Course Summary
Our MA History is a comprehensive programme that is exceptionally flexible and customisable. It offers a work placement, explores public history, and grants the freedom to choose between four specialist streams: Medieval and Renaissance History, Media and History, Modern Ireland European and International History.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
To be considered for admission to the MA in History programme, an applicant will normally possess a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or equivalent in History, or a cognate/suitable subject (normally in the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences or Law). For North American students a cumulative GPA of 3.3 is normal.
Applicants who hold a primary degree in History or a cognate/suitable subject with a Second Class Honours Grade II will also be considered (normally in the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences or Law), as will those with a GPA between 2.7 and 3.2. These applicants will be requested to provide additional information, documentation, samples of their work and/or be interviewed by a Selection Committee.
In exceptional circumstances, under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), professional experience in a relevant and related field (e.g. working in publishing, journalism, the heritage industry, archives etc.) may be accepted as compensating for the absence of an undergraduate degree awarded at a grade lower than Second Class Honours Grade II. Admission of such applicants will be subject to the approval of the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences.
For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.
International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.
In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements.
Application Details
Closing Date
Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
Non-EU Closing Date
Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
Start Date 7 September 2026
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
What can I do after I graduate with an MA in History?
The careers and workplace prospects for History graduates are excellent, which reflects the wide applicability of the disciplines skills and its high standards. Contrary to popular perceptions, an MA in History does not necessarily lead to employment in the teaching profession, academia, libraries, research, archives, and so forth. It could do so, but the versatility of History graduates is well-known. Past MA graduates work in all walks of life nationally and across the globe, not least in government, multinational firms, and international organisations. Many have risen to positions of national and international responsibility and influence (entrepreneurs, top-level management, marketing managers, advertising, ambassadors, writers, politicians, museum directors, professors, technologists, think tanks etc.).
The innovative teaching and assessment regime offered by the School instills practical transferable skills (e.g. web displays, blogging, report writing, presentations, portfolios) supplementing the core strengths of the discipline (e.g. analysis, source criticism, inquiry-driven, meticulousness, information management, synthesis, clarity, breadth, and depth of perspectives).
Depending on individual choice, other skills may be cultivated such as conference planning and delivery, event planning, financial management, team building, leadership, negotiation, representation of collective interests etc. Optional engagement with the History Postgraduate Association, the Historical Society and School events (seminars, conferences, symposia) add additional competencies.
Occupations associated with an MA in History
Our graduates have a strong record of success in the following fields:
Broadcasting and the media
Central and local government (Ireland, the UK, and Europe)
Civil Service (Ireland, the UK, and Europe) and Public Service
Diplomacy and statecraft (Department of Foreign Affairs)
Heritage and museums
International and regional organisations (UN, EU, etc.)
Journalism
Librarianship, archives, and information management
Non-governmental organisations
Politics (local, national, and European)
Policy research and formulation
Public relations
Publishing
Teaching and universities (Ireland and the world)
Many of our graduates succeed in other fields too including:
Conference and exhibition managers and organisers
Business and entrepreneurship
Customer service occupations
Event planning and delivery
Law
Management
Marketing and sales professionals
University management and administration (in Ireland, UK, USA etc.)
Students often progress to successful PhD studies in all areas of History becoming tenured university lecturers and researchers in Ireland, the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Europe and elsewhere.