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 in order to get past the system. (Please do not ask the lecturers for references.)
• Applicants for M Litt/PhD or PhD must have consulted in the department and have the agreement of the Head of Department before applying on PAC. Contact history.department@nuim.ie for further advice.
• Applicants for the MA in Local History, MA in Military History and Strategic Studies or MA in Archival Studies are strongly advised to make enquires before applying on line.
• Closing date for all MAs is 31 May. Any subsequent applications will be considered only if there are vacancies following consideration of earlier applications.
• The closing date for the Higher Diploma in Irish History is 31 May (although later applications may be considered). Applications for this programme will be considered on a first come first serve basis.

Deadlines for Applications
31 May

Entry Requirements
Possession of the minimum entry requirements for a course is no guarantee of acceptance. The number of students admitted to any course 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.

We offer two research degree programmes: MLitt (Masters by Research) and PhD (structured).

The MLitt in History is a research degree awarded on the basis of a major thesis. Students are also required to successfully complete a number of taught modules over the duration of the programme (two years).

The award of the PhD is based entirely on a major thesis. Students are also required to take 60 credits of taught modules. Duration of the programme is determined by the mode of entry.

Modes of Entry
1.  MLitt with transfer to PhD: Four Years
The minimum admission requirement is Second Class Honours, Grade One in the BA - or equivalent. A research topic is approved and a supervisor is appointed during the first semester. Students may apply for transfer to the PhD register at end of the first year; if transfer is not requested/approved, a student proceeds to completion of the MLitt at the end of the second year.

2.  Direct Entry to PhD: Three Years
Direct entry is normally reserved for those with a Masters degree and is on the basis of the department's prior approval of the proposed research topic. There are two basic requirements for direct entry 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 may be acceptable. (www.irc.ie)
• Evidence of the applicant's capacity to complete the project to a high scholarly standard, in accordance with professional conventions, and in reasonable time.

Research Co-ordinators
Professor Marian Lyons, Professor Raymond Gillespie

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

Higher Diploma in Irish History
MA in European History
MA in Historical Archives
MA in Irish History (incorporating Historic Irish Houses and Local History)
MA in Military History & Strategic Studies