Local History - MA

During this programme, you will: 

• Systematically develop key skills in historical research and analysis. 

• Deepen your understanding of local and regional communities over time. 

• Enhance your research, writing, and presentation abilities. 

• Collaborate with scholars active in Irish local and regional history. 

Key Information: 

• Part-time over two years 

• Delivered on campus in UL and MIC 

• Modules taught during autumn and spring semesters on Wednesday evenings 

• Submit a dissertation at the end of Year 2 

• Modules with (M) beside them can be taken as independent micro-credentials 

You will learn through a blend of: 

• Lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities 

• Reflective practice and guided research 

• Regular feedback from faculty and peers 

Part-time considerations: 

• Designed for working professionals 

• Evening and recorded lectures 

• Additional prep and group work time 

• Timetable provided after registration 

Year 1  

Autumn Semester 

• Sources and Methods of History and Local Studies (HI5101) explains the goals of historical research and to consider some of the central debates in contemporary historiography especially in their application to the study of local and regional history. 

• The excluded voice? Methods and Cases in Oral History and Bealoideas (GA5104) To understand meaning of oral history and folklore; methods of presentation and editing of both bodies of material; the principal archival collections for oral history and béaloideas; including the Irish Folklore Commission collection and major collections such as folklore and oral histories of families, childhood, work and social organisation. 

• Computing and Databases in History Research (HI5111) To introduce data processing skills and statistical techniques specifically in their application to historical data. 

• People, Time and Space: Local History Research Seminar 1 (HI5231) The aim of this module, is to provide a supportive environment wherein the student is provided with the opportunity to present the ongoing results of his or her dissertation research and to avail of constructive comment and criticism. 

Spring Semester 

• Reading the Landscape: Sources and Methods in History (GY5103)To enhance the students understanding of landscape as both a historical record and a result of historical process 

• Sources And Cases In Modern Irish Society (HI5102) will familiarise the student with the nature and use of a wide range of easily accessible sources, both printed and manuscript, for modern Ireland and especially for the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. 

• People, Time And Space: Local History Research Seminar 2 (HI5232) student will present the ongoing results of his or her dissertation research and to avail of constructive comment and criticism. 

Year 2  

Autumn and Spring Semester 

• Dissertation (HI5221)  

• Dissertation (HI5222) 

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.  

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s Book of Modules 

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honour, grade 2 (2:2) in a relevant discipline (e.g. history, archaeology, geography, Irish studies). 

• The university may shortlist and interview applicants when necessary.  

Other Entry Considerations: 

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, as long as you can show that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for the programme. 

At UL, we value all kinds of learning and support different ways to qualify through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.  

International students:  

• For details on country-specific qualifications visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students. 

Checklist of Documents: 

• *Academic transcripts and certificates
  • UL graduates only need to provide their student ID.
• Copy of your birth certificate or passport
• English translation of your qualifications and transcripts
• Copy of your CV 

English Language: 

• English Language Competency certificate
• For details on accepted language qualifications visit English Language Requirements 

Guidelines on Completing your Application  

• To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
  • Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist. 
  • Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc. 
• *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date, you don’t need to have finished final exams before applying. 

EU - €4,500 per annum*

Non- EU - €9,900 per annum*

* Year 2 fees are subject to change  

Please note that international study visas are only available to students studying full-time in Ireland. This programme does not qualify for a study visa. 

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.  

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie).  

Funding 

Find further information on funding and scholarships.

This programme can lead to the following opportunities and careers:   

•  Publishing
• Libraries and Museums
• Heritage 

Rita McCarthy, Graduate, MA in Local History  

“I studied for the MA in Local History at the University of Limerick and can safely say that this was a life changing experience. I have always loved history and I wanted to explore what happened in my local area after the War of Independence.  

The MA course gave me the skills I needed to carry out the research and most importantly to be able to put that research into a readable thesis. It was a challenging but extremely rewarding experience and I was supported fully on my journey by the lecturers in the Department of History who made the classes interesting and informative.   

I would highly recommend the UL MA programme to anyone interested in the history of their place and people.” 

Still Curious?  

The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.     

Online Information Sessions