Entry Points (2023)
352

Course Overview

History is first and foremost about people, the forces that shaped their lives and the ways in which they changed their societies. Studying history makes us aware that our world today took on its current appearance less by chance than as a result of specific developments and decisions taken in the past. 

Are you curious about how the modern world came to be? Would you like to find out how past events have shaped our contemporary global world?  If so, the BA History is the programme for you. It is an innovative degree that gives coherence and depth to your learning and opportunities to develop key skills for employment.

 

The BA History is a four-year degree that offers you choice and flexibility in what and how you study:

  • Students have a choice of three Learning Pathways to follow for their degree.
  • They can study History with a second Arts subject for their degree (joint honours) OR combine their study of History with two other subjects (‘minors’) that complement History.
  • Subjects available as minors include Journalism and Global Media, Sociological and Political Studies, Economics, Philosophy, French, German and Italian.
  • In year three, students will have the opportunity to complete work placements, study abroad programmes and/or a major History research project, before returning to their final year of study.
  • These pathways will prepare students for careers in the public and private sectors, including international development, the diplomatic and civil service, NGOs, journalism, publishing, marketing and media, the heritage industry, and education.

  BA History Outline

Applications and Selections

Who Teaches this Course

This programme is taught by academic staff from Dept. of History (School of History and Philosophy), and by staff from other subjects, depending on the pathway you follow for your degree. History staff are internationally recognised experts in their fields, and offer a range of modules in Irish, European, American and world history from the medieval to the modern periods. To learn more about History staff and their teaching and research interests, click here.

Requirements and Assessment

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, another language and three other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

Additional Requirements

None

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Duration

4 years (BA Degree), 4 years (BA International)

Next start date

September 2024

A Level Grades (2023)

universityofgalway.ie/alevels

Average intake

25

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

1 (More Info)

Closing Date
NFQ level

8

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

Award

CAO

GY105

Course code

Course Outline

First Year

On arrival in first year, BA History students select History as their core subject (major) and choose two other subjects (minors) to start on a learning pathway for their degree.

Year

ECTS

Pathway 1

Historical Studies

Pathway 2

History, Politics and Philosophy

Pathway 3

History (joint honours)

Year 1

20 ECTS

20 ECTS x 2

History

+ Two of the following from the Arts subject groupings:

Journalism and Global Media, Sociological and Political Studies, Philosophy, Economics, French, German, Italian

History

+ Political Science, Sociology and Policy +

Philosophy

History

+ Two other subjects from the Arts subject groupings

Year 2

30 ECTS

15 ECTS x 2

History

+ Two other subjects taken in first year

History

+ Political Science, Sociology and Policy AND

Philosophy

History (30ECTS)

+ One of the other subjects taken in first year (30ECTS)

Year 3

60 ECTS

Work placement, Study Abroad and/or History Research Project

Work placement, Study Abroad and/or History Research Project

Work placement, Study Abroad and/or History Research Project

Year 4

30ECTS

 

15 ECTS x 2

Students continue with History and their other subjects

Students continue with History and their other subjects

Students continue with History and their other subject

 

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Glossary of Terms

Credits
You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
Module
An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
Subject
Some courses allow you to choose subjects, where related modules are grouped together. Subjects have their own required number of credits, so you must take all that subject's required modules and may also need to obtain the remainder of the subject's total credits by choosing from its available optional modules.
Optional
A module you may choose to study.
Required
A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
Required Core Subject
A subject you must study because it's integral to that course.
Semester
Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year, so a three-year course will have six semesters in total. For clarity, this page will refer to the first semester of year 2 as 'Semester 3'.

Year 1 (60 Credits)


