MA in Local History
MA in Local History
What is this about?
The part-time MA Degree in Local History is offered by coursework and assessment and runs for two years (part-time) from the date of first registration for the programme. Coursework consists of a taught component of weekly evening lectures (Wednesday 6.30 p.m. - 8.30 p.m.) and seminars in Year I.
Evaluation is by a 5,000 word essay and continuous assessment in Part I, to be completed by 1 May 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 two.
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.
What will I study?
Semester 1, year 1 focuses on sources and methods as they relate to Irish local history, including lectures on addressing local issues during different periods of Irish history, and on local library and archival holdings.
Semester 2, year 1 focuses on Cork as a case study for local history.
Year 2 is devoted to researching and writing the 25,000-30,000 word dissertation
What skills will I learn?
Among the skills learned will be the ability to:
- Plan and conduct an independent research project.
- Engage with a range of relevant primary and secondary sources.
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of the major issues and problems within the study of local history
- Demonstrate competency in a range of high-level research training methodologies and a range of discipline specific research skills
- Take responsibility for their research agenda and project, and initiate and evaluate appropriate methodologies