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1. Study
2. Adult Continuing Education
3. Study At ACE
4. Certificate/Diploma
5. Genealogy

Course Fact File

Code	DGNL
Duration	2 years
Teaching Mode	Part-Time. See Additional Teaching Mode Information for more info.
Qualifications	Dip
NFQ Level	Level 7
NFQ Award Title	Special Purpose
Fees	€1,750 per academic year. See Fees and Costs for full details.
Closing Date	21 Aug 2026
Next Intake	September 2026
Venue	Blended - Online lectures with in person field trips. See Additional Teaching Mode Information for Further Details.
Start Date	September 2026

Course Outline

The Diploma in Genealogy combines practical skills with portfolio based assessments designed to equip our 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.

The Diploma in Genealogy (NFQ, Level 7), is a part-time course which runs over two years. Participants will complete five modules per academic year worth a combined 60 credits. This course is taught through a series of lectures and workshops.

The Modules for the Diploma are as follows:

Year 1

• : Fieldwork in Genealogy
• : Genealogy Sources
• : Genealogy Portfolio
• : Genealogical Record Keeping

Year 2

• : Dissertation
• : Genealogy Sources and Techniques
• : Genealogy Contextualisation
• : Advanced Genealogical Case Studies
• : The Literature of Genealogy

Course Queries

For Academic Queries and Course Content Queries please contact the Programme Coordinator David Butler at d.butler@ucc.ie. 

For Online Application Support please click here. 

If you require further assistance with your online application please contact the Programme Administrator Anne Marie Wyper: anne.wyper@ucc.ie

Additional Teaching Mode Information

This course is on Thursdays from 6.30pm - 9.30pm with occasional Saturdays. 

Course Practicalities

Assessment

Assessment is by various forms of continuous assessment

Who teaches this course

Dr David J Butler
An historical geographer by training, Dr Butler is a graduate of The National ¸£Àû1000ÔÚÏß of Ireland - ¸£Àû1000ÔÚÏß College Cork (UCC) in history and geography (BA: 1997); he pursued his doctoral studies at the department of Geography, UCC, culminating in 2003 with the award of PhD (N.U.I.), before going on to complete the NUI Higher Diploma in GIS. Dr Butler is also the Academic Director of the Irish Ancestry Research Centre which is based in Limerick.

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

Programme Entry 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 QQI 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.

 

About the Diploma

• Candidates who successfully complete First Year may opt not to proceed to Second Year and may exit the programme with a Certificate in Genealogy.
• Diploma programmes are offered subject to a minimum number of eligible applicants registering for the programme.
• Following completion of year 1 of this programme, should a sufficient number of eligible students not wish to progress form year 1 to year 2 of this programme as to make the year 2 viable, students will graduate with a certificate at that point. Programme viability is determined by reference to fee income and applicable costs in running the programme.

Fees and Costs

€1,750 per academic year

Applicants pay 50% of the year one fee, €875, on application. This fee is fully refundable if the programme does not run or you are not offered a place on the programme. The remaining 50% of the year one fee is due by 31 Jan. 

To see all details on Fees, Finance, Funding and Sponsorships, please click here. 

How To Apply

Before you apply, please prepare the following items which you will need during your application:

• Proof of Identity (Birth Cert, Passport or Driver's Licence)
• Passport-style Photograph
• Personal statement explaining your interest in the course
• English Language Test Report (if applicable)
• Supporting documentation if required for RPL
• 50% of year one programme fee

 

Start a new application

WHEN ASKED FOR APPLICATION TYPE - YOU MUST CHOOSE: ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION

During the application on the tab titled Academic Level, under Level Selection, select the following options:

• Academic Level: Adult Continuing Education (ACE at UCC)
• Course Type: ACE Part-time ¸£Àû1000ÔÚÏß
• Academic Programme: Genealogy - Dip

A step-by-step visual application guide for this specific programme is available – please email the Programme Coordinator. You can view a general application guide for all part-time programmes here: /en/ace/helphub/