| Duration | 2 Years Part-time |
|---|---|
| Teaching Mode | Part-Time |
| Qualifications | MA |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 |
| Start Date | Not running 2025/2026 (Cyclical programme) |
Course Outline
The taught component (Part I) will provide a practical guide to the writing of Irish Local History, discussing the most effective use of the main sources (both public and private records, from the thirteenth century to the twentieth) from a historical perspective. Particular attention will be devoted to the historiographical dimension of research and to the changing relationship between local and national history.
Programme Outline
The programme addresses the following:
Semester 1: Sources for Irish Local History
Course Introduction
- UCC Archives and Library Holdings
- Cork City and County Archives and Library Holdings
- Digital History
- Medieval Irish History
- Early Modern Irish History
- 18th Century Irish History
- 19th Century Irish History
- Irish Economic History
- Digital Data Bases
- Irish Labour/Social History
Semester 2:
- Cork A Case Study
Programme Requirements
In Part I, Year I students take taught modules to the value of 30 credits. Students will also undertake work on the dissertation to the value of 15 credits during Year 1 which meets the satisfaction of the Programme Board. In Part II, Year 2 students complete a research dissertation of 25,000-30,000 words to the value of 60 credits.
Students take 90 credits as follows:
Part I - Year 1
- HI6028 Independent Research I (5 credits)
- HI6029 Independent Research II (5 credits)
- HI6030 Perspectives on Local Cork History (10 credits)
- HI6031 Local History Research: Sources and Methods (10 credits)
Part II - Year 2
- HI6027 Research Dissertation (60 credits)
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.
Course Practicalities
The part-time option will be taught during evening hours over 2 years.
Coursework consists of a taught component of weekly evening lectures (Wednesday 6.30 - 8.30 p.m) and seminars in Year I.
The taught component will consist of lectures specially tailored to provide a practical guide to the writing of Irish Local History, indicating the main sources, their location and how best they might be exploited. Methodological issues will be discussed in order to help the student avoid the potential pitfalls associated with the interpretation and presentation of local history.
Evaluation is by a 5,000-word essay and continuous assessment in Part I, to be completed by 1 June in year one and a 25,000-30,000 word dissertation on an approved topic in Part II must be submitted by the end of year 2.
Requirements
A Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in History or a cognate subject, or its equivalent.
Applicants with relevant experience in local historical studies (e.g. membership of local historical societies and/or heritage groups, publications, etc.) are also invited to apply.
For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.
International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.
- In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
- Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.
Fees and Costs
Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2025/2026
See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.
Deposits
If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.
Fee payment
Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.
How can I pay?
See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.
Any questions? See the 'Contact Us' section on the Fees Office page.
How To Apply
1. Check dates
Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the yellow fact file boxes at the top of this webpage. The UCC online application portal usually opens around mid October.
2. Gather documents
Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:
- Original qualification documents listed on your application, including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
- Any supplementary items requested for your course, if required.
3. Apply online
Apply online by clicking the red 'Apply Now' button below. Note most of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.
Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.
Additional Requirements
Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:
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You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
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In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.
- Briefly describe a research proposal which may form the basis of your thesis.
Deferrals
Deferrals are not permitted on this programme