The Postgraduate Diploma in Irish Regional History offers both a challenging and rewarding introduction into the advanced study of history by combining a range of taught modules as well as opportunities for independent research. The programme is designed to provide a comparative analysis between counties in different areas, rather than focusing historical events at a very local level.
The degree is validated and awarded by the South East Technological University (SETU).

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:

• Understand the significance of regional history, heritage and oral history
• Source and evaluate archival materials for the study of history
• Collect, interpret and present oral history in accordance with best practice standards
• Assess and analyse data and present research findings, particularly with reference to use of digital technologies
• Design, conduct and present a piece of research with an original component

Programme Highlights
Over the course of three semesters, students will take seven modules, culminating in the completion of an Irish Regional History Project.

Key areas of study include:
• Economics, religion, culture and politics in medieval Ireland
• Insurgency, counter-insurgency and repression, secret societies, sectarianism
• Plagues and epidemics
• Irish emigrants embracing life in the USA

Each semester is 20 weeks, with two evenings per week from 6.30pm to 9.30pm for 12 weeks of lectures/seminars running from September to December and January to May.

During Semester 1 & 2, classes will be delivered one night on-campus and one night online. In Semester 3, there is only one night of classes on-campus.

Semester 1
Exploring Historiography and Research Methods
Discourse and Dissonance: Themes in Regional History

Semester 2
Historical Research, Design and Practice
Stories from the Archives: Doing Irish Regional History
Cultural Heritage
Revealing Hidden Voices: Oral History

Semester 3
Emerging Histories: Research Seminars
Irish Regional History Project

This programme aims to produce historians who will find, preserve and communicate this history within the academic and public arenas, and gain employment in the fields of heritage, tourism, media and education.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Irish Regional History aims to provide graduates with the skills and expertise to pursue a range of professional pathways, for example:

• heritage agencies and centres;
• County Council Heritage Officers;
• museums and tourism;
• charities and NGOs;
• research positions in government agencies, and
• arts administration.

It is also a fantastic opportunity for professional development for those in the wider heritage sector.
Employability is not the only reason to pursue a postgraduate degree. Students also enjoy the chance to pursue their undergraduate subject or field of interest at a more advanced level. A postgraduate diploma can allow students to follow a subject that they have passion for where the end goal is education and knowledge, and this can also enhance job prospects. It also encourages lifelong learning and is useful for progression to undertaking an M.A. programme. Students have the opportunity to progress to the M.A. in Irish Regional History on successful completion of semester one and two of the Postgraduate Diploma in Irish Regional History.

Aoife O’Carroll | Secondary Teacher

Why did you choose Carlow College for your studies?
It was the Masters course that was provided which made me pick the college. Also when I watched the information Zoom lecture by the lecturers last year it really made up my mind. The lecturers really sold it to me and got rid of any doubts I had over starting the course.

What do you like most about the M.A. in Irish Regional History?
I am learning so much more than I thought I ever would plus it has open so many other areas of history that I never thought about before or was aware of.

The lecturers are very welcoming and helpful. The people in the library have been so helpful also and everyone is very friendly in the college.

Why would you recommend this course to others?
It is a safe environment to learn and feels a special place which is full of history. Everyone helps each other.

Entry Requirements  

• Hold a primary degree (Level 8) awarded at Second-Class Honours, Grade 2 (or equivalent)* 
• Applicants whose first language is not English must be able to provide evidence that their spoken and written level of English is adequate for successful participation in the programme 

*Applicants who hold a degree at Level 8 with an award of pass or who hold a degree at Level 7 (or equivalent) may be considered with evidence of relevant career practice for a minimum period of three years or a portfolio of publication in historical or cognate studies. 

In exceptional circumstances, applicants who do not hold a degree at Level 7 or Level 8 on the NFQ may be considered for entry subject to evidence of relevant career practice for a minimum period of 8 years or who can evidence a substantial portfolio of publication in historical or cognate studies.  

Applicant’s must be resident in Ireland.

Please Note: As all postgraduate programmes are offered on a part-time basis, they are not approved programmes on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). If you require a visa to study in Ireland, you are not eligible to apply for postgraduate study with Carlow College, St. Patrick’s. For the list of eligible full-time programmes in Ireland, visit the Department of Justice website. 

Fees

Tuition fees: €1,125 per semester

Protection of Enrolled Learning (PEL): €33.75 per semester

Full details on fees is available here

Applications

Applications are currently closed. The next intake is in September 2025. Please register your interest to receive updates when applications open.

To apply, you will need to upload the following with the Postgraduate Application Form:

• Official transcripts for all Level 8 (or above) qualifications held – a full transcript of your results across the various stages of your degree
• Official certificates/documentation in relation to education/training completed which is relevant to the programme
• Personal Statement–minimum 300 words outlining your reasons for undertaking the chosen course.
• Written reference outlining your suitability for the programme applied for Intellectual qualities, including; professional and educational developments; present performance; personal qualities; career aspirations; and, research/study interests.
• If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of English Language Proficiency

Please ensure to include your name in the file name of all documents you upload.