Pre-University Arts - Culture & Heritage Studies
Have you an interest in culture and history and how it is presented to the modern generation? Explore the development of culture through a variety of different perspectives, forms and arts.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
38 weeks.
Entry Requirements
Minimum
• Applicants must be 16+ years of age on entry to the course.
• Leaving Cert, LCVP, LCA or QQI Level 4 Major Award.
• Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
• Competent written and spoken English (CEFR B2 or Higher).
• Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
Additional
• Must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
Careers / Further progression
What are the progression opportunities?
If you complete a QQI major award with Kerry College, you may use your results to progress to third level (University, Technological University or Institute of Technology). You may apply under the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS). A limited number of places are available each year. Some examples include:
B. A. (Hons) Archaeology at University College Cork (UCC)
B. A. (Hons) Folklore Studies at University College Cork (UCC)
Bachelor of Arts (Liberal) at University College Cork (UCC)
B. Rel. Ed. Post Primary Teacher Education – Religious Education and History at Dublin City University (DCU)
B. A. (Ord) Tourism Management at TU Dublin
Bachelor of Arts (Liberal) at University of Limerick (UL)
You should check individual university websites for specific entry criteria for courses.
There is a separate section on the CAO application for applying using your QQI results from Kerry College in the same way you use your Leaving Certificate results.
What are the employment opportunities?
This is an ideal starting point for those wishing to gain employment in a variety of cultural and heritage organisations. Heritage workers act as a link between the community and all aspects of our cultural, built and natural heritage. A wide range of service providers and government organisations including the education and the travel and tourism sectors. There are opportunities in local heritage concerns.
Building on solid relationships across a range of services to target a diverse range of peoples and areas of interest. Learners who successfully complete the course may gain employment in a wide variety of organisations such as:
• Community support projects
• Educational organisations
• Heritage organisation and centres
• Voluntary organisations
• Community services, organisation and initiatives
• Community Projects and Societies
• Green Campus Programmes
• Tidy Towns
• Local Community Development and Action Groups
• Kerry Volunteer Centre
• Theatre and Arts Centres
• Drama and music groups and organisations
• Local History and archaeological societies
• Library Archives
• Gardens and national parks general operative
• Wildlife conservation officer
• Tourism officer
• Festivals
• Public sector government bodies e.g. Failte Ireland, The Heritage council, OPW
• Environment and Conservation Officers.
Further information
Start date: 07/09/2026.
Applications for all full-time programmes should be made online via the Kerry College. Your application will be processed using our FETCHCOURSES system.
If you haven't signed up for a FETCH account, you'll need to do this first. It's free and a one-time setup.
Why should I apply?
The learner with a keen interest is society and how they evolved over time will find this particular field of the social sciences. They are inclined towards the discussion and analytical activities and enjoy the skills of observation, researching and exploration of different theories and perspectives. They may prefer self-directed independent study under supervision however the course gives the learner opportunity to participate in field trips and practical skills demonstrations in a range of cultural and heritage contexts.
The rationale underpinning this programme is to provide the learner, as prospective Bachelor of Arts Degree students, with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills and competences to progress in their field of interest in academic study or to gain employment in the field of cultural and natural heritage or tourism. This course gives learners an opportunity to study a broad range of modules in core disciplines of Irish cultural and heritage studies.
The overall aim of the programme is to empower learners with an in-depth knowledge of local history and archaeology, folklore and ethnology and culture and heritage studies with an introduction to the arts. Creative writing skills are explored. It will provide opportunities to explore the theory and practice of key areas of cultural and heritage studies while equipping learners with a range of skills and knowledge to create and deliver a wide range of heritage activities and initiatives that adhere to interpretation key principles.
Students will learn about the cultural richness of Ireland and acquire in-depth knowledge and develop research and problem – solving skills through work and enquiry based learning, formally structured tuition and self-directed independent learning. At all times adhering to the ideas and themes outlined in the module descriptors, applying academic and popular conventions in the presentation of material and research. A variety of assessment of learning methods will be employed to reflect the diverse learning styles of the learner.
What's the certification?
QQI Level 5 Major Award Certificate in Cultural and Heritage Studies (5M2154).
What will I study?
Archaeology (5N0762)
Communications (5N0690)
Creative Writing (5N4765)
Folklore & Ethnology (5N1274)
Heritage (5N1453)
Literary, Visual & Performing Arts (5N2465)
Local History (5N1296)
Work Experience (5N1356)
5M2154 Cultural and Heritage Studies
Kerry College - Listowel Campus
Unit 1, Listowel Business Development Centre,
Listowel Business Park,
Clieveragh,
Listowel
Co. Kerry.
V31PC79
t: (068) 22655
e: listowel@kerrycollege.ie
Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm