Modern Irish History Trinity College Dublin

Overview

The Modern Irish History programme at Trinity College Dublin provides a comprehensive foundation for students wishing to engage with the complexities of Ireland's historical development. This advanced course introduces graduates to the primary methods and problems currently addressed by professional historians in the field. By engaging with diverse perspectives, students develop a sophisticated understanding of the social, political, and cultural forces that have shaped the nation.

Why Modern Irish History at Trinity College Dublin?

Students benefit from the university's exceptional location and its status as a premier research institution. The programme draws upon the extensive resources of the university library, which is a legal deposit library, alongside the wealth of nearby national archives and specialised collections in Dublin. This environment fosters a unique research-led experience, where students are taught by leading experts whose work defines contemporary Irish historical scholarship.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: EUR 18720 per year
• European fee: EUR 10090 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to balance methodological training with specialised thematic study, culminating in an original piece of research. Modules may include:

• Reading Ireland
• Managing Research
• Family, Sexuality and Morality in Modern Ireland, 1920s to 1990s
• Choosing Your Pasts: The Historian and the Archive
• Human Rights in Europe, 1900-Present
• Investigating Ireland: Scandal, Law and the State, c.1800-2021
• The Lived Experiences of Women in Early Modern Ireland

Special subject modules are also available, covering various themes from the seventeenth to the twentieth centuries. These topics change annually to reflect current historical debates and staff expertise, ensuring the content remains at the forefront of the discipline.

Careers with Modern Irish History

Graduates of this programme are well-equipped for a variety of professional paths due to their advanced analytical and organisational skills. Many students choose to continue their academic journey by pursuing doctoral research. Others successfully transition into professional roles across diverse sectors. Common career destinations for alumni include:

• Law and legal services
• Teaching and education
• Librarianship and archival work
• Public service and administration
• Business and service industries
• Counselling

The rigorous training in handling primary sources and constructing complex arguments ensures that graduates are highly valued by employers seeking individuals with strong critical thinking and communication abilities.