Optional Subject: Ancient Classics (20 Credits):
Optional CCS315: Intermediate Latin 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Optional CCS205: Ancient Greek for Beginners (Part One) - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Optional CC230: Beginning Latin Part 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Optional CC1101: Mythology and the City in Ancient Greece - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required CC1100: Classics in 20 Objects - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required CC114: Written Words & Spoken Languages in the Ancient World - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Optional CC321: Latin Texts from Medieval Ireland and Britain - 5 Credits - Semester 2
Optional CCS316: Intermediate Latin 2 - 5 Credits - Semester 2
Optional CCS312: Advanced Classical and Medieval Latin 2 - 5 Credits - Semester 2
Optional CCS206: Ancient Greek for Beginners (Part Two) - 5 Credits - Semester 2
Optional CC232: Beginning Latin Part 2 - 5 Credits - Semester 2
Optional CC1102: Empire and Literature in Ancient Rome - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional Subject: Archaeology (20 Credits):
Required AR113: Prehistoric Ireland & Europe - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required AR1104: Material Culture and Museums - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required AR1102: Recording Monuments in the Landscape - 5 Credits - Semester 2
Required AR1105: Medieval Ireland and Europe - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional Subject: Celtic Civilisation (20 Credits):
Required SG1101: Medieval Celtic Literature B - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required SG1100: Medieval Celtic Literature A - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required SG111: Early & Medieval History of the Celts - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required SG116: Celtic Mythology, Religion & Folklore - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional Subject: Economics (20 Credits):
Required EC1108: Skills for Economics I - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required EC135: Principles of Microeconomics - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required EC136: Principles of Macroeconomics - 5 Credits - Semester 2
Required EC1109: Skills for Economics II - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional Subject: English (20 Credits):
Required EN1101: Literature and the Social World - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required EN1106: Exploring English - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required EN124: Introduction to English 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Optional EN1102: Exploring English - 1BA and Denominated Programmes - 10 Credits - Semester 1
Required EN125: Introduction to English 2 - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional Subject: French (20 Credits):
Required FR1100: Introduction to French Language and Culture - 15 Credits - Semester 1
Required FR1101: Introduction to French Literature in Context - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional Subject: Gaeilge (20 Credits):
Required NG1105: An Teanga Bheo - 10 Credits - Semester 1
Required NG1106: Litríocht agus Cultúr na Linne - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required NG1107: Scéal agus Pobal na Gaeilge - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional Subject: Geography/Tíreolaíocht (20 Credits):
Required TI150: Principles of Human Geography - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required TI1100: Geography in Practice - 10 Credits - Semester 1
Required TI151: Principles of Physical Geography - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional Subject: German (Advanced) (20 Credits):
Required GR1102: Skills for studying German (Advanced) - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required GR1100: German Language and Culture (Advanced) - 15 Credits - Semester 1

Optional Subject: German (Beginners) (20 Credits):
Required GR1103: Skills for studying German (Beginners) - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required GR1101: German Language and Culture (Beginners) - 15 Credits - Semester 1

Required Core Subject: History (20 Credits):
Required HISK1101: Skills for Historians (1) - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required HI1103: Europe and Ireland 1789 - 1918 - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Optional HI1105: Europe and Ireland 1789 - 1918 (Remote Learning) - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required HISK1102: Skills for Historians (2) - 5 Credits - Semester 2
Required HI1104: Europe: From Medieval to Modern - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional Subject: Information Technology (20 Credits):
Required CT1120: Algorithms - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required CT1101: Programming I - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required CT1100: Computer Systems - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required CT1102: Programming II - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional Subject: Italian (20 Credits):
Required IT1101: Italy at the movies - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required IT1100: Italian Language and Culture - 15 Credits - Semester 1

Optional Subject: Law (20 Credits):
Required LW103.I: Irish Legal Systems - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required LW3109: Tort Law - 10 Credits - Semester 1
Required LW126: Legal Skills - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional Subject: Léann an Aistriúcháin (20 Credits):
Required LN103: Gnéithe den Aistriúchán - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required LN105: Bunscileanna Aistriúcháin - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required LN1103: Bunscileanna Gramadaí - 10 Credits - Semester 1

