Qualification : MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE
Award Type and NFQ level : TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
CAO/PAC code : MHP66
CAO Points :
Closing Date : 30 August 2025
Overview
The MA in European History is offered as a one-year full-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 to the thesis.
Participants are offered a mix of required and optional modules. Compulsory taught modules familiarise participants with significant contributions to the field and major historiographical debates in early modern and modern European history from 1500 to the present, currently including the history of genocide, the two World Wars and cultural history. Participants may also choose optional modules from other taught MAs within the Department and may undertake language courses.
Participants commence independent consultations with their supervisor on a proposed thesis during the first semester, concentrating on research and writing for the minor thesis in the second. A total of 30 credits are awarded for the thesis, with an option to conduct additional independent readings guided by their supervisor.
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.
Students who have an honours degree with a 1:1, a 2.(i) or high 2.(ii) grade in History before the programme begins will be offered a place. Other applications will be considered depending on available spaces. Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.
Minimum English language requirements:
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. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.
Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850
![History - John Paul Newman - Maynooth University](https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/sites/default/files/styles/ratio_2_3/public/assets/images/History--John-Paul-Newman--NUI-Maynooth.jpg?itok=3GtwDH63)
Academic
![History - Jennifer Redmond - Maynooth University](https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/sites/default/files/styles/ratio_2_3/public/assets/images/Jennifer-Redmond-History-Staff-Web.jpg?itok=jOTIUYrh)
Academic
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Academic
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Academic
The MA in European History 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 and must complete their thesis alongside their coursework throughout the year.
Online application only http://www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity
PAC Code
MHP66
The following documents should be forwarded to PAC, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway or uploaded to your online application form:
Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed. Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide two academic references and a copy of their birth certificate or valid passport.