M.A. in Heritage Publication

Course details

The M.A. in Heritage Publication is a taught programme which is designed to provide archaeologists, local historians and students interested in Ireland’s heritage with a training in publication and presentation skills in different media. It is intended that this will facilitate the creation of material in which recent archaeological discoveries are explained and presented to the local communities in which the excavations have taken place as well as to the Irish public at large and to those with a professional interest in the field. Full-time students may take the M.A. degree course. Part-time students may take the individual modules over a number of years, depending on the availability of their time and funds.

The programme may lead to doctoral study in the field for suitably qualified graduates.

Aim of the Programme

• The aims and objectives of the programme are:
• The development of practical and theoretical skills which will facilitate a competence in heritage publication and presentation
• The development of audience awareness and identification of the variety of approaches required when presenting archaeological material to people of different age groups and varying levels of educational and professional attainment
• To enhance the student’s sense of historical and geographical context as a backdrop to the presentation of archaeological information
• To facilitate critical engagement with the problems of presentation and education on heritage issues.

Entry Requirements for the Taught MA in Heritage Publication

The minimum qualification is normally a second-class honours degree: grade two in a cognate discipline. In the interests of encouraging work-based learning, however, students with a professional qualification such as archaeology licence-holders, granted under the National Monuments Acts of Ireland 1930-1994 will also be accepted. Applicants with equivalent qualifications or substantial relevant experience may also be considered but final selection may require attendance for interview and/or the submission of written work.

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods will be used including written assignments, projects, and course work. The taught modules will be assessed by a combination of continuous assessment, written assignments and practical evaluation of skills acquired. No modules will be linked for assessment.

The dissertation (18 credits) will form half of the final assessment and the six taught modules (18 credits) will form half of the final assessment. Students will be required to attain at least a C grade for the dissertation regardless of the grades attained for the six taught modules if they are to complete the programme successfully.