About History - Arts (ba (hons)) in University College Cork

History at UCC provides an exciting exploration of the past, tracing historical developments from medieval times to the present with special reference to their European, Irish and North American contexts. The course can be taken as part of the BA or the BA International.

Join us - explore the past, understand the present and shape the future.  Study and interpret the past and you will discover evidence, solve problems and gain fresh perspectives.  Our world is a product of historical forces.  We specialise in Irish, European, American, Asian and World History including International Relations and European Studies.  You can choose from a variety of specialist options ranging in time from the pre-Viking period to the present;  in place from Europe to Asia and the Americas; and in theme from economic development and international relations to ideologies, cultures, social structures, politics and religion.

You will learn the basic skills of a historian and have access to a broad choice of specialist studies, as well as gaining a range of sought-after transferable skills and attributes.

You will learn about various types of history – social and economic history, modern diplomacy, political ideologies, the history of law, art, religion, women, government, business and much else besides.

The History course is taken over three years. History can be taken as a single honours degree, as joint honours or as a major or minor option in conjunction with other subjects. You can choose the credit weighting that suits your interests and learning objectives.

The School of History trains you to gather and interpret information and evidence to develop an informed and critical understanding of the world.

You will learn how to analyse available data and interrogate different points of view, skills vital for historians and essential for any citizen. You will gain life and work skills that will help you to make a valuable contribution in the academic arena, in the workplace or in the local community and the wider world.

It is not a requirement for you to have previously studied history before becoming a student here.

The School of History will teach you a balanced appreciation of the genesis of your society within a wide range of contexts whether local, regional, national or international. Our teaching uses themes and structures, arguments, interpretations and analysis – emphasising comparative approaches wherever appropriate.

You can learn about various types of history with all teaching based on the specialist knowledge gained by our highly qualified academic staff through their own research.

Lectures are supplemented by smaller group tutorials where you can develop and display your own analytical talents, both in discussions and in writing.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Study abroad

Embrace and appreciate the world. History, through the BA International, enables study in partner institutions in Europe, Asia, North/South America for at least one semester. This rewarding experience will enhance your versatility and appreciation of other societies/cultures. UCC will launch you into a wide world of possibility. If you are studying through the BA International, you will spend Year 3 studying at one of our partner universities abroad. We have links with universities in: Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden Mexico, and the USA.

Work placement

History offers you the opportunity to combine study with relevant work experience. Choosing a work placement guarantees enrichment and empowerment. You are trained before departing for placement, mentored while there and you reflect on your skills and build your CV on return.

If you study through the BA or the BA International, you will have the opportunity to avail of a work placement in Year 2. You can find out more here.

Skills and Careers Information

UCC history graduates have a good employment record and many have been successful in both the public and private sectors, at home and abroad.

As you will acquire an enquiring mind, strong compositional skills, and attention to detail, a wide variety of careers are obtainable, for example:  Education, Research and Teaching, Heritage Management and Tourism, Publishing and Editorial, Public Service, Journalism/Media, Public Relations, Libraries, Archives and Museums, Academic, Management/Consultancy, European Union, International Agencies.

In general, our graduates and postgraduates develop the adaptability and flexibility of mind necessary to survive and prosper in today’s challenging world with global employment opportunities.

We aim to develop a range of skills and attributes beyond those exclusively associated with history including:

• writing and communication skills
• research, investigation and argument construction
• presentation and software skills
• personal attributes including: flexibility, adaptability, initiative, motivation
• self-management
• time-management and meeting deadlines
• project management
• team-work
• problem-solving
• ICT skills
• information management
• citation skills

Academic qualification equivalents

 1.    All India Senior School Certificate 

 2.    Higher Secondary Certificate / Standard 12 

 3.    Indian School Certificate (Year 12) 

Band 1 Programmes

Minimum average of 90% + in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Band 2 Programmes

Minimum average of 80-89% in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Band 3 Programmes

Minimum average of 75-79% in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Additional Requirements

Where Maths is required for a specific degree programme, a minimum score of 85% in Maths is required.

Where a Lab Science subject is required for a specific degree programme, a minimum score of 85% is required in the appropriate Lab Science subject.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS: 6.5  Minimum individual sections 5.5
• TOEFL: TOEFL 90  Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing 17
• PTE: 63 Minimum individual sections 51

University College Cork Highlights