How To Apply

Online application only http://www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity

PAC Code
MHP60

The following information should be forwarded to PAC, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway or uploaded to your online application form:

Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed. Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide two academic references and a copy of birth certificate or valid passport.

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/postgraduate-studies/fees-funding-scholarships

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Eolas faoin gCúrsa

Is féidir an chéim seo a dhéanamh go lánaimseartha (bliain amháin) nó go páirtaimseartha (dhá bhliain). Trí mheán scrúduithe agus tionscnaimh taighde a dhéantar obair na mac léinn a mheas.


Struchtúr an Chúrsa

Is é aidhm an MA againn go gcuirfidh mic léinn eolas domhain ar roinnt gnéithe de theanga agus de litríocht na Nua-Ghaeilge (ó 1200 AD i leith) agus go mbeidh saineolas acu ar réimse amháin díobh sin de bharr a gcuid taighde.

Deiseanna Fostaíochta

Múinteoireacht ar an dara nó ar an tríú leibhéal; aistritheoireacht; iriseoireacht agus na meáin chumarsáide; riarachán. Is féidir le mic léinn a n-éiríonn go maith leo sa chúrsa seo tabhairt faoi PhD sa Nua-Ghaeilge.

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Is í aidhm an chláir ná clár struchtúrtha dochtúireachta sa Nua-Ghaeilge a chur ar fáil do mhic léinn ar mian leo tabhairt faoi ardtaighde i réimsí áirithe den disciplín. Is iad cuspóirí an chláir ná scileanna cineálacha.

Déanfar an clár a sheachadadh trí mhodúil mhúinte chineálacha, inaistrithe, sainiúil don ábhar, agus trí shainmhodúil a chuirfidh an Roinn agus ranna eile sa Dámh ar fáil, agus, más cuí, modúil a chuirtear ar fáil in institiúidí eile in Éirinn nó thar sáile, trí cheachtanna praiticiúla, cur i láthair páipéar comhdhála, freastal ar mháistir-ranganna agus/nó scoileanna samhraidh/geimhridh.

Deiseanna Fostaíochta

Múinteoireacht ar an dara nó ar an tríú leibhéal; aistritheoireacht; iriseoireacht agus na meáin chumarsáide; riarachán.

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