SPONSORED: Unique, innovative new postgraduate programmes in Irish Regional History launched at Carlow College, St Patrick’s

Carlow College, St. Patrick’s has recently launched two new Level 9 postgraduate programmes: a Master of Arts and a Postgraduate Diploma in Irish Regional History.

These are 18 – 24 month part-time, evening programmes, which begin in September 2021 and are aimed at graduates seeking to further their study at a more advanced level or accelerate their careers within key sectors.

The programmes are open to applicants who already have a level 8 degree with a minimum second-class honours grade 2 or its equivalent and those who hold a degree at level 7 with evidence of relevant career practice for a minimum period of three years.

The highly practical programmes will enable students to acquire new skills and gain advanced knowledge on historical themes, cultural heritage and oral history. The course content offers a challenging and rewarding subject range that will encourage new research.

Academics from within Carlow College’s History department span a huge array of historical backgrounds from Irish and European to Medieval History, ensuring students on the programmes can expect wide ranging disciplinary, interactive and participatory teaching styles.

Upon completion of the programme(s) the degrees are awarded by the Institute of Technology Carlow and students will also have access to library facilities at the Institute.

Speaking about the new programmes, Dr Elaine Callinan, lecturer in Modern Irish History, stated: “These new degrees in Irish Regional History will fill a void in the education sector, particularly in the south-east region. The aim is to provide a range of taught modules alongside independent research and apply the skills learned to major historical themes.

“Students will also learn about specific historical periods in seminars provided by lecturers with research expertise in these fields.  Students will be fully equipped and possess quality historical knowledge that can be applied to produce a project or thesis with original research.  The programmes will enable graduates to subsequently pursue a range of professional pathways.” 

According to Helen Maher, Vice President of Carlow College: “The validation of these postgraduate programmes is a welcome development under the auspices of the Memorandum of Agreement established with the Institute of Technology Carlow in 2019. The ongoing collaboration provides added benefit for higher education students.”

Carlow College will hold a virtual information session on Tuesday 23rd March at 7pm, for prospective students wishing to find out more about the programmes. This online session is designed with a focus on module content, assignments and major projects.

Fees are €2,240 per year. Applications for the MA and PGDip in Irish Regional History are now open. For more information visit Carlow College’s website here.