While it is not a genealogy course, the subject may appeal to anyone with an interest in Irish history and family history who wants to take their research a stage further and study towards a Master's degree. Students study the family within its broader context of social, cultural and economic history, and a wide range of topics are covered, including families and migration, families and communities and Irish cultural history, as well as academic writing and advanced research skills. Students also write a dissertation based on their own research.
Course Director Dr Ciara Breathnach explains that the course appeals to a diverse range of students. "Some join the course straight after finishing their undergraduate degree, but several have joined following a long break from formal study. They have often developed an interest in Irish history through researching their own families and may have done a few courses in genealogy. They now feel ready to take this study further, in a more academic environment. The programme is designed to appeal to those wishing to upskill, reskill or conduct continuing professional development. and is sensitive to busy lives and those working full-time."
The course is delivered both on-campus and online. Online students interact with colleagues in Ireland via audio-conference and through the University of Limerick’s virtual learning environment. The result is that the students are as diverse as the topics. "Students are based not just in Ireland but also from all over the diaspora including America, Australia, Canada and the UK," says Dr Rachel Murphy. "This provides a really enriching environment in which to teach and learn, as students share their wide range of experiences."
The course may be studied full-time (one year) or part-time (two years).
For more details, visit the course homepages:
