Maynooth University Department of History

The university now requires that all postgraduate applications be made on-line using the PAC system.

Please note the following:

• Maynooth University History graduates do not need references for postgraduate admission. However it will be necessary for applicants to provide the names etc of two members of the department. (Please do not ask the lecturers for references.)
• Applicants for M.Litt or PhD are required to consult with Prof Marian Lyons before applying.  Applicants should email Prof Lyons, marian.lyons@mu.ie, thereafter submit via PAC an application, comprising a substantial research proposal composed in accordance with guidelines set out on the departmental website (https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/history/postgraduate) by 5pm on Monday 11 July 2022.
• Applicants for the MA European History, MA Irish History, or MA Military History and Strategic Studies are advised to make enquires before applying online.
• Closing date for all MAs is Sunday 31 July 2022. Any subsequent applications will be considered only if there are vacancies following consideration of earlier applications.

Entry Requirements
Possession of the minimum entry requirements for a programme is no guarantee of acceptance. The number of students admitted to any programme may be limited at the discretion of the Head of Department or by University regulations.

See Also
Graduate Studies Office News & Information

Students pursuing Masters and Doctoral programmes with our department are encouraged to apply for funding from the university or external funding agencies, and receive mentoring in their preparation of applications.

M.Litt programme
The M.Litt in History is awarded on the basis of a major thesis, normally completed by the end of the two-year programme. Students are also required to successfully complete a number of taught modules.
 
PhD programme
The award of the PhD is based entirely on a major thesis and students are also required to complete a substantial number of taught modules. The duration of the programme is normally four years.

Entry requirements
Applicants wishing to undertake a research degree are usually required to have a primary degree or equivalent in History or in a cognate discipline. The minimum admission requirement for the M.Litt is a 2:1 Honours in the BA or equivalent. For the PhD, it is either a First Class Honours BA or a 2:1 Honours in an MA or equivalent degree.

Entry to PhD programme
Entry to the doctoral programme is normally reserved for applicants with a Masters degree (M.Litt or Taught MA) and is on the basis of the department’s prior approval of a research proposal.
An applicant who has a primary degree that meets the minimum admission requirement may register as a PhD track student. At the end of Year 1 or 2, the student may apply for transfer to the PhD register. 

How to apply for a Research degree in History
Students (Masters / Undergraduates) who are considering embarking on M.Litt or PhD study should first contact and meet with the Research Postgraduate Programmes Co-ordinator to discuss a thesis proposal, their eligibility and fit with our programme, and any other relevant matters, to include identifying potential supervisors and sources of funding. After that, they must contact and meet with a potential supervisor and seek their approval for supervision.  Once a potential supervisor agrees, in principle, to support an application, the supervisor will approach the Head of Department for approval and notify the student of their eligibility.  Thereafter, the student may make a formal application via PAC.
 

1. M.Litt programme
   Applicants are required to submit a substantial research proposal on a suitable topic, the sources for which have been identified. Proposals are normally 4,000 words approximately in length. It is particularly important that the location of the project in relation to existing literature be set out and that the location, nature and accessibility of primary sources be identified. Potential applicants are invited to consult with members of the department with relevant expertise. Deadline for receipt of applications via PAC is Monday, 11 July 2022.
    
2. PhD programme
   There are two key requirements for admission:

• A convincing and worthwhile research proposal of sufficient scope, the sources for which have been identified, and which can make a substantial contribution to historical scholarship. Proposals are normally of at least 4,000 words in length; it is particularly important that the location of the project in relation to existing literature be set out and that the location, nature and accessibility of primary sources be identified. Potential applicants are invited to consult with members of the department with relevant expertise. Instead of a discursive 4,000-word application, a proposal framed on the lines of the IRC application for the postgraduate scholarship (www.irc.ie) or an application for an MU John & Pat Hume doctoral award (www.maynoothuniversity.ie/graduate-studies/john-pat-hume-doctoral-awards) may be accepted.
• Evidence of the applicant's capacity to complete the project to a high standard, in accordance with professional conventions, and in reasonable time.
• Deadline for receipt of applications via PAC is Monday, 11 July 2022.

For further information, contact the History Department Research Co-ordinator Professor Marian Lyons.

 

We offer a number of of taught postgraduate programmes, as follows:

MA European History
MA European History (part-time)
MA Irish History
MA Irish History (part-time)
MA Military History & Strategic Studies
MA Military History & Strategic Studies (part-time)

Postgraduate Diploma in History