Skip to main content

The Undergraduate Programme

Student fieldtrip to Berlin

Structure of the Degree Course

The undergraduate programme takes three years to complete. Students can study History either on its own or with other subjects. These are called 'modes' or pathways and are explained below:

  • Single Honours (study of one subject only - history)
  • Joint Honours history and another subject (Anthropology, Archaeology, English, International Studies, Philosophy, Politics, Sociology, Theology or a Modern Language (Irish, French or Spanish). In this degree time is shared equally between two subjects. Read more about our Joint Degree Pathways
  • Major Honours history and another subject (Anthropology, Archaeology, English, International Studies, Philosophy, Politics, Sociology, Theology or a Modern Language (Irish, French or Spanish)). In this your time will be divided two-thirds history and one-third to another subject.

How many History modules you take each year will depend on the pathway which you are on.  For further guidance on what you will study in each of your three years, please refer to the following sections which list the modules and provide more detailed module descriptions:

What you will study in your first year

These modules are designed to help you make the transition from School to University. They are intended to broaden your understanding of what history is and to encourage you to be adventurous in exploring the past. You will be given training on a variety of essential skills, including exam technique at university level, research and writing assessed essays, working independently, time management and team work. Visit our Current Students section for information on the courses you will study  in your first year.

What you will study in your second year

The emphasis in this year is on providing you with a broad understanding of the history of a particular area over an extended period of time. The School currently offers Survey Modules on Irish, British, European and world history from ancient Greece to the present day. Courses you will study in year 2.

What you will study in your third year

In your final year you will have the opportunity to take modules based on the research interests of members of staff who are experts in their area. In recent years,these modules have included 'Rome under the early Emperors', ‘The Peasants’ Revolt, 1381’, ‘From the United Irishmen to Ian Paisley’, ‘African-American Women’, ‘The Second World War in Europe’, and 'The Crisis of the British Empire 1918–1922’. In addition, you will have the opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of original research (dissertation) on a topic of your choice. Courses you will study in year 3.

What grades do I need to study History?

How do I apply?

[Fees and Scholarships]