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 four 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, Globalisation Studies, Political and Sociological Studies, Economics and Public Policy, Philosophy, French, German and Italian.
• In year three, students will have the opportunity to complete work placements, a study abroad programme or further on-campus special studies, 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.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Additional Requirements

Course Outline

First Year

On arrival in first year, BA History students select History as their core subject (major) and choose two other subjects (minors) to start on a learning pathway for their degree.

Curriculum Information

Glossary of Terms

Year 1 (60 Credits)

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 four 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, Globalisation Studies, Political and Sociological Studies, Economics and Public Policy, Philosophy, French, German and Italian.
• In year three, students will have the opportunity to complete work placements, a study abroad programme or further on-campus special studies, 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.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Additional Requirements

Course Outline

First Year

On arrival in first year, BA History students select History as their core subject (major) and choose two other subjects (minors) to start on a learning pathway for their degree.

Curriculum Information

Irish, UK and EU Undergraduate Applications

For full details on the undergraduate admission procedure and entry requirements please refer to the Undergraduate Admissions Office webpage.

How do I apply for an Undergraduate Course?

• You can apply online to the Central Applications Office (CAO) on the CAO Web site
• You can submit a paper application which you can download from the CAO Web site

Where do I submit my paper application?

You can send your paper application to the following postal address:

The Central Applications Office 
Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway 
T: 353 91 509800 
E: www.cao.ie

Important CAO dates to remember:

There are three closing dates for applications.

• Normal application: 1 February.
• Late applications: 1 May (Late applications may NOT be made by those applying on 1 or for entry to Medicine).
• Change of mind: 1 July.

If you are submitting a non-standard application (an entry on page three of the application form), you should submit it to the CAO Office  by the 1 February.

Further information on Undergraduate Admission is available from the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

Further information on Undergraduate entrance Scholarships:www.nuigalway.ie/admissions/scholarships/index.html.

Learn More

• Download CAO application form and handbook