Courses in

We are offering the opportunity to study individual modules from our Heritage Studies degree across six broad subject areas, so you can choose what interests you.

The subject areas are:

1. History – Irish, European and International
2. Natural Heritage – Geography & Natural Environment
3. Built Heritage – Archaeology & Field Studies
4. Cultural Heritage – Literature, Folklore, Cinema, Music & Art
5. Heritage Tourism & Museology
6. Technology in Heritage

Delivered on our Galway campus, Dublin Road, Galway City, these modules are fully accredited and offer students a broader knowledge and understanding of the built, cultural and natural heritages of Ireland, Europe and the wider world.

You will learn through a combination of lectures, tutorials, active learning, class discussions, film viewings, practical learning in computer and language labs, and online learning.

There is a strong emphasis on offsite teaching, with fieldtrips to heritage sites, museums and interpretative centres.

All modules are delivered by recognised experts and leaders in their respective disciplines and subject areas - see our Staff Profiles here.

These modules are ideal for heritage groups, tourism operators, and general interest.

1. History

Semester 1 modules(September to December):

• Irish and European History 400-1200 (PDF 315KB)
• Modern Irish History & Memory (PDF 361KB)
• Irish Local History and Genealogy (PDF 349KB)
• Irish Historiography (PDF 336KB)

Semester 2 modules (January to April):

1. Irish and European History 1200-1600 (PDF 324KB)
2. Later Modern International History & Memory (PDF 373KB)
3. Historical Geography

2. Natural Heritage – Geography & Natural Environment

Semester 1 modules (September to December):

• Natural Heritage and Geography 1 (PDF 311KB)
• Irish Biogeography & Natural History (PDF 300KB)

Semester 2 modules (January to April):

• Natural Heritage and Geography 2 (PDF 301KB)
• Biogeography and Natural History (PDF 304KB)

Year-long module (September to April):

• Geography, Planning & Human Environment Relations (PDF 364KB)

3. Built Heritage – Archaeology & Field Studies

Semester 1 modules (September to December):

• Introduction to Archaeology & Built Heritage (PDF 312KB)
• Urban Field Studies (PDF 300KB)

Semester 2 modules (Delivered from January to April):

• Rural Field Studies(PDF 305KB)
• Approaches to Archaeology 1: Cartographic History and Field Monument Identification(PDF 311KB)
• Approaches to Archaeology 2: Ceramics; History and The Study of Burials(PDF 312KB)

4. Cultural Heritage – Literature, Folklore, Cinema, Music & Art

Semester 1 modules (September to December):

• Irelands Linguistic Traditions(PDF 311KB)
• Early Irish Literature (PDF 304KB)
• Modern Irish Literature(PDF 289KB)

Semester 2 modules (January to April):

• Reading Irish Literature(PDF 308KB)
• History of Art & Design(PDF 312KB)
• The Irish Musical Tradition(PDF 317KB)
• Irish Folklore(PDF 318KB)
• Irish Cinematic History & Cultural Identity(PDF 302KB)

5. Heritage Tourism & Museology

Semester 1 modules (September to December):

• Museology: Introduction to Principles & Practice(PDF 311KB)
• Heritage Tourism(PDF 307KB)

Semester 2 modules (January to April):

• Heritage Tourism 2(PDF 312KB)

6. Technology in Heritage

Semester 1 modules (September to December):

• Digital Heritage 1(PDF 302KB)
• Database & Geographic Information Systems for Humanities(PDF 310KB)

 2 modules (January to April):

• Digital Heritage 2(PDF 301KB)

Click here for further information on each module (PDF, 1.17MB).

These modules are part of the overall fulltime Heritage Studies programme of study. 

Employment opportunities for graduates of this programme 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

As all stand-alone modules are fully accredited, students who wish to progress to the full time Heritage Studies programmes of study can seek exemptions in modules already successfully completed.

Level 6 graduates may progress to the final year of the Bachelor of Arts in Heritage Studies (Level 7).

Level 7 graduates may then progress to final year of GMIT’s Level 8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Heritage Studies, by taking a ONE-YEAR ADD-ON PROGRAMME.

Possibilities also exist for Level 6 graduates to progress to similar programmes in GMIT and other higher education institutions in Ireland and overseas.

Delivered online, our modules are fully accredited and offer students a broader knowledge and understanding of the built, cultural and natural heritages of Ireland, Europe and the wider world.  Students learn through a combination of lectures, tutorials, forums, active learning, class discussions, and film viewings.

There is also a strong emphasis on offsite teaching, with fieldtrips to heritage sites, museums and interpretative centres in Ireland. As a result, additional fees may apply for certain field trips.  Field trips will be planned in accordance with current health and safety guidelines.

Click here for further information on each module.

Programme Duration: Semester (12/13 weeks)

Application Route: Direct – We have a dedicated Lifelong Learning Team who are happy to help. For application, fees, and payment queries please email them at learn@gmit.ie