Regional Guiding

Certificate

Course Details

Course Code	LL_RMGUD_S
Level	6
Duration	14 weeks
Credits	20
Method of Delivery	On-campus
Campus Locations	Donegal – Killybegs
Mode of Delivery	Part Time

How to Apply

How to Apply

Course Overview

If you are interested in working in the tourism activity sector providing a range of professional guiding services for visitors, the certificate in Regional Guiding programme is designed for you. This programme will provide you with the professional, social, technical and administrative skills necessary to offer a quality service to domestic and overseas visitors.

The Irish History, Culture and Heritage module provides the foundations and frameworks to understand, contextualise, formulate, and interpret the story of Ireland. The Guiding module introduces the blend of knowledge and skills required to become an effective regional tourist guide. This programme would be suited to those who have an appreciation and genuine interest in their locality and would enjoy sharing their pride of place with others. This qualification offers opportunities for employment as a site guide, as a local or regional guide working independently or with established tour operators.

Course Details

Year 1

Semester	Module Details	Credits	Mandatory / Elective
1	Irish History, Culture & Heritage The aim of this module is to enable the learner to have a broad understanding of the history, culture and heritage of Ireland. Learning Outcomes 1. Discuss the scope and importance of the Irish heritage product to Irish tourism. 2. Explain the natural formation processes and influences on the Irish landscape. 3. Discuss the elements of Irish culture and how it has evolved over time. 4. Define the development of Ireland from pre-Christian to modern times. 5. Illustrate awareness of selected cultural and natural heritage assets. 6. Identify major Irish historical, cultural and heritage events, festivals, and tourist attractions.	10	Mandatory
2	Guiding Learners will be introduced to the blend of knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective regional tourist guide. Students will develop their local area knowledge and stories and communicate these via various means. Learners will actively participate in various practical regional guided experiences implementing their learning on interpretation, group management and health and safety. This module promotes a sustainable ethos and the national code of practice. Learning Outcomes 1. Discuss the role and responsibilities of the guide 2. Develop local and regional tour itineraries. 3. Organise and deliver local and regional tours. 4. Display effective communication skills and interpretive ability. 5. Present regional/local heritage, culture and historical product knowledge via a variety of methods. 6. Assess risk and display safety compliance and environmental awareness in guiding.	10	Mandatory

Recommended Study Hours per week

It is recommended that students should try to allow for 10-12 hours study per week per 10-credit module.

Examination and Assessment

Coursework and final exam.

On-Campus Attendance Requirement

Mandatory attendance at the Killybegs Campus.

Download a prospectus

Undergraduate Prospectus Online, Flexible & Professional Development Prospectus

Entry Requirements

5 O6/H7 in the Leaving Certificate, to include Mathematics (F2/06/H7) and either Irish or English (O6/H7), OR QQI FET Level 5, OR equivalent qualification.

Candidates who do not meet the above entry requirements may be admitted to the programme on the grounds of mature years (over 23 by 1st January in the proposed year of entry). RPL will be considered in accordance with the Quality Assurance of ATU Donegal.

“As someone who was already doing some guiding, I found the regional guiding course at ATU helped me get from a competent amateur guide to a confident professional guide. The course, as well as being taught to a high standard with excellent tutors, was genuinely fascinating, and covered so many aspects of guiding – from the history and heritage, to practicalities of guiding and dealing with visitors and groups, to planning routes, sustainability awareness, developing presentation skills, and lots more besides. I would recommend the course in a heartbeat to anyone interested – the toolkit that I came out with has stood me in great stead since, leaving me prepared for all sorts of situations and questions in the real world.”
David Lawless , Self Employed Tourist Guide, ATGI Member

Fees

Total Fees EU: €1000

Further information on fees

Careers

Graduate careers typically include roles such as Events Coordinator, Sales & Marketing Executive, Tour Guide, and Travel Advisor.

Further Information

Who Should Apply?

This programme would suit those interested in working in the tourism activity sector providing a range of professional guiding services for visitors. The programme would suit those with experience of the tourism industry or those who may be considering a change of career.