Course overview

The BA in Heritage Studies will provide you with a broad-based knowledge of the built, cultural and natural heritages of Ireland and Europe. It will also provide you with an understanding of the role that heritage resource management plays in the safeguarding of national monuments, architecture, artefacts, archives, cultural landscapes, habitats, flora and fauna.

What you will learn

Why study Heritage? Heritage includes almost anything that one generation hands down to the next, or anything from the past that people identify with. It involves the use of the past in the present – in commemorations, conservation plans, museum exhibitions, local economies, national identities, tourist attractions, etc. What will I study? Year 1: • Learning and Innovation Skills • Rural Field Studies or Tourism Geography • Irish and European History, 400-1200 • Irish and European History, 1200-1600 • Natural Heritage and Geography 1 • Natural Heritage and Geography 2 • Ireland’s Linguistic Traditions • Reading Irish Literature • Computing and Information Systems • Communications Electives: Gaeilge; Spanish; French; German Year 2: • Urban Field Studies or International Tourism • Modern Irish History and Memory • History of Art and Design • Later Modern International History • Irish Biogeography and Natural History and Memory • Introduction to Archaeology and Built Heritage • Approaches to Archaeology 1: • Biogeography and Natural History Cartographic History and Field • Early Irish Literature Monument Identification • Irish Folklore Electives: Gaeilge; Spanish; French; German Year 3: • Museum Studies • Research Methods for Dissertations • Irish Local History and Genealogy • The Irish Musical Tradition: Cultural • Historical Geography Histories • Approaches to Archaeology 2: • Modern Irish Literature Ceramics History and the Study of Burials • Digital Heritage 1 • Database and Geographic Information • Digital Heritage 2 Systems for the Humanities Electives: Gaeilge; Spanish; French; German; Work Experience; Event Management 1; Event Management 2; Rural Development; Contemporary Art in Rural Contexts; Historical Cultural Politics and Visual Production. Students learn through lectures, tutorials, active learning, class discussions, film viewings, practical learning in computer and language labs, and online learning. There is also a strong emphasis on offsite teaching, with fieldtrips to heritage sites, museums and interpretative centres in Ireland. Students can do a Work Experience module and can also study abroad for one or two semesters at one of our partner institutions in Europe or the USA.

Course details

Who is the course for?

This course is for those wish to acquire a broader knowledge and understanding of the built, cultural and natural heritages of Ireland, Europe and the wider world. What are my career opportunities? Employment opportunities exist in the following areas: • Arts administration • Archaeology • Business • Charities & NGOs • Civic trusts • Civil service • Community development • Conservation & restoration • Creative digital media • Genealogy • GIS • Heritage agencies & centres • Hospitality • Journalism • Leisure • Libraries • Local authorities • Museums • National parks • Technology companies • Tourism Follow-on Studies Graduates may progress to the final year of GMIT’s Level 8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Heritage Studies, by taking a one-year add-on programme. Progression to similar programmes in other higher education institutions is also possible. Are you an International student? Contact the International Department for more information: Tel: +353 (0)91 742149. Email: international@gmit.ie