Exploring History at University College Cork: A Comprehensive Guide to Courses and Opportunities

University College Cork (UCC), located in Cork, Ireland, offers a wide array of History courses designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the past and equip them with valuable skills for the future. This article delves into the History programs available at UCC, exploring the course structure, specializations, practicalities, and opportunities for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

History at UCC: An Overview

The History program at UCC offers 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. UCC specializes in Irish, European, American, Asian, and World History, including International Relations and European Studies. Students 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.

Why Study History?

Studying history at UCC allows students to explore the past, understand the present, and shape the future. By studying and interpreting the past, students discover evidence, solve problems, and gain fresh perspectives. The world today is a product of historical forces, and understanding these forces is crucial for informed decision-making and critical thinking.

Undergraduate History Courses

The History course at UCC is taken over three years and can be pursued as a single honors degree, joint honors, or as a major or minor option in conjunction with other subjects. This flexibility allows students to tailor their studies to suit their interests and learning objectives.

Year 1 Modules

In the first year, students are introduced to the fundamental concepts and skills required for historical study.

First Semester:

Compulsory Module: East and West: the Origins of European Identity.
Optional Modules (choose one):
- First Year Inquiry-Based Research Project
- Anti-Semitism in Europe from the Enlightenment to the Holocaust

Second Semester:

Compulsory Module: The Making of Modern Ireland.
Optional Modules (choose one if a first-semester option was not taken):
- Pilgrims and Crusaders
- US History since 1865
- The Age of Extremes: Early Twentieth-Century Europe in Global Perspective

Year 2 Modules

In the second year, students delve deeper into specific historical periods and themes. Combinations of modules will depend on registration for single or joint honors, or History as a major or minor component of the degree.

Core Modules:

The Global Renaissance 1300-1600
From Reformation to Enlightenment: Europe and the Wider World I
The Long Nineteenth-century: Europe, Ireland, and the Wider World II
Case Study in Research Skills

In addition to the core modules, students choose from a wide range of option courses.

Year 3 Modules

The final year of the undergraduate History course allows students to specialize in areas of particular interest.

Mandatory Courses:

Historical Debate
Seminar

Students also choose from a wide range of options, allowing them to shape their final year's work to suit their individual interests. Students have the opportunity to write an extended piece of research in the form of a dissertation.

Additional Opportunities for History Students at UCC

USAC Partnership

USAC's partnership with University College Cork provides a wide array of academic options. Students will take regular university classes alongside Irish students and also have the opportunity to enroll in courses offered by University College Cork specifically for study abroad students. Courses are typically 5 or 10 UCC credits each. semester credits and typically 4-6 courses total. Courses are subject to availability and approval of prerequisites which are determined by University College Cork.

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Early Start Program

Students participating in the fall or yearlong program will have the option to add an Early Start course to their study plan for an additional fee paid to USAC. Fall or yearlong students may enroll in one Early Start course (for an additional fee), which typically runs for three-four weeks from mid-August to just before the fall semester begins. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet more students prior to the start of the regular semester and gain insight into the country's history, culture, and civilization. The Early Start courses include exciting field trips, which serve to bring alive the material taught in class.

Courses in Celtic Civilization, Folklore, and Irish History

UCC offers courses in Celtic civilization, folklore, and Irish history at the College of Arts, Celtic Studies, and Social Sciences. Students can learn more about their host country through courses in Celtic Civilization that focus on Irish language, Celtic literature and poetry, the history of the Gaelic world, and Celtic religion and mythology. For example, the course Language and Culture in an Irish-speaking World includes a 4-day stay in an Irish-speaking district an hour north of Cork.

Irish Traditional Music

A one-year specialized program in Irish traditional music is available. The Music Department also offers semester-length courses in this area.

Foreign Language Study

Foreign language study is available, including Gaeilge, one of Ireland’s official languages.

Postgraduate History Courses: HDip in Arts History

For students who wish to pursue History at a postgraduate level but do not have a prior degree in the subject, UCC offers a Higher Diploma in Arts (History).

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Program Description

This qualification is a conversion course for students who would not normally have studied history to degree level previously and want to apply for an MA in History, or who want to add the subject History to their teaching qualifications. On completion of the Higher Diploma in Arts History, students will have gained a broad understanding of history through thematic examination of general and specific fields, and developed the analytical and writing skills of the historian. Students of the HDip in Arts History have an opportunity to experience a broad range of courses, from large core classes to small individual case study groups and seminars.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching at UCC takes place in lectures and seminars, through small group work, and by use of project and dissertation research. The school is increasing its use of online learning. The contact hours, lectures, seminars, and research required will vary considerably depending on registration.

Year 1

A minimum of two hours of History lectures each week in both the first and second semesters.

Year 2

Beyond the core and option modules, a key feature of Year 2 History is the Case Study in Research Skills. Students are offered an extensive menu of case studies related to staff research specialisms. These include Medieval, Early Modern, and Modern History concerning different areas of the world.

Year 3

Students can continue to tailor their options to suit their interests. They will also participate in a seminar and have the opportunity to write an extended piece of research in the form of a dissertation.

Assessment Methods

Written exams take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules will have formal examinations. Many modules use other types of assessment including essays, examination, presentation, project work, dissertation writing, book reviews, document analysis and a variety of online methods, including discussion groups, wikis. Other methods are under development. All assessment methods provide students with the opportunity to display their knowledge and skills and attributes in different ways.

Practical Information

Costs

Full-time EU/EEA/Swiss State undergraduate students may be exempt from paying tuition fees. The State will pay the tuition fees for students who satisfy the Free Fees Criteria. Additional costs may include EUR 150 per year for books plus extra payments for field trips as part of some modules.

Entry Requirements

Refer to CK101 and CK108.

Application Procedure

First-year students choose Arts subjects when registering. Contact University College Cork (UCC) to find course entry requirements.

University College Cork: A Vibrant Learning Environment

University College Cork (UCC) prioritizes teaching and engages a diverse and vibrant student community. Students enjoy high-class teaching and obtain excellent job skills that impress prospective employers. In addition to subject areas commonly taught at UC, UCC offers less frequently taught subject areas, such as food business and development, nutrition, youth and community, anatomy, pharmacy, energy engineering, and zoology.

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