Bachelor of Arts (History)

Course Overview

History is first and foremost about people, the forces that shaped their lives and the ways in which they changed their societies. Studying history makes us aware that our world today took on its current appearance less by chance than as a result of specific developments and decisions taken in the past.

Are you curious about how the modern world came to be? Would you like to find out how past events have shaped our contemporary global world? If so, the BA History is the programme for you. It is an innovative degree that gives coherence and depth to your learning and opportunities to develop key skills for employment.

The BA History is a four-year degree that offers you choice and flexibility in what and how you study:

• Students have a choice of three Learning Pathways to follow for their degree.

• They can study History with a second Arts subject for their degree (joint honours OR combine their study of History with two other subjects (‘minors’ that complement History.

• Subjects available as minors include Journalism and Global Media, Sociological and Political Studies, Economics, Philosophy, French, German and Italian.

• In year three, students will have the opportunity to complete work placements, study abroad programmes and/or a major History research project, before returning to their final year of study.

• These pathways will prepare students for careers in the public and private sectors, including international development, the diplomatic and civil service, NGOs, journalism, publishing, marketing and media, the heritage industry, and education.

BA History Outline

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, another language and three other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

Tailored Pathways for Study and Career

The BA History is a unique programme taught by leading experts in History and offers students choice and flexibility in what and how they study.

The pathways enable students to combine their study of History with complementary subjects, so that they will gain a range of knowledge as well as valuable skills for careers in international development, the diplomatic and civil service, NGOs, journalism, publishing, marketing and media, the heritage industry, and education.

The Third Year: Study Abroad, Placements and Special Studies

In the third year of the programme, students may apply to study abroad for an academic year or semester in a partner university or undertake a single-semester work placement relevant to their pathway. They may, for example, gain work experience in an archive (such as at the Galway County Council Library and Archives service), a heritage centre, an NGO or media company.

Alternatively, they may complete one or more major Independent History Research Projects drawing directly, and in original ways, on historical evidence and skills honed in Years 1-2.

For study abroad, the university has international links with European universities where students can study History and their other subject(s). In 2023/24, for instance, students attended the University of Ghent (Belgium). Adjusting to life in another country and its university system is a formative experience and students will gain skills that are desirable for many employment areas. They will be able to show independence and maturity, and to provide evidence of commitment and adaptability to future employers.

Such opportunities are much prized and, accordingly, study abroad places and work placements are competitive and subject to availability.