Course Summary
Offered jointly by faculty from the Department of History in Mary Immaculate College and the Department of History at the University of Limerick, this two-year, part-time Master's programme meets the needs of graduates in history, or in related disciplines (e.g. Irish studies, human geography, archaeology or anthropology) who wish to carry out historical research, especially in relation to a particular locality. People living and working in a particular locality during a specific period provide the focus of this course. Local history is less about the events of national history, such as war or elections as they occurred in a particular locality, and more about the unique circumstances and events in the lives of ordinary people.
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
Applicants should normally have a primary degree in a relevant discipline such as history, archaeology, geography or Irish Studies, with at least second-class honours.
Applicants with approved equivalent qualifications who have substantial experience in history research (such as appropriate publications) or relevant professional or work experience may also be considered for admission.
English Language Requirements
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must provide evidence of their proficiency level English in the form of an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) composite score of 6.5 – 7.0 with no less than 6.0 in any one component, or IELTS equivalent accepted by UL. Such applicants will also be required to undergo an interview through English.
Application Details
Application to the MA in Local History is via the University of Limerick online application system.
The next student intake will be in 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.