History in UCC

Byron85

I've been accepted into Arts in UCC, as a mature student, starting this September. I have 3 of my 4 subjects picked out already, one of the 3 being History. I just have some basic questions about the History course.

Firstly, how in depth is the course in general, especially in first year? I've taken a look at the book of modules and it does seem very in depth, but I just want to be sure.

Secondly, my friend who is studying up in UCC has told me that if I choose to major in it, I can specialize in a certain area/time period of my choosing. Is there any truth to this?

Thirdly, are there a lot of optional modules if once you get into second year? I know it may seem like a stupid question to some of you "veterans", but it would put my mind at ease.

Finally, are there a lot of students in the course in general? I know it's one of the biggest, if not the biggest department(s) in UCC. I'm just curious to know what the numbers are like.

Any answers would be greatly appreciated!

Amtmann

T.W.H Byron wrote: »

Firstly, how in depth is the course in general, especially in first year?

Quite general in first year. Individual courses on much more specific periods are offered in second and third year, along with some more general core courses.

Secondly, my friend who is studying up in UCC has told me that if I choose to major in it, I can specialize in a certain area/time period of my choosing. Is there any truth to this?

It's true to a point. You can choose to do three or four courses, for example, on 20th-century history or early modern history. This amounts to a decision to "specialise" on an era of particular interest to you, but there is no major over-arching course/programme of study on early modern or modern history after first year. It's up to you what you want to take; you could just as easily go for an eclectic smattering of some medieval courses, some modern, and some early modern.

Thirdly, are there a lot of optional modules if once you get into second year?

There are lots of optional modules, but if you are doing a Joint then timetable clashes will, in reality, limit your ability to do many of them. If you love History, my advice is to do a Single. You can do a Joint in second year and switch to a Single in Third Year, by the way.

Finally, are there a lot of students in the course in general? I know it's one of the biggest, if not the biggest department(s) in UCC. I'm just curious to know what the numbers are like.

Big classes in First Year - perhaps 400 people. In second year the core course will have a similar number, but the optional modules will be a more intimate affair; numbers for these range between 12 and 30 students in general, with modern history modules (WW2, Cold War etc.) being more popular.

History in First Arts was too general for me; but I loved it in second and third year.

See here: http://www.ucc.ie/en/history/Undergraduate/

Byron85

Furet wrote: »

Quite general in first year. Individual courses on much more specific periods are offered in second and third year, along with some more general core courses.



It's true to a point. You can choose to do three or four courses, for example, on 20th-century history or early modern history. This amounts to a decision to "specialise" on an era of particular interest to you, but there is no major over-arching course/programme of study on early modern or modern history after first year. It's up to you what you want to take; you could just as easily go for an eclectic smattering of some medieval courses, some modern, and some early modern.



There are lots of optional modules, but if you are doing a Joint then timetable clashes will, in reality, limit your ability to do many of them. If you love History, my advice is to do a Single. You can do a Joint in second year and switch to a Single in Third Year, by the way.



Big classes in First Year - perhaps 400 people. In second year the core course will have a similar number, but the optional modules will be a more intimate affair; numbers for these range between 12 and 30 students in general, with modern history modules (WW2, Cold War etc.) being more popular.

History in First Arts was too general for me; but I loved it in second and third year.

See here: http://www.ucc.ie/en/history/Undergraduate/

Excellent! Thanks for all the information. If I do continue it into Second year i'll be doing it as my Major and it'll be a single at that. I'm planning on doing Psychology for the 3 years in Arts and it can only be studied as a minor. I only found this out but it's only a minor bump in my plans anyway as I still have to go on to do the HDip in Psychology, regardless, if I want to do a Masters in it after the 3 years in Arts.

Ell69

T.W.H.
When did you hear you got accepted , just curious as I have applied to study History too, and Art History.

Not sure if I scored high enough on the msap exam though..

Byron85

Ell69 wrote: »

T.W.H.
When did you hear you got accepted , just curious as I have applied to study History too, and Art History.

Not sure if I scored high enough on the msap exam though..

I found out on Monday. I was told that if I rang up the admissions office in early June I would be able to "unofficially" find out if my application had been successful. I was told it was and that I should be receiving the letter officially offering me a place later this month or in early July when the places are officially given out.