History

In the Fresher years, students are introduced to advanced historical study at Trinity through modules which focus on periods ranging from the medieval to the contemporary. The geographical coverage includes Ireland, Europe, and the wider world, and the themes which are addressed include social and cultural history, as well as political and economic developments. History is studied alongside other disciplines, including the social sciences, and students who do not have intermediate proficiency in a language other than English at the time of their admission to the Dual Degree Program will be required to take language courses in German, Italian, Russian, or Spanish during years one and two at Trinity, in fulfillment of the Columbia University Core language requirement. 

Columbia's History major allows students to enhance the skills and disciplines developed during their Fresher years at Trinity. The curriculum that students will engage with in years three and four of the program complements their time in Dublin, covering most areas of the world and most periods of history. The Columbia History major encourages students to develop historical understanding in the widest sense of the word: a thorough empirical grasp along with the kind of analytical skills that come with a genuinely historical sensibility. Students will also take distinctive elements of study in their Sophister years for History at Trinity. These may include an internship as well as a research project.

As part of the Trinity degree program, students entering the Dual Degree Program prior to the Fall 2026 term also complete an additional 30 ECTS credits in years three and four, including a Capstone project that enables students to explore in-depth an area of interest.