Expand+Cultural Anthropology
Bachelor of Arts Degree Preparation (Foundation)

The course is identical in every respect to the programme of Cultural and Heritage Studies (see listed). However, this particular programme is specifically orientated to more ...

Hide-Cultural Anthropology
Bachelor of Arts Degree Preparation (Foundation)

The course is identical in every respect to the programme of Cultural and Heritage Studies (see listed). However, this particular programme is specifically orientated to more mature students, many of whom have been out of education for some time. We use the disciplines of archaeology, folklore, history and the Arts to build students’ confidence and slowly increase their competencies in new learning. This is an interesting and highly stimulating course of study and students receive one-to-one mentoring and support. Many students who have attended this course may have been unemployed for some time; may be on a career break or recently retired; may have seen their children progress to school or college and now wish to do something for themselves. Many students progress to the Bachelor of Arts in UCC while others secure work in the Heritage Industry.

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.

Expand+GRANTS

Further education (PLC) students will be eligible to receive PLC maintenance grants.

For more information on these please visit www.SUSI.ie (Student Universal Support Ireland).

Grants are means tested and if eligible the amount of the...

Hide-GRANTS

Further education (PLC) students will be eligible to receive PLC maintenance grants.

For more information on these please visit www.SUSI.ie (Student Universal Support Ireland).

Grants are means tested and if eligible the amount of the grant is dependent on the distance students travel from their place of residence to the college.

It is advisable for students to apply as early as possible for maintenance grants.

For details of grant applications for the coming year, see: http://corkvec.ie/grants/index.shtml

For further information please see www.studentfinance.ie

Expand+Applications are invited any time up to the end of August. However, it is advisable to apply before mid-August to ensure places are still available on the course. All applicants' suitability is assessed on the merit of their application forms and by ...

Hide-Applications are invited any time up to the end of August. However, it is advisable to apply before mid-August to ensure places are still available on the course. All applicants' suitability is assessed on the merit of their application forms and by the means of a ten to fifteen minute interview. Interviews will take place in May and September depending on when you apply. All late applicants should check with the College Main Office as quite frequently, we have places still available on some courses in September. Applications can be made using our online application form (see above).

Expand+Course Content
The following subjects may be offered:

Archaeology 5N0762
Offers a comprehensive survey of the archaeology of prehistoric and medieval Ireland. It also covers the research techniques and archaeological approaches, including excav...

Hide-Course Content
The following subjects may be offered:

Archaeology 5N0762
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 5N1274
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 5N1296
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 5N2465
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 5N0780
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)5N1293
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 5N1358
This subject equips learners with the necessary skills to use a word processing application to produce a variety of documents.

Communications 5N0690
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.

Work Experience 5N1356
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.

Expand+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 Herita...

Hide-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.
Cultural and Heritage Community Projects

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 crafts hops, leader-funded programmes and on excavations and community heritage projects.

Progression Opportunities

390 CAO points can be earned by students on successful completion of this course.

For full details on progression opportunities see these links:
Cork Colleges Progression Scheme
QQI Requirements

CAO

University College Cork (and other Universities)

Candidates should look upon this course as an excellent foundation course for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in the Department of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Science at University College Cork. In addition to the BA Degree (CK101), students can also gain access to BMus (CK103 & CK104) and BA Film and Screen Media (CK105). New direct links with other courses (BA Geography and Archaeology (CK 107) are in development.

A definitive number of places on the BA Degree (CK101) have been set aside for students who achieve FOUR distinctions or higher in the Cultural and Heritage Studies Course. On average, 10 to 15 students progress to University each year
Additionally, there is an excellent placement record in UCC for mature students who complete the course.

This course also facilitates direct entry into Degree Programmes in other Universities (NUI Maynooth, University College Dublin, University College Galway &c.) Please check their websites for details.

Cork Institute of Technology (and other ITs)

There is a direct link from this course to Degree Programme CR041 Tourism (BBus) in Cork Institute of Technology.

In addition a number of students have continued their studies in various heritage and humanities-based courses in GMIT (Galway Mayo Institute of Technology) WIT (Waterford Institute of Technology).