Skip to main content

Irish and Global Conflict History - MA

Explore 20th-century Irish and international conflicts, and how they have helped shape the world that we live in today.

Key information

EU fees per year €7,995
Non-EU fees per year €18,600
NFQ Level NFQ Level 9 Major
Duration One year
Attendance Full-time
Programme type Taught
Delivery In-person
Start date September
Award Masters

The Master of Arts (MA) in Irish and Global Conflict History is a one-year, full-time programme which explores Irish and international conflict during the twentieth century - the most violent period in recorded history.  

Students will learn about the different ways historians have approached the study of war and peace, the various sources at their disposal, and the theoretical issues arising within the field. 

Wars have often changed the course of human history, opening up pathways into the future and closing down others.  

Examining the history of conflict and its impact on society enables us to better understand the world we live in today. Part of the MA programme is devoted to the study of conflict resolution, examining the history of diplomacy and negotiation between states.  

Topics covered include the Cold War, the two World Wars, and the Northern Ireland “Troubles” - the longest and most serious insurgency in post-1945 Western Europe. 

Students develop advanced skills in research, analysis, presentation, and debate, which will stand to them post-graduation. They will learn the scholarly craft and research a topic of their own choice, working with original archival material.  

This MA programme serves as an ideal route to doctoral research and a pathway to exciting careers in academia, education, foreign affairs, and the archival and library sectors, among others. 

Read a detailed Q&A with the Course Director, Dr Aaron Donaghy for more information. 

We need your consent to load this YouTube content

During this programme, you will

  • Acquire knowledge of substantive areas of modern Irish and international history
  • Develop an understanding of the different ways that historians have approached the study of war and peace
  • Learn about the wide range of primary sources available for advanced historical research, and how to use them to construct your own arguments and interpretations
  • Gain the skills to present historical research to a publication standard and conduct research at a doctoral level 
© 2026 University of Limerick