BA History

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 (Pathways) 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.

If you are thinking of applying for this programme, there is further information on the programme’s course page:

https://www.universityofgalway.ie/courses/undergraduate-courses/arts-history.html

Visit NUI Galway's Courses Page for information on entry requirements and how to apply. Click here for information on the programme structure, content and assessment.

To find out more, please contact co-programme directors;

Dr Gearóid Barry, (gearoid.barry@universityofgalway.ie)

Dr Anita Rupprecht (anita.rupprecht@universityofgalway.ie)

First Year BA History (Pathways)

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.

The current First Year Timetable and other materials relevant to all History students in First Year may be found at this link.

BA History Pathway students have a set tutorial group to ensure that they are placed together. The Year co-ordinator of the BA History Programme will be in touch regarding the time and venue for the tutorial.

Dr Anita Rupprecht (anita.rupprecht@universityofgalway.ie) is the co-ordinator of the First Year BA History group.

Second Year BA (History)

BA History Pathways Programme

Second Year

In second year, students continue on one of these degree pathways:

1. Historical Studies
2. History, Politics and Philosophy
3. History (joint-honours)

For information on pathways, subjects and modules, please see the table at foot of this page. For greater detail on module choices in case you are taking Pathway 1 (History, Politics and Philosophy) or Pathway 2 (History and two ‘minors’) please consult this document on Essentials for Second Year BA History students: Essentials for new 2nd Yr BA History

You should also consult the special History timetables posted here for you. The significant difference between these timetables and the general History Second Year timetable is that you have the chance to opt for the special Library and Archives module in Semester Two. [See the document LIB2102 about this module].

Timetables:

Second Year Timetable AY2025_26

LIB2102 Module Description

All other relevant module descriptions can be found at this link. 

 Remember:

• Your pathway depends on what subjects you studied with History in first year.
• Journalism and Global Media, Political and Sociological Studies, Economics, Philosophy, French, Italian and German can be studied as majors or minors with History (if you are on Pathway 1 or 3)
• Other subjects can be taken as Majors with History (if you are on Pathway 3)

[1] Italian and Philosophy cannot be taken together as Minors.

Third Year History BA (History)

Students who are now in their Third Year should register for modules below that correspond with the choices they agreed with the programme director at the end of the previous academic year.

The relevant module codes and titles are given below.

Be sure to register for the right module in the right semester!

Codes and titles of modules for 3rd year are:

HI3188 – Study Abroad – Semester 1

HI3189 – Study Abroad – Semester 2

HI3191 – Work Placement – Semester 2

HI3192 – Independent Research Project – Semester 1

HI3193 – Independent Research Project – Semester 2

The BA History co-ordinator for Third Year is Dr Gearóid Barry (gearoid.barry@universityofgalway.ie)

Fourth (Final) Year BA History (Pathways)

In the Third Year of your BA History (Pathways) you will have taken a combination of independent study, work placement and study abroad options.

Now, entering your fourth and final year, you return fully to campus to complete the degree pathway you choose at the beginning of Second Year.

Note: the History components of your Fourth Year follow the same pattern as those for all Final Year History students.

The relevant module descriptions and timetable can be found at this link.

The BA History co-ordinator for Third Year is Dr Gearóid Barry (gearoid.barry@universityofgalway.ie)