The MA European History (UNICA) is a stimulating two-year interdisciplinary, comparative Master’s programme which offers the choice between partner universities in five European capitals – Dublin, Berlin, Paris, Rome, and Vienna. Over two years, students study in two or three of the collaborating universities, beginning and completing their programme in their host university.
This diverse programme focuses on the comparative analysis of European history and students will develop the ability to understand historical problems in a comparative framework. The programme is taught in English, so that all partner universities offer some modules in English. It is also possible to take modules in the local language. This programme provides excellent preparation for students wishing to pursue a PhD in European history and equips students with a wide range of skills in the international jobs market.
Careers & Employability
Our graduates progress to a wide range of interesting careers.
Many of our alumni work in international business, foreign affairs and Dublin's vibrant tech sector, where a background in the global humanities is particularly valued. Other graduates work in senior positions across a diverse range of industries including education, the media, NGOs and the Arts, whilst some continue on to PhD research.
Vision and Values Statement
This MA programme offers an innovative and structured introduction to graduate study of European history. The programme has been designed for graduate students with a particular interest in European history, who intend to continue to more advanced graduate research.
Over the course of the two year programme, students have the opportunity to study at three leading European universities, developing an understanding of different historiographical and methodological approaches, appreciating the value of comparative approaches to European history, and developing linguistic and other skills necessary for more advanced graduate study. The mobility of the programme enables students to develop their own transnational networks with researchers and fellow students throughout Europe.
What constitutes European history has been endlessly debated and it is not the purpose of this programme to establish particular claims for the chronological and geographical boundaries of European history. The programme instead encourages students to think about European history within a comparative framework, be that comparing regions, nations, or other categories of analysis.
The structure of the programme encourages students to identify the partners within the consortium best suited to developing the student’s specific research interests and other skills.
Programme Outcomes
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
September 2025
Belfield Campus
Belfield,
Belfield,
Dublin,
D04 V1W8, Leinster, Republic of Ireland
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
September 2025
UCD College of Arts and Humanities
BELFIELD,
Dublin,
Republic of Ireland
Applicants need an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university, in a relevant subject area of humanities or social sciences (history, international relations, politics, European studies, economics and sociology, or modern languages). Prerequisites for applying for this Master’s Programme are proficiency in English (level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR) and a good knowledge of a second modern foreign language (level B2 of the CEFR). A command of German (level A2) is also required for applicants at Humboldt-Universitat.
IELTS: An average score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by Princeton University:
A minimum score of 600 in the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT), with Test of Written English at 475 +.
A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section
Cambridge Examinations
English language examinations administered by the University of Cambridge: 176+ on Cambridge English scale (with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English)
Acceptable Examinations:
Proficiency Certificate, Grade C (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2).
Advanced Certificate, Grade C (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2)
First Certificate, Grade A (i.e. CEFR Level C1)
Pearson English Language Text: Minimum of 63 and at least 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
UCD is the most international and diverse university in Ireland, and is the destination of choice for over 10,400 international students.
Help me Apply