Optional Subject: Léann na Cumarsáide (20 Credits):
Required CG1100: Scéalaíocht Dhigiteach - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required CG1105: Bunús na hIriseoireachta - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required CG1107: Cleachtas Léirithe na Meán 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required CG1104: Na Meáin agus an tSochaí - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional Subject: Mathematics (20 Credits):
Optional MA133: Analysis and Algebra 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Optional MA131: Mathematical Skills - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Optional MA185: Analysis and Algebra 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Optional MA132: Scileanna Matamaiticiúla - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Optional MA134: Anailís agus Algéabar 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Optional MA135: Analysis and Algebra 2 - 5 Credits - Semester 2
Optional MA186: Analysis and Algebra 2 - 5 Credits - Semester 2
Optional MA187: Mathematical Skills - 5 Credits - Semester 2
Required MA208: Quantitative Techniques for Business - 5 Credits - Semester 2
Optional MA1222: Cultures of Mathematics - 5 Credits - Semester 2
Optional MA136: Anailís agus Algéabar 2 - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional Subject: Modern Irish Culture Studies: Literature & Music (20 Credits):
Required ISSK1100: Introducing Modern and Contemporary Irish Literature - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required IS1100: Irish Music and Emigration - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required IS1103: Introducing Irish Traditional Music & Dance since 1893 - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required IS1104: The Migrant Experience in Modern Irish Writing - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional Subject: Philosophy (20 Credits):
Required PISK1102: Critical Thinking and Logic - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required PI120: Philosophical Questions & Issues - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required PI107: Introduction To The History Of Philosophy - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required PI108: Introduction To Practical Ethics - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional Subject: Psychology (20 Credits):
Required PS1103: Introduction to Research Methods and Practical Skills in Psychology - 10 Credits - Semester 1
Required PS122: Introductory Psychology 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Optional PS1100: Critical and Collaborative Thinking - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Optional PS1104: Design Your Life: Planning & developing Skills for your University Journey - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required PS124: Introductory Psychology 2 - 5 Credits - Semester 2
Optional PS137: Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional Subject: Sociological & Political Studies (20 Credits):
Required SP1120: Practicing Politics - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required SP1125: Introduction to Politics - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Required SP1121: Practicing Sociology - 5 Credits - Semester 2
Required SP1126: Introduction to Sociology - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Year 2 (60 Credits)


Required Core Subject: History (60 Credits):
Optional HI166: Ireland in the 1950s - 10 Credits - Semester 3
Optional HI295: The American Civil War: Its Causes and Developments - 10 Credits - Semester 3
Optional HI465: European Encounters with the Mongols - 10 Credits - Semester 3
Optional HI2103: Monarchy & Society in Early 17th Century France - 10 Credits - Semester 3
Optional CC2103: Mediterranean Origins - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional HI2130: Medieval Europe C1050-1250 (S1) - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional HI2110: Making Ireland English: 1580-1665 - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional HI2123: Life and Death in Victorian Britain - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional HI208: The Two Irelands in the 20th Century - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional HI2141: Tudor Ireland - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional MG3113: Megatrends - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional LIB2102: History and the Archive: Understanding Research, Management and Preservation - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional BSS1100: Digital Citizenship - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional HI2139: Life and Death in Victorian Britain (Remote Learning) - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional HI2138: Religion and Irish Life in the Twentieth Century (Remote Learning) - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional HI2137: Making Ireland English: 1580-1665 (Remote Learning) - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional HI2136: Medieval Europe C1050-1250 (S1) (Remote Learning) - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional HI262: Medieval Europe C1050-1250 - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional HI2125: Global History, 1780-1945 - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional HI2113: The Making & Breaking of Britain in the 20th C - 10 Credits - Semester 4
Optional HI249: Ireland:Economy And Society,1700-1850 - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional HI431: French Mobilisation and the Great War, 1914-24 - 10 Credits - Semester 4
Optional HI2135: Fluxes, Fevers and Fighting Men: Disease and Armies (1489-1856) - 10 Credits - Semester 4
Optional CC2104: The City-State - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional HI284.II: Themes in Early Modern History 2 - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional HI170: Europe, 1918-1989 - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional HI2128: Production, consumption, and the changing shape of the European home 1780-1914 - 10 Credits - Semester 4
Optional AJ2114: Communicating Through Storytelling - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional MG3115: Megatrends - 5 Credits - Semester 4

Year 3 (60 Credits)


