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New Programme at ATU Explores Ireland’s Built Heritage
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is offering a unique opportunity to delve into Ireland’s rich architectural history through its Certificate in Buildings Archaeology programme.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is offering a unique opportunity to delve into Ireland’s rich architectural history through its Certificate in Buildings Archaeology programme. Designed to blend theory and practice, this programme equips participants with vital skills in archaeological investigation, recording, and conservation of historic structures. With both blended and online options available, it caters to a diverse range of learners and professional schedules.
The Certificate in Buildings Archaeology, an NFQ Level 7 programme worth 15 credits, consists of three modules delivered online over one academic year. For those choosing the blended option, the course includes an immersive four-day practical session in Sligo, Ireland, providing hands-on experience in the field.
Buildings archaeology, a specialised sub-discipline of archaeology, reconstructs the history of standing buildings and structures through analytical, scientific, archival, and survey methods. These investigations reveal a wealth of information about a structure’s origins, alterations, design, and usage. Key insights are gained through detailed analysis of architectural features, building materials, structural techniques, and spatial organisation. This expertise is essential for safeguarding and interpreting Ireland’s built heritage for future generations.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, the National Monuments Service (NMS) has supported 10 bursaries for archaeologists and related professionals to participate in the Blended programme. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to addressing critical skills gaps in the field and promoting heritage preservation.
Michael MacDonagh, Chief Archaeologist at the NMS, said: “National Monuments Service is delighted to collaborate with ATU in supporting the Certificate in Buildings Archaeology Programme. Our funding of the bursary scheme aligns with objectives of Heritage Ireland 2030 in building capacity across the heritage sector and in an area of archaeology where a critical skills gap has been identified.”
Dr Salem Gharbia, Head of the Department of Environmental Science at ATU, added: “The Certificate in Buildings Archaeology Programme addresses a vital need for expertise in preserving and understanding Ireland’s built heritage, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills in historic building recording and conservation. We are proud to collaborate with the National Monuments Service, whose support through bursaries has enabled wider access to this impactful programme.”
Looking ahead, the NMS are offering additional bursary grants, applications are now open for the ATU Buildings Archaeology Blended Programme, commencing in September 2025. This continued support underlines the programme’s role in fostering expertise in this critical area of archaeology.
Prospective students can learn more about the Certificate in Buildings Archaeology Programmes at ATU via the following links:
Blended Option: https://www.atu.ie/courses/certificate-buildings-archaeology-blended
Online Option: https://www.atu.ie/courses/certificate-buildings-archaeology-online
Photo caption: Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU pictured with Dr Shirley Markley, Lecturer in Medieval Archaeology and Cóilín Ó Drisceoil, Archaeologist National Monuments Service, celebrating the launch of the Certificate in Buildings Archaeology Programmes with the inaugural class of 2024-2025 alongside Dr Thomas Smyth, Head of School of Science, Dr Salem Gharbia, Head of Dept Environmental Science, Dr Frances Lucey, ATU Lead for EU Green University Alliance and Dr Michèle Glacken Registrar & Vice President Students, Teaching & Learning.
