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 or PhD are required to consult Prof Raymond Gillespie on University Consultation Day, Tuesday 7 July by phoning (01) 7083729 and thereafter submit (via email to Marian.Lyons@mu.ie) 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 Friday 24 July.
• Applicants for the MA European History, MA Irish History, or MA Military History and Strategic Studies are strongly advised to make enquires before applying online.
• Closing date for all MAs is Friday, 10 July 2020. 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 MLitt 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 determined by the mode of entry (see below).

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 both programmes (M. Litt and PhD) is a good 2:1 Honours in the BA or equivalent.

Modes of entry to PhD programme
Direct entry
Direct 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. Direct entry students accepted onto the PhD programme usually take three years to complete the degree.
 
PhD track
An applicant who has a primary degree that meets the minimum admission requirement (a good 2:1 Honours in the BA or equivalent) 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. Students who enter the doctoral programme via this route usually take four years to complete the doctorate.
 

How to apply for a Research degree in History
 

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.
2. PhD track 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 may be acceptable. (www.irc.ie)
• Evidence of the applicant's capacity to complete the project to a high standard within the Evidence of the applicant's capacity to complete the project to a high scholarly standard, in accordance with professional conventions, and in reasonable time.

For further information, contact the History Department Research Co-ordinators
Professor Marian Lyons, Professor Raymond Gillespie

 

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

MA European History
MA Irish History
MA Military History & Strategic Studies