Required Core Subject: History (60 Credits):
Optional HI3110: European Warfare 1618-1714: Theory and Practice - 10 Credits - Semester 5
Optional HI443: State & People in Ireland 1820-1845 - 10 Credits - Semester 5
Optional HI376: Popular Culture In Pre-Industrial Europe - 5 Credits - Semester 5
Optional HI167: Power and Conflict in Northern Ireland, 1963-1972 - 10 Credits - Semester 5
Optional HI3100: Brave New World: Globalisation since 1945 - 5 Credits - Semester 5
Optional BSS2103: Introduction to Sustainability 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 5
Optional HI3194: The Environment Since 1945 - 10 Credits - Semester 5
Optional HI3102: The Irish and Colonial Australasia 1788-1901 - 10 Credits - Semester 5
Optional HI3112: The First World War: Transnational perspectives - 10 Credits - Semester 5
Optional HI3123: Power and Pleasure at Versailles: The Reign of Louis XIV of France, 1661-1715 - 10 Credits - Semester 5
Optional HI3126: Labour radicalism in the Anglophone world, c.1900-1939 - 10 Credits - Semester 5
Optional MG3113: Megatrends - 5 Credits - Semester 5
Optional HI2155: Cultural Heritage & Public History - 5 Credits - Semester 5
Optional BSS2104: Introduction to Sustainability 2 - 5 Credits - Semester 6
Optional HI488: Labour in Irish Society & Politics, c. 1760-1960 - 5 Credits - Semester 6
Optional HI362: Party & Power In 19th & 20th Century British History. - 5 Credits - Semester 6
Optional HI3304: Technology and Society 1750-1930 - 5 Credits - Semester 6
Optional HI3195: Suffrage to Repeal: women's activism in Ireland and Britain, 1880-2016 - 5 Credits - Semester 6
Optional HI3196: The Great Irish Famine - 5 Credits - Semester 6
Optional MG3115: Megatrends - 5 Credits - Semester 6
Optional HI2156: Revolutionary Technologies, from Steam to Green - 5 Credits - Semester 6
Optional AJ2114: Communicating Through Storytelling - 5 Credits - Semester 6
Required HI457: Dissertation - 20 Credits - Semester 6

Further Education

Completing this programme will enable you to progress to a variety of postgraduate education options, depending on the degree pathway that you choose. Popular choices among our graduates include:

 

 
The programme also prepares students to proceed to MLitt and PhD study by research in History.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Tailored Pathways for Study and Career

The BA History is a unique programme taught by leading experts in History and offers students choice and flexibility in what and how they study.

The pathways enable students to combine their study of History with complementary subjects, so that they will gain a range of knowledge as well as valuable skills for careers in international development, the diplomatic and civil service, NGOs, journalism, publishing, marketing and media, the heritage industry, and education.

The Third Year: Study Abroad, Placements and Special Studies

In the third year of the programme, most students will spend a semester studying abroad at an international university, on a work placement relevant to their pathway (for example, an archive, heritage centre, NGO or media company), and/or completing a major History Research Project.

The university has international links with European universities where students can study History and their other subject(s). Adjusting to life in another country and its university system is a formative experience and students will gain skills that are desirable for many employment areas. They will be able to show independence and maturity, and to provide evidence of commitment and adaptability to future employers.

 

 

 

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€5,598 p.a.(€5,738 p.a. including levy) 2024/25

Fees: Tuition

€2,598 p.a. 2024/25

Fees: Student Contribution

€3,000 p.a. 2024/25

Fees: Student levy

€140 p.a. 2024/25

Fees: Non EU

€18,500 p.a. (€18,640 p.a. including levy) 2024/25


EU Fees are comprised of Tuition + Student Contribution Charge + Student Levy** €140.  **Payable by all students and is not covered by SUSI.  Further detail here.

Find out More

Dr. Gearóid Barry
School of History and Philosophy
T 091-493342
E gearoid.barry@universityofgalway.ie

Other Useful Links


What Our Students Say

Shauna

Shauna Mulligan |   BA (History)

My BA (History) was the most rewarding experience for me. If I am truly honest, I did not know what I wanted to do after my Leaving Cert and chose history because it was my favourite subject in school. The structure of the programme was great because it allowed me to choose from a wide variety of modules. This gave me a firm foundation for understanding the development and continued relevance of different historical periods and issues. I found that the most beneficial aspect of the programme was the small seminar classes, which created an environment of collaborative discussion for developing independent thought and critical analytical skills. This helped me realise that the area I am most fascinated by is the history of civil and political rights. I am now going to do an MA in History, specialising in civil and political rights, with the aim of pursuing a career in academia. But I think the programme can provide a route for many careers, in areas like international relations, publishing and education. Achieving my BA (History) was really worth-while and has definitely provided a pathway for my future – I highly recommend it.

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