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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 

Key Information: 

• Complete full-time in one year 

• Delivered on campus 

• Modules taught during autumn and spring semesters 

• Submit a dissertation at the end of the summer semester 

You will learn through a blend of: 

• Lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities 

• Reflective practice and guided research 

• Regular feedback from faculty and peers 

Year 1 

Autumn Semester  

•   This module challenges students to think critically about global conflict in the post-1945 era. It focuses on the Cold War, which dominated international life in the second half of the twentieth century. Students will examine key topics such as the nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union, as well as the proxy conflicts and wars of national liberation that raged across the Global South, notably in Asia (Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan). Part of the course will also be devoted to the study of diplomacy and conflict resolution. Case studies include the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, the Vietnam War, and the peaceful resolution of the Cold War in the late 1980s.  

•    This module introduces students to the various approaches to historical research. It will equip students with the intellectual and practical skills needed to conduct their own research, such as designing a dissertation topic; identifying key research questions; interpreting research material; negotiating primary source collections; and applying relevant conceptual frameworks in your analysis. The module includes an archival training workshop at the UL Special Collections in the Glucksman Library. In order to approach these generic historical skills, the module focuses on the twentieth century—exploring some of the most controversial historical topics, such as the origins of the First and Second World Wars, the Treaty of Versailles, and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. 

•   This module provides an experiential and focused dimension to the MA in Irish and Global Conflict History. Students will be guided in accessing and assessing significant physical, graphic, and interpretive representations of warfare in modern history. We will visit key sites of conflict and specialissed museums, archives, and memorials, for an immersive process of field research and informed reflection. This will enhance the ability of students to gain a deeper knowledge of complicated subject matter—a critical skill set of an advanced postgraduate scholar. 

• provides an insight into the research techniques, historiographical concerns, and analytical approaches deployed by professional historians in research papers.       

Spring Semester 

• trains students in the techniques of organising and presenting research.  

•   This module examines the essential dynamics of the longest and most serious insurgency in post-1945 Western Europe. It explores the origins of the Northern Ireland conflict and the perspectives of the primary antagonists, focusing on key topics such as the development of the Republican movement in Ireland and abroad; civil rights agitation; constitutional opportunities and challenges; counterinsurgency; Ireland and the American connection; the hunger strikes; the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement. Irish, British and North American primary sources will be examined to gain insights into the major events of the conflict. 

• facilitates the development of skills of historical analysis through concentrated study of a specific topic that aligns with the research expertise of faculty.   

• exposes students to the challenges of historical research particularly in relation to project design, primary source analysis, and the presentation of research findings.   Semester 

Spring Semester 

• identify a subject research area and actively engage with primary sources to develop and produce a dissertation. 

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  

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree ( Level 8) with at least a second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) in which history is a constituent subject. 

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 - €TBC

Non- EU - €18,600

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 course can lead to the following sectors and careers:  

• Higher education
• Primary or secondary level teaching
• Archival or library sectors
• Foreign affairs or international organisations 

Dr Aaron Donaghy, Department of History  

"Develop your understanding of how nations and societies have been affected by war, and how diplomacy and negotiation have helped to bring peace between states.” 

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