MA in History

The MA in History at the University of Galway trains students in advanced historical research. Students on the programme learn a wide range of skills – how to identify and locate historical sources, how to interpret them in their wider context, how to understand their broader relevance and how to present their findings to others. While fulfilling their passion for engaging with the past, students thus acquire competencies essential to the modern workplace -  rigorous analysis and clear communication - and our graduates have gone on to pursue careers in academia, heritage, marketing and communications, and public policy.  

Full-time students complete the programme in one year; part-time students complete it in two years, facilitated by the scheduling of many modules in the evenings or as a week-long block. Assessment is by means of a mixture of classroom participation, presentations, and written assignments, including a thesis based on independent historical research. The breadth of expertise in early modern and modern history available at the University of Galway allows students considerable freedom to pursue a thesis topic of particular interest to them. 

What you will study

The MA in History consists of three elements:

• Two core modules of 15 ECTS each taught in Sem. 1 [total of 30 ECTS]
  • Making History: Evidence and Interpretation 
  • Historical Debates and Controversies: Studies in Historiography 
• Three Optional modules of 10 ECTS each taught in Sem. 1 or Sem. 2 [total of 30 ECTS]
• A dissertation of 15,000-20,000 words based on independent research due in August  [30 ECTS]

Timetable

See below for the timetable for 2026-27

MA History Timetable AY26-27

Fees and Funding

Information on Fees

Scholarships for EU students

Scholarships for non-EU students

Information on SUSI grants for postgrad students

How to Apply

Apply via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System. 

Selection will be based on applicants' academic record and academic references testifying to their enthusiasm for the subject and their ability to carry out a research project.

Find out more here.

FAQ for Postgraduates 

Contact

Dr Gearóid Barry
Programme Director
Discipline of History
T: +353 91 493342
E: gearoid.barry@universityofgalway.ie  

What Recent MA History students say

At the time I enrolled on the University of Galway’s MA History Degree, I
was nearing retirement and was actively searching for a new challenge in
life. I needed something that was purposeful and demanding and
different; ideally something that would also keep me mentally active and
socially connected. This course ticked all those boxes. Any concerns that
I had about returning to education after a long absence soon dissipated.
The teaching environment was hugely supportive and nurturing; the
lecturers were excellent; there were plenty of study options to choose
from; and there was a great sense of camaraderie among the students.

For me, the course was remarkably exciting and immensely rewarding: I
learned a huge amount, acquired a bundle of skills, met scores of people
both inside and beyond the university, widened my life perspective, and
made many new friends. The whole learning experience was really
positive and beneficial. It also afforded me the opportunity to adapt and
use a range of skills that I had previously acquired during my earlier work
career. 

And then something happened that I could have never previously
imagined. The MA programme became a gateway to an extending period
of lifelong learning. After completing my Master’s Degree, I was
encouraged to remain in College to study for a PhD in history. I took that
advice and I’m now undertaking research into the history of the Irish film
industry. It’s a wonderful project that’s given me an entirely new lease of
life.

Signing up for the MA History Degree programme was one of the best
decisions I ever made. I warmly recommend the course to anyone, of any
age, who is thinking about embarking on a new learning adventure. As in
my case, it’s likely to enrich and transform your life in so many ways.

Kieran Devenish, Graduate 2026