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Maynooth University Department of Adult and Community Education

Qualification : BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE

Award Type and NFQ level : UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)

CAO/PAC code : MH803

CAO Points : 000

Closing Date : 01 July 2025

View QQI details

Overview of the BA Community Studies and the BA Local Studies degrees
>The BA Community Studies and the BA Local Studies are both part-time (evening) interdisciplinary degrees for mature applicants only (21 years or more). Applicants choose either the BA Community Studies or the BA Local Studies on their CAO application.
>Applicants can use previous learning to fast-track to the degree award through the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning system.
>As MH803 is a completely modular degree based on a 4.5 year cycle students are not divided into years but rather choose modules as they come up on the BA modular carousel.
>Quite often, new students of the BA Community Studies or the BA Local Studies have been out of the education system for some time. We therefore dedicate time in semester one to a student support module which includes comprehensive study skills such as critical thinking and ICT for research and learning.

BA Local Studies
>This is the only interdisciplinary degree of its kind in Ireland combining the expertise of Ireland’s leading history department for the study of local history, with one of the most well regarded geography departments in the country; study folk traditions, Gaelic Literature and Culture with modules from the Centre for Irish Cultural Heritage and Ancient Classics and deepen this knowledge with classes in Anthropology or Sociology.
>Departments involved are History, Geography, Classics, Centre for Irish Cultural Heritage, Adult and Community Education and Anthropology.

You may also be interested in the BA Community Studies.

  • This flexible degree has been developed for people who are busy with work, family and daily life
  • As MH803 is a completely modular degree based on a 4.5 year cycle students are not divided into years but rather choose modules as they come up on the BA modular carousel
  • Experience a dynamic learning environment where new students mix, learn and gain support from other students who are further along their degree path
Course Duration: 4.5 years (part-time)

After Graduation
>Develop research, writing, communication, critical thinking, analysis and interpretation skills to the highest level. Some of our Local Studies graduates have published their research.
>Higher education, secondary teaching and the tourism, hospitality and leisure industries.
>Postgraduate study in fields such as history, geography, archaeology and folklore.
>Progression to the Professional Master of Education for Secondary School teaching or the HDip. in Further Education and Training or the MA in Local History (incorporating Historic Irish Houses and Local History).

Visit the Department website for more information about postgraduate options.

This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.
Subject Required Ordinary Level Grade Higher Level Grade
Irish No N/A N/A
English No N/A N/A
Language No N/A N/A
Math No N/A N/A
Science No N/A N/A

International & EU/EFTA Entry Requirements

Mature Students

Mature Applicants 

Mature student applicants only: Applicants must be 21 years or older on 1 January of the year of entry. Application is made through the CAO. Leaving Certificate minimum entry requirements are not applicable.

Apply to the CAO by February 1st 2025. Late applications from mature students may be accepted after this date - consult the Undergraduate Studies website for updates. Application may not be made to the CAO after May 1st 2025.

Mature students must complete the CAO section for mature applicants fully, indicating clearly past or current studies, and outlining educational goals and objectives. Applicants are assessed on the basis of the information provided on their CAO application form. All questions should be answered in full.

Mature student applicants who have a disability 

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require examination support for any required written exercise/interview which may form part of your application assessment please submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2025 to the Access Office. Unfortunately we are unable to consider applications for alternative examination accommodation after this deadline.e. 

For further information on the supporting documentation required, as well as examination and other supports visit the Access Office website.

01 July 2025

APPLY TO THE CAO - WWW.CAO.IE

Applicants must be 21 years or older on 1 January of the year of entry. See Mature Applicants information in the Entry Requirements tab.

Selected candidates are invited for interview.

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