Access to Cultural & Heritage Studies

Course details

This course has traditionally been of great interest to mature students who have retired from the world of work or who are at a stage in life where they wish to reinvest in themselves. The course prides itself on its ability to deliver the course content in areas of Irish culture in an enjoyable and entertaining fashion, easing the participants back into full-time education.

Subject areas such as history, archaeology, folklore and the arts provide interesting and challenging talking points whereby the participants are encouraged to engage in open discussion and to develop their confidence in asserting their opinions. This is an exciting, entertaining, deep exploration of Irish culture that provides students with the skills, knowledge and practical know-how to progress on to further education or indeed to enter the workplace.

Many students look upon this course as an excellent foundation course for the Bachelor of Arts Degree (in UCC and other universities) and those who successfully complete this programme, not only attain their places at university, but go on to have outstanding careers there.

AWARD

• QQI Level 5-FETAC Level 5
• Certificate in Cultural & Heritage Studies
• 5M2154

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

There are no formal entry requirements: Selection for the course is based on an interview, where successful candidates will display an express interest and aptitude for Irish heritage and cultural studies.

We are particularly interested in mature applicants who have recently been let go or who have been forced to take early retirement. A cohort of mature students from similar backgrounds, working together, has proved very successful in the past.

COURSE CONTENT

The following subjects may be offered:

Archaeology

Offers a comprehensive survey of the archaeology of prehistoric and medieval Ireland. It also covers the research techniques and archaeological approaches, including excavation and survey that allow students to develop their own informed view of the past. Field-trips to archaeological sites will be part of this subject.

Folklore & Ethnology

Explores the unwritten aspects of Irish identity: mythology, ritual, tradition and custom. As cultural anthropology, the study explores everything from Ireland’s different belief systems to a full account of Irish vernacular material culture (currachs, baskets, furniture). It also teaches practical skills in ethnographic collection and presentation.

Local History Studies

Is an excellent course on how to conduct in-depth historical research and analysis in local history, using a range of primary and secondary historical sources. It includes a major section on genealogical research skills and broadens students’ knowledge and awareness of the regular and constantly developing online digital sources.

Literary, Visual & Performing Arts

Offers a rare opportunity to explore the very best of the arts in Ireland. In the visual arts, there is an examination of Irish film, painting, sculpture and architecture: in the literary arts, we examine Irish drama, the short story, poetry and literary figures: in the performing arts, music (both traditional & contemporary), dance and theatre. Overall, students develop a full appreciation of the Arts and its industry in Ireland.

Cultural & Social History

Takes the conventional perspectives of history (economic and political) and places them in the background while emphasising instead aspects of Ireland’s past in respect of food, dress, family, daily life, manners, customs, women, work, health, disease etc. This exploration of cultural and social history is particularly valuable for those intending to work as historical interpreters and tour-guides.

Irish Cultural & Heritage Resources (Field-trips)

Facilitates students to explore and appreciate Irish cultural and heritage resources and therefore develop their own philosophies, values and critical thinking in a range of cultural and heritage contexts. Each week’s field-trip is undertaken with a specific theme in mind (archaeology, research, enterprise, heritage management, guiding etc.) and the class-based learning is applied in the real world.

Word Processing

This subject equips learners with the necessary skills to use a word processing application to produce a variety of documents.

Work Experience

Each year students undertake the organisation and realisation of a major cultural project. These exhibitions and displays are developed with the help of industry professionals to provide invaluable real world experience.

Communications

This subject facilitates learners to acquire communication skills relevant to vocational and personal development. Learners will explore the use of modern information and communications technology, in personal and vocational life.

Over the past number of years, the following events were organised to coincide with the annual festival of Life-long Learning:

• Ciseán: A Celebration of Irish Traditional Basket Types
• Reilig: Decoding Irish Gravestones
• Scéal: Story-telling Festival
• Photographic Exhibition of the Stone Circles of West Cork
• Fulacht Fiadh: Bronze Age Cooking Experiment
• Brigid: Celtic Goddess and Saint
• High Cross: An Exhibition of Ireland’s Medieval Sculptural Traditions
• Amhrán: A Celebration of Traditional Singing
• Táin Bó Cuailnge: Ireland’s Epic Saga
• Spin’r Spout: Children’s Street Games
• Inis Meáin: A World Apart
• Tobar: The Magic and Mystery of Ireland's Holy Wells.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Graduates have been successful in securing employment in a wide range of different areas:

• Tour Guides and Information Officers in National Monuments under the care of OPW (Office of Public Works)
• Public and Private Heritage Centres
• Archaeological Excavation and Post Excavation
• Museums, Libraries & Archives
• Genealogical Research Centres and Initiatives.

Employers include:

• Office of Public Works (The Heritage Service)
• Fáilte Ireland, Local Authorities
• Regional Enterprise Groups
• Tourism, Heritage & Arts Projects in receipt of National Grant Support

A number of students have used the course to develop their own enterprises in the Cultural Tourism Area. They have set up their own tour businesses (Walking Holidays, Language Schools, Summer Schools, Harbour Cruises) in addition to working in craftshops, leader-funded programmes and on excavations and community heritage projects.