BA LOCAL STUDIES

Program Overview

The BA in Local Studies is a part-time, interdisciplinary degree for mature applicants (21 years or more) combining history, geography, classics, Irish cultural heritage, anthropology, and sociology. It is unique in Ireland and combines expertise from leading history and geography departments. The program develops students' research, writing, communication, and critical thinking skills, leading to potential careers in higher education, secondary teaching, tourism, and hospitality.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Name:
Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA) in Local Studies
• Award Type and NFQ level:
Undergraduate Degree (8)
• CAO/PAC code:
MH803
• CAO Points:
000
• Closing Date:
01 July 2024
• Duration:
4.5 years (part-time)
• Description:
BA Local Studies is a part-time interdisciplinary degree for mature applicants (21 years or more) combining history, geography, classics, Irish cultural heritage, anthropology, and sociology.
• Objectives:
To develop students' research, writing, communication, critical thinking, analysis, and interpretation skills.
• Unique Features:
• Only interdisciplinary degree of its kind in Ireland.
• Combines expertise of Ireland's leading history department with one of the most well-regarded geography departments.
• Deepens knowledge with classes in Anthropology or Sociology.
• Fast-tracks to the degree award through Recognition of Prior Learning system.
• Provides comprehensive Study Skills and Student Support module in Semester 1 Introduction to Programmes.
• Offers a dynamic learning environment where new students mix, learn, and gain support from other students.
• Allows students to choose modules as they come up on the BA modular carousel.

Outline:

• Structure:
Modular, based on a 4.5-year cycle.
• Content:
• History
• Geography
• Irish Cultural Heritage
• Ancient Classics
• Anthropology
• Sociology

Careers:

• Potential Paths:
Higher education, secondary teaching, tourism, hospitality, leisure industries.
• Opportunities:
Postgraduate study in history, geography, archaeology, folklore.
• Outcomes:
Students have published their research.
• Progression:
Professional Master of Education for Secondary School teaching, HDip. in Further Education and Training.

Other:

• Students must be 21 years or older on 1 January of the year of entry.
• Application is made through the CAO.
• Selected candidates are invited for interviews.
• Mature applicant entry requirements are different from Leaving Certificate requirements.
• Maynooth University Department of Adult and Community Education contact details are provided.
• Application deadline for mature students is February 1st 2024, late applications may be accepted.
• Mature students must complete the mature applicant section of the CAO application form.
• This response is provided in a structured format for easy comprehension.