The department is a centre for historical research of national and international significance. In 2009, nineteen PhDs were conferred in the department. The department's target is an average of twelve PhD completions per annum. In addition to candidates for the PhD, research is conducted by students on the following programmes: MLitt, MA in Local History, MA in Military History & Strategic Studies, and MA in Historical Archives.

The research specialisations of department members cover the history of Ireland and major areas of early modern and modern European, North American and world history.

The Maynooth Libraries have significant holdings of primary and reference material for many areas of Irish, British, continental European and North American history. Proximity to Dublin and the major national repositories such as the National Library and National Archives enhances the suitability of Maynooth as a location for historical research.

Through the nationally-funded IReL project, NUI Maynooth Library provides online access to thousands of scholarly journals, including all those of relevance to historical research.

There is full access through the Library to EEBO and ECCO, British Parliamentary Papers since 1800, and various other key electronic databases.

Students have been very successful in winning competitive research awards. From 1999 to 2009 inclusive, forty-one students were awarded postgraduate scholarships by the IRCHSS. Currently two students hold the NUI Travelling Studentship. Students have also received research awards from various funders in Britain, continental Europe and the USA.

The department's weekly research seminar (Thursday evenings during teaching term) attracts distinguished speakers from Ireland and abroad, and provides research students with an opportunity to present their work.

We welcome contact, from Ireland or overseas, from anyone wishing to make enquiries about research at Maynooth and about how we might be able to facilitate them.

Enquiries to Professor Jacqueline Hill, or any member of the Department.

Financial Support

The two main sources of funding support for research postgraduates are:

• Hume Scholarships (http://graduatestudies.nuim.ie/feesfundingfinance/funding/internalfunding/johnpathumescholarships)
• Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarships (www.irchss.ie)

Depending on the availability of funding, the department may provide one-year awards linked to tutorial work for First Year research students.

An Foras Feasa may offer postgraduate studentships from time to time.

Students doing research abroad may be directed by their supervisors to apply for DAAD and other relevant funding.