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
• Modern Irish History & Memory
• Irish Local History and Genealogy
• Irish Historiography

Semester 2 modules (January to April):

1. Irish and European History 1200-1600
2. Later Modern International History & Memory
3. Historical Geography

2. Natural Heritage – Geography & Natural Environment

Semester 1 modules (September to December):

• Natural Heritage and Geography 1
• Irish Biogeography & Natural History

Semester 2 modules (January to April):

• Natural Heritage and Geography 2
• Biogeography and Natural History

Year-long module (September to April):

• Geography, Planning & Human Environment Relations

3. Built Heritage – Archaeology & Field Studies

Semester 1 modules (September to December):

• Introduction to Archaeology & Built Heritage
• Urban Field Studies

Semester 2 modules (Delivered from January to April):

• Rural Field Studies
• Approaches to Archaeology 1: Cartographic History and Field Monument Identification
• Approaches to Archaeology 2: Ceramics; History and The Study of Burials

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

Semester 1 modules (September to December):

• Irelands Linguistic Traditions
• Early Irish Literature
• Modern Irish Literature

Semester 2 modules (January to April):

• Reading Irish Literature
• History of Art & Design
• The Irish Musical Tradition
• Irish Folklore
• Irish Cinematic History & Cultural Identity

5. Heritage Tourism & Museology

Semester 1 modules (September to December):

• Museology: Introduction to Principles & Practice
• Heritage Tourism

Semester 2 modules (January to April):

• Heritage Tourism 2

6. Technology in Heritage

Semester 1 modules (September to December):

• Digital Heritage 1

Semester 2 modules (January to April):

• Digital Heritage 2

Click here for further information on each module (PDF, 606KB).

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.

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. As a result, additional fees may apply for certain field trips.

Click here for further information on each module (PDF, 606KB).

Programme Duration: Semester (12/13 weeks)

Application Route: Direct – Apply through GMIT's Life Long Learning Office