History - Local History
Offered jointly by faculty from the Department of History in Mary Immaculate College and the Department of History at the University of Limerick, this two-year, part-time Master's programme meets the needs of graduates in history, or in related disciplines (e.g. Irish studies, human geography, archaeology or anthropology) who wish to carry out historical research, especially in relation to a particular locality. People living and working in a particular locality during a specific period provide the focus of this course. Local history is less about the events of national history, such as war or elections as they occurred in a particular locality, and more about the unique circumstances and events in the lives of ordinary people.
| Award Name | Degree - Masters (Level 9 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | University of Limerick |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Masters (Level 9 NFQ) | Major | University of Limerick | Level 9 NFQ |
Duration
2 years part-time. Delivery Mode: Blended.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally have a primary degree in a relevant discipline such as history, archaeology, geography or Irish Studies, with at least second-class honours.
Applicants with approved equivalent qualifications who have substantial experience in history research (such as appropriate publications) or relevant professional or work experience may also be considered for admission.
English Language Requirements
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must provide evidence of their proficiency level English in the form of an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) composite score of 6.5 – 7.0 with no less than 6.0 in any one component, or IELTS equivalent accepted by UL. Such applicants will also be required to undergo an interview through English.
Careers / Further progression
The programme is also suitable for those who wish to develop research skills prior to undertaking a PhD programme
Further information
The next intake for this programme will be September 2024.
How to Apply
Application to the MA in Local History is via the University of Limerick online application system.
Please note that this programme accepts new students in every second year. The next intake will take place in September 2024.
Key Features
During the first year students attend lectures and seminars at UL and MIC on Wednesday evenings during the two 12-week semesters. In the second year, the students complete a dissertation of approximately 18,000 words.
Key themes in the programme include:
- The goals of local history; strengths and weaknesses
- The relationship between local, regional and national histories
- Evaluating sources: versatility, limitations and applications
- Events in local histories: descriptions, narrative and analysis
- The use of numerical and cartographic data in local history
- Sources in local and national archives
- Using oral evidence and beáloideas in local history
- Using material culture and historical archaeology in local history
Research topics are identified during the first year. Ongoing research conducted under faculty supervision is reviewed in seminars during the second year. Assessment includes assignments (continuous assessment), attendance and participation at seminars and the dissertation.
While graduates of this MA are well placed to pursue a multiplicity of career pathways, the programme has provide to be of particular value to:
- Primary and Secondary Teachers
- Librarians and Archivists
- Those who want to research local history for its own sake
The programme is also suitable for those who wish to develop research skills prior to undertaking a PhD programme.
Programme Content
People living and working in a particular locality during a specific period provide the focus of this course. Local history is less about the events of national history, such as war or elections as they occurred in a particular locality, and more about the unique circumstances and events in the lives of ordinary people.
Continuous assessment.
Dr David Fleming, Programme Coordinator and Lecturer,
Department of History,
University of Limerick.
T: +353 61 233795
E: David.Fleming@ul.ie