History of Family (Online)

Entry requirements

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.

Essential: Students must be computer literate and have access to broadband internet.

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

Months of entry

September

Course content

This unique programme combines the strengths of two historical traditions: the independent researcher of family history and the sub-discipline of the history of the family. The programme brings these approaches together to produce a holistic view of the family and family life in the past that is fully contextualised and academically grounded. Students on this course develop their skills in researching the family and family life — gaining knowledge of archives, sources, approaches and methods, while also extending and deepening their knowledge of the wider circumstances that shaped family life in the past.

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 on-campus 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.

Information for international students

• Postgraduate Entry Requirements for International Students
• English Language Requirements

Email ULGlobal@ul.ie for further information.