Program Overview

Genealogy - Dip

Course Fact File

• Code: DGNL
• Duration: 2 years
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• Qualifications: Dip
• NFQ Level: Level 7
• NFQ Award Title: Special Purpose
• Fees: €1,750 per academic year
• Closing Date: 29 August 2025
• Next Intake: September 2025
• Venue: Blended - Online lectures with in-person field trips

Course Outline

The Diploma in Genealogy combines practical skills with portfolio-based assessments designed to equip learners with transferable skills aimed at genealogy, heritage, and tourism employment. The course offers modules in genealogy, fieldwork, collection care, and portfolio building. The Diploma offers participants the opportunity to engage in an interdisciplinary study of the past while developing genealogical research skills.

Course Modules

Year 1

• AD1031: Fieldwork in Genealogy
• AD1895: Genealogy Sources
• AD1897: Genealogy Portfolio
• AD1898: Genealogical Record Keeping

Year 2

• AD2827: Dissertation
• AD2846: Genealogy Sources and Techniques
• AD2858: Genealogy Contextualisation
• AD2859: Advanced Genealogical Case Studies
• AD2860: The Literature of Genealogy

Course Practicalities

Assessment

Assessment is by various forms of continuous assessment.

Who Teaches This Course

• Dr. David J Butler
• A team of visiting lecturers and tutors supply the course by teaching in their areas of expertise, as required, in both years of the course.

Why Choose This Course

This course gives participants the opportunity to gain a university accreditation in genealogy. The genealogical research industry has experienced a boom in recent years and is continuing to grow as a result of developments in online research and the accessibility of resources. The Diploma is targeted at adult learners who may be returning to education and offers the opportunity to retrain, learn new skills, and develop new career and employment opportunities within the genealogy industry.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Voluntary placements exist for practice-based work within Genealogy research centre.

Skills and Careers Information

• Family History Centre
• Historical record keeping
• Commencement to career route to professional genealogist
• Historical researcher
• Tourism centre

Requirements

• Candidates must be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application.
• Candidates would normally hold Leaving Certificate or FETAC Level 5 qualification or equivalent and/or hold relevant experience or demonstrate an interest in the area of genealogy studies.
• If the course is over-subscribed, candidates may be called for interview.
• English Language Requirement: All applicants whose first language is not English must have attained IELTS Level 6 or the equivalent TOEFL score.
• Candidates who successfully complete First Year may opt not to proceed to Second Year and may exit the programme with a Certificate in Genealogy.

Fees and Costs

€1750 per academic year.

How to Apply

• To apply for this course, follow the steps below:
  • Log into the Application Portal.
  • Click "Apply Online."
  • Select "Start a new Adult & Continuing Education Application."
  • On the 2nd tab "Academic Level," select the following options:
    • Academic Level: Adult Continuing Education (ACE at UCC)
    • Course Type: ACE Part-time Courses
    • Academic Programme: The course title you are applying for.
  • During your online application, you will be required to upload the following documents:
    • Birth Cert or Passport
    • Passport Photograph
    • English Language Test Report [if applicable]
    • 50% of the fees will also be required to complete your application.