History of Family - MA

The MA History of Family is offered as a one year full-time or two year part-time postgraduate degree programme. The programme is also offered as an online course. 

Who is this course for? 

Put simply: anyone with an interest in family history! Students who sign up for this course come from a range of backgrounds. Some come directly from studying towards an undergraduate degree in History (or its associated disciplines). Many others come to this course because they have an interest in genealogy or family history and wish to build on this experience in an academic context. Irrespective of how they come to the MA History of Family, what unites students on this course is a passion for family history research. This diverse range of students makes for an engaging classroom where everyone’s experience is valued, and everyone has something to contribute. 

What will students learn? 

This programme is designed to develop research and writing skills in history of the family. In addition to taking subject-specific modules that introduce students to approaches and themes in histories of the family, students will be guided through the processes of essay writing, communicating findings to diverse audiences, and planning a research project. By the end of the course, successful students will have produced an independent research project that explores an aspect of the history of the family. 

How is this course taught? 

The MA History of Family programme usually runs in both on-campus and online formats. Students enrolled on both versions of the programme may be taught together, meaning that on-campus students and online students will interact in a hybrid environment.  

Course materials are provided in blended format, with a mix of recorded lectures, live seminars, and weekly tasks. Students are assessed in a variety of ways, including traditional essays, podcasts, blogposts and source analysis exercises. There is an emphasis on assessment choice and students are encouraged to flex and develop their own skillsets. 

Full-Time 

Part-Time 

• Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules. 
• Both the 1 year full-time and 2 year part-time MA History of Family programme provide an exit award of Graduate Diploma for students who meet the academic requirements of the taught programme (60 ECTS) and do not proceed to the dissertation (30 ECTS). 

Applicants must hold a Level 8 degree (first or second-class honours) in a relevant discipline, such as History, Archaeology, Geography or Irish Studies. Applicants with approved equivalent qualifications who have substantial experience in the History of Family (such as appropriate publications) or relevant professional experience may also be considered for admission.  

What to include with your qualification: 

1. Qualification transcripts and certificates 
2. A copy of your birth certificate or passport 
3. A copy of your CV 
4. A brief Personal Statement outlining your expectations of the programme and motivation for study. 

If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice. If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided: 

• English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND 
• English language competency certificate 
• Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements 

Guidelines on Completing your Application 

• To ensure a speedy assessment of your application, please upload the above documents with your application form – your application cannot be assessed until relevant documentation is uploaded 
• Please title appropriately any documents you are uploading with the application form, for example "Supporting Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc. 

International students can find more information on eligibility requirements here.  

EU -  Full Time €7,600 - Part Time €4000*

Non- EU -  Full Time €18,000 Part Time €9,700*

*Please note year 2 fees are subject to change

Once registered, students can apply to pay their fees in instalments. A request for a payment plan should be emailed to student.fees.office@ul.ie.

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)

Career Prospects

This programme will equip students with the necessary skills for careers in the heritage, archival or library sectors as well as careers in higher education and teaching in primary and post-primary schools.

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Una Costello, Graduate MA History of Family and founder of celticgenealogy.ie. The MA in History of Family gave me the research skills and academic knowledge of Irish social history to allow me to set up my genealogy business. The course gave me the confidence to progress my interest in genealogy to providing a genealogy service to others; therefore, the MA in History of Family was instrumental in my decision to set up my business.