Course Summary
This course offers you the opportunity to build a tailored skillset that will allow you to disseminate history across multiple media, to explore how history can inform public discourse, and to shape policy in culture, education, politics, and the media.
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
A primary degree in an appropriate field such as a Bachelor of Arts, or in a cognate discipline. You must supply details of any third level institutions you have attended and professional qualifications you have attained.
Excellent academic grades 2H1 or an equivalent of a UCD GPA 3.2 NFQ Level 8. Transcripts will be required.
You will be asked to complete a supporting statement outlining your reasons and motivation for wishing to undertake the course. In addition, a CV will be required.
You will be asked to provide research proposal (one or two pages in length) which outlines preliminary topics/ideas for MA dissertation
You will be required to provide an academic writing sample, e.g. an essay written during your degree or dissertation. (there is no word limit)
Two academic references from referees who are in a position to assess your intellectual ability, maturity and motivation..Ideally both academic but they can also be one academic and one professional). You can upload your references to your application itself or if your referees prefer, they can email their letters of reference to [email protected].
Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6 in each element), or equivalent.
This course is open to graduates from the humanities, social sciences, or cognate disciplines. Students will combine the traditional study of History with specialist training in the theory and practice of public history.
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information at: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/ Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
Application Details
Online Application.
Who Should Apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: Yes
Z247 Public History Master of Arts Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Z248 Public History Master of Arts Part-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
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
Students graduating from this programme will be equipped for careers in media, history, further academic study (PhD programmes), research, policy, heritage, and education (both within Ireland and abroad). The quality and versatility of MA programmes within the School of History has allowed its graduates to pursue careers in a wide range of professions including journalism, publishing, teaching, government, law, archives, public relations, and librarianship.
Duration
Z248 - 2 years part-time.
Delivery: On Campus.