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MA EUROPEAN HISTORY
- Qualification
- Master Of Arts Degree
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MHP67
- Award Type and NFQ level
- TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
- Study Mode
- Part time
- Closing Date
- 01 August 2027
Overview
The MA in European History (part-time) introduces students to vital debates in European history while developing their critical research and writing skills. Students are offered a combination of compulsory and optional modules, and must also write a minor research thesis. Compulsory taught modules familiarise students with significant contributions to the field, introduce them to the nature of postgraduate research, and prepare them to write the thesis. These are complemented by optional modules drawn from this and other MA programmes within the Department. Students are assigned a thesis supervisor in the first semester. Part-time students complete their coursework throughout the first year and write the thesis in the second year.
Course structure
Duration: 2 years part-time
The MA in European History is offered as a two-year part-time programme. It introduces participants to wider debates in European history and prepares them to complete a minor research thesis in conjunction with taught modules. The breakdown for this programme is 60 credits relating to taught modules and 30 credits relating directly to thesis completion.
Year 1
Compulsory taught modules (3 x 10 credits) must be taken by part-time students in the first year of their studies to allow ample time for the completion of the thesis in the second year of the programme. Students choose two optional modules (2 x 10 credits) from a suite available in a particular year depending on the availability of lecturers. Prospective students should enquire with the course Director to discover what modules may be on offer in any given year.
Year 2
A total of 40 credits are awarded for a taught course on thesis preparation (semester 1, 10 credits) and for thesis completion (year-long, 30 credits). Students will be assigned a research supervisor on an individual basis in Year 1, but do not complete the thesis preparation module or the thesis itself until Year 2
MA participants are also encouraged to collaborate with fellow postgraduates and departmental staff at social occasions, seminars and conferences. There are limited opportunities for well-qualified candidates to act as a tutor in the undergraduate programme, enabling them to gain valuable teaching experience.
Assessment is through a mix of written assignments, in-class participation and presentations. Participants also develop an extended thesis on a topic agreed upon with the supervisor and subject to departmental guidelines. For the thesis, emphasis is on independent study in close consultation with the supervisor. Taught modules are conducted during the week according to the regular student timetable.
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.
Year 1
Year 2
Careers after your Masters
A taught Masters degree in European History equips students with a sound basis for pursuing an advanced research degree (e.g. PhD), or careers in education, journalism, the civil service, academia, research and arts administration, both in Ireland and the European Union more generally. Many have gone on to pursue careers or further education in the arts and heritage sector, in galleries, libraries, museums, archives and cultural institutions. This qualification can also be of use in diplomatic service, politics, law, public relations and public administration including with EU bodies.
Some graduates subsequently embark upon PhD programmes in Maynooth University or another third-level institution and their experience of independent research sets them in good stead to engage in future postgraduate research and apply for funding on a competitive basis.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold a minimum of a Bachelor Honours degree (NFQ Level 8) or equivalent with a high Second-Class Honours, Grade 2 (58%) in History or a cognate discipline. Arts and Social Sciences disciplines may be considered. Applicants who hold a minimum of a lower Second-Class Honours, Grade 2 (2:2) may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
If you do not meet the standard entry requirements then you may be eligible to apply under the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. Please click here for further information.
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here.
How to apply
Applications must be made via the MU Apply portal. Please click here to start your application.
When making your application, please ensure you prepare any documents listed below. You may be required to submit documents in two stages. You will be required to upload and submit the following documents with your application:
- Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
- Graduation Certificate if you have graduated
- A copy of your passport
- Up to date CV
You will be required to upload the following documents after you submit your application:
- An academic reference (Not required for Maynooth University students)
- If English is not your first language, you may be required to upload evidence of English language proficiency. For information please click here.