BA History (Joint Honours)

The BA History (Joint Honours) program at Trinity College Dublin offers students a comprehensive exploration of historical events, processes, and themes across various time periods and regions. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and independent research, students develop critical thinking skills, analytical abilities, and a deep understanding of the complexities of the past. This interdisciplinary program encourages students to engage with diverse perspectives, primary sources, and historiographical debates, fostering a nuanced understanding of historical narratives and their significance in contemporary society.

Broad Historical Perspective: The program covers a wide range of historical periods, themes, and regions, allowing students to explore diverse topics such as political history, social history, cultural history, economic history, and the history of ideas. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of how historical events have shaped societies and cultures around the world.

Research and Writing Skills: Students develop strong research and writing skills through coursework, independent study, and the completion of a final-year dissertation. They learn how to critically evaluate primary and secondary sources, construct persuasive arguments, and communicate their ideas effectively in written form.

Interdisciplinary Approach: The program adopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from other disciplines such as literature, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, and political science. This interdisciplinary perspective enriches students' understanding of historical phenomena and encourages them to make connections across different fields of study.

Engagement with Primary Sources: Students have the opportunity to engage with a wide range of primary sources, including documents, manuscripts, artifacts, and oral testimonies. Through archival research and source analysis, they develop the skills to interpret and contextualize historical evidence, gaining insights into the lived experiences of people in the past.

Critical Thinking and Debate: The program fosters critical thinking and debate, encouraging students to question established narratives, challenge assumptions, and engage in intellectual discourse. Through seminar discussions, group projects, and presentations, students learn to articulate their views, defend their arguments, and engage with diverse perspectives in a respectful and constructive manner.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: € 55

Academic Qualifications: For admission to undergraduate programs at Trinity College Dublin, international students are required to have achieved a minimum academic score of 80-85% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: Overall score of 6.0 or 6.5, with no section below 5.5.
• TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 90, with no section score below 20.
• PTE Academic: Overall score of 63, with a minimum of 59 in each section.
• Duolingo English Test (DET): Overall score of 120, with a minimum of 105.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.

Trinity College Dublin offers an array of scholarships to attract and support international students seeking to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, promote diversity, and provide financial assistance to talented individuals from around the world.

Trinity Global Graduate Award: This award provides financial assistance to high-achieving international students applying for postgraduate programs. It covers full tuition fees for successful applicants, ensuring access to Trinity's exceptional academic offerings.

Trinity College Dublin Scholarships: These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students based on academic merit and may cover partial tuition fees or provide stipends to support living expenses.

Government and External Scholarships: TCD facilitates numerous external scholarship programs offered by governments, foundations, and organizations worldwide. These scholarships vary in criteria and scope, providing opportunities for international students across different academic disciplines.

Specific Program Scholarships: Certain academic departments or faculties within Trinity College Dublin may offer scholarships tailored to specific fields of study or research areas. These scholarships aim to attract exceptional talent and encourage students to pursue specialized programs.

Sports Scholarships: TCD also recognizes athletic excellence by offering scholarships to international students with outstanding sports achievements. These scholarships support student-athletes in balancing their academic pursuits with sports participation.

The BA History (Joint Honours) program equips graduates with a diverse set of skills and knowledge that are highly valued in a wide range of career paths. Whether pursuing further education or entering the workforce directly, graduates emerge with the ability to critically engage with complex historical issues and contribute meaningfully to society.

1. Education: Many graduates pursue careers in education, working as history teachers at secondary schools or furthering their studies to become academics and researchers in the field of history. The analytical and research skills developed during the program are highly transferable to the teaching profession.

2. Heritage and Museum Management: Graduates may find employment in heritage organizations, museums, archives, and cultural institutions, where they can work as curators, archivists, or heritage managers. They may be involved in preserving and interpreting historical artifacts, managing collections, and curating exhibitions.

3. Publishing and Journalism: The strong writing and research skills acquired during the program make graduates well-suited for careers in publishing, journalism, and media. They may work as writers, editors, or researchers for historical publications, newspapers, magazines, or online media outlets, producing content related to history, culture, or current affairs.

4. Government and Public Policy: Graduates may pursue careers in government, politics, or public policy, where their critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills are highly valued. They may work as policy analysts, researchers, or advisors, contributing to the development and implementation of government policies and initiatives.

5. Heritage Tourism and Cultural Management: With a strong understanding of historical contexts and themes, graduates can pursue careers in heritage tourism and cultural management. They may work in tourism boards, cultural organizations, or tour companies, developing and promoting historical tours, cultural events, and heritage initiatives.

6. Business and Management: The analytical and problem-solving skills developed during the program are applicable to various sectors, including business and management. Graduates may work in roles such as market research analysts, project managers, or consultants, applying their historical knowledge to understand market trends, consumer behavior, and organizational dynamics.

7. Law and Advocacy: Some graduates choose to pursue careers in law, where their research, analytical, and communication skills are highly valued. They may work as legal researchers, paralegals, or advocates, specializing in areas such as human rights law, environmental law, or legal history.

8. Non-Profit and NGO Sector: Graduates may find rewarding opportunities in the non-profit sector, working for organizations focused on social justice, human rights, or community development. They may be involved in advocacy, fundraising, program management, or research, applying their historical knowledge to address contemporary social issues.