Course Details
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Brief Description
The central purpose of the MA in the History of the Family is to combine the strengths of two traditions: that of the independent researcher into family history and that of established disciplines in history particularly the well developed sub discipline of the history of the family. The objective is a history that is fully contextualised, culturally significant and academically grounded.
This course is also available fully online. For more information - https://www.ul.ie/gps/course/history-family-online-ma
The central purpose of the MA in the History of the Family is to combine the strengths of two traditions: that of the independent researcher into family history and that of established disciplines in history particularly the well developed sub discipline of the history of the family. The objective is a history that is fully contextualised, culturally significant and academically grounded.
Students who sign up for this course seek to obtain formal training in the methodologies and concepts of history of family. They enjoy the course because it allows them to develop key academic skills while being supported in their quest for intellectual and moral autonomy. A key attraction of the course is the wide range of themes that are covered in each of the modules, and the feeling of community that undertaking research as part of a class engenders.
Over the course of the year students will master the art of academic writing and develop advanced research skills through in-class training and via field trips to libraries and archives conducted in both semesters. By the end of the course successful students will have acquired the necessary skills to present historical research to a publication standard, and to conduct historical research at a doctoral level.
The students
Students come from a range of backgrounds; some come directly from studying towards an undergraduate degree in History or associated disciplines, others come to it after a break from formal study; often they have an interest in genealogy or family history research but want to build on this in an academic context. This diverse range of students makes for an engaging classroom where everyone’s experience is valued, and everyone has something to contribute.
The online course attracts students who are based in Ireland but unable to attend on campus, as well as overseas students who are interested in history of family within an Irish context and would like to benefit from studying at an Irish university.
Online students are invited to attend on-campus orientation if they wish, and many overseas students decide to arrange some time in Ireland during the year in order to conduct research, though this is not a requirement of the course. During this time they are welcome to attend the classes on-campus.
The course
The course is unique in that it is delivered in both in a classroom and online context. Students who study online will also interact with colleagues that are based in Limerick, via audio- or video-conference during in-class lectures which provides and enriched experience for everyone..
All students have access to Sulis, the University of Limerick’s virtual learning platform, which provides easy access to lecture materials and other resources, as well as interaction with other students. Students are assessed by regular weekly assignments and end of term essays.
Online students are able to engage with lectures in real-time through audio- or video-conferencing software, or to listen back to lectures via podcasts. Dissertation supervision is conducted via Skype and email.
For further information on the MA programme and to hear from graduates of the programme, watch the latest History of Family webinar here:
| Autumn Semester | Spring Semester | Summer Semester |
Core Modules
Electives (choose two)
(Total of 30 ECTS) | Core Modules
Electives (choose one)
(Total of 30 ECTS) | Core Module
(Total of 30 ECTS) |
Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules. Part time programme content: | ||
Applicants should have a primary degree with at least second-class honours, in a relevant discipline such as history, archaeology, geography, or Irish Studies (Primary degree: Level 8 - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland).
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.
Essential: Students must be computer literate and have access to broadband internet.
WHAT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION:
- Qualification transcripts and certificates
- A copy of your birth certificate or passport
- A copy of your CV
- 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
Full Time:
EU - Full Time €7,600 - Part Time €4000*
Non- EU - Full Time €18,00 Part Time €9,700*
*Please note year 2 fees are subject to change
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.
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.
“I really liked the scaffolded approach to learning, which was that everything we did and learned previously was built upon and enhanced. They didn’t assume that we knew everything already even though we were all studying at postgraduate level. My favourite thing about the course that I really enjoyed was the module that we did on migration studies because that really informed my genealogy work.”
Claire Bradley, MA History of Family Graduate and professional genealogist