Course Summary
The aim of our Certificate in Introduction to Irish Archaeology (Level 6) special purpose award is to provide an introduction to the archaeology of Ireland, from the Late Upper Palaeolithic (10,500 BC) through to the Late Medieval period (AD 1550). Learners will gain an understanding of the main chronological periods in Irish archaeology, and the monument types and material culture associated with each period.
In Semester 1, starting the week of September 18th, 2023, students will take An Introduction to Prehistoric Ireland, 10,500BC to AD400, and in Semester 2, starting at the end of January 2024, they will take An Introduction to Medieval Ireland, AD400 to AD1550. At the end of Semester 2, students will come to Sligo for 10 days (20 May until 31 May 2024) of guided field trips to some of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the NW of Ireland.
This course is designed for both lifelong learners and people who work in or are interested in working in the Heritage sector.
Other archaeology certificate courses you may be interested in: https://www.atu.ie/flexible-learning-courses-in-archaeology
This certificate course will be delivered by Dr Marion Dowd, Dr Shirley Markley and Mr Sam Moore.
Key Course Information
Study hours: Whether you are studying part-time online, blended or full-time online, it is very important that you allocate enough study time to your online course to stay focused, reduce stress and achieve your goals. For part-time online or blended learning, it is recommended that you should try to allow for 5-6 hours per week per 5 credit module to your studies.
Live Lectures: Each of the two online modules on our Certificate in Introduction to Irish Archaeology will entail 2 hours of lecturing per week. The live lectures will be recorded and made available on the module Moodle pages, in addition to power points and additional reading material. Students will also be encouraged to ask questions and share information via the Moodle pages. Discussion among students is strongly encouraged.
Examinations/Assessments: All three modules will have 2 pieces of assessment, a combination of online Moodle tests and essays. There will be no formal exams.
Application Closing Date : 15th August 2025
Entry Requirements
This course is open to anyone who has an interest in Irish Archaeology and has a Level 5 qualification or the equivalent in lived experience. This course will be of particular interest to those contemplating further study in archaeology or work in the heritage sector.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of our Level 6 Certificate in Introduction to Irish Archaeology may find work as guides or volunteers in local museums and heritage centres; as guides on OPW sites; as General Operatives or volunteers on research excavations; and as General Operatives or volunteers on commercial excavations. This Level 6 Certificate in Introduction to Irish Archaeology will also cater to the interested public, not desiring credits.
The course will be of benefit to those who currently work in the national and international tourist market and wish to upskill, including tourist bus drivers/guides, those in cultural heritage tourism, those who run their own tourism companies or heritage centres, and those who working with local community groups on heritage tourism and/or heritage education.
This SPA could also be offered as a CPD course for local authorities.
Further Study
Graduates may progress to another Level 6 or Level 7 SPA programme.
The following archaeology programmes are currently offered by ATU Sligo:
SG_SARCH_S06, SPA Archaeological Excavation and Post-Excavation, L6, ECTS 10
SG_SARCI_S06, SPA Archaeological Excavation and Post-Excavation (International), L6, ECTS 12
SG_SARCJ_S06, SPA Archaeological Field Studies (International), L6, ECTS 18
SG_SINTR_S06, SPA Introduction to Irish Archaeology, L6, ECTS 15
SG_SPREH_S06, SPA Prehistoric Archaeology of Ireland and Europe, L6, ECTS 15
SG_SIRIS_S06, SPA Irish Medieval History and Archaeology, L6, ECTS 15
SG_SINTR_S07, SPA Introduction to Archaeological Interpretation, L7, ECTS 15
SG_SRITU_S07, SPA Ritual and Meaning in Archaeology, L7, ECTS 15
SG_SBUIN_S07, SPA Buildings Archaeology (Online), L7, ECTS 15
SG_SBUIM_S07, SPA Buildings Archaeology (Blended), L7, ECTS 15
For further information, please visit Archaeology at ATU.
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Programme Fees
Academic Year 2024/25 Fees
Total Programme Fees: €2,400
To help make the payment of fees more manageable for students who are self-funding their studies, tuition fees can be paid through payment instalment plans at ATU Sligo. For further information on instalment plans, please visit our Fees and Funding webpage.
If you apply and are approved for an online course at ATU Sligo, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of €250 to secure your place. Your deposit will then be credited against the course fees once you are registered as a student. Students at ATU Sligo are also eligible to claim tax relief at the standard rate for tuition fees.
For further information and guidance about Fees and Funding for online and part-time courses at ATU Sligo, click here.
If you are seeking to take your exams online, and you meet the eligibility criteria (overseas students and those with extenuating circumstances), an additional examinations fee will apply. For further information, please visit our Examinations webpage.
Course Format
Semester 1
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Prehistoric Ireland (10,500 BC to AD 400) | 05 |
Semester 2
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| An Introduction to Medieval Ireland AD400-1550 | 05 |
| Archaeology of Ireland Study Tour - Northwest of Ireland | 05 |