Several applied archaeology courses at IT Sligo cancelled
IT WAS announced in a statement on Monday evening by members of IT Sligo’s archaeology department that the decision to cancel a number of archaeology courses was made due to the falling demand for archaeology degrees during the last decade.
This has also been the case in third level institutions elsewhere in Ireland and the United Kingdom. The cuts at IT Sligo affect the Higher Cert, Bsc and Bsc (Hons) in Applied Archaeology. IT Sligo will continue to work in this area with existing undergraduate students, continue to take on Masters and PhD research students, develop short, specialist and online courses, while focusing more on research and publication and developing the existing community archaeology initatives.
With technological university status to be achieved as early as 2022, IT Sligo will also engage with GMIT and LYIT about developing existing collaborations in archaeology, archaeological science, heritage, cultural tourism and more.
“Change can be difficult but we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead,” the statement read.
“IT Sligo began offering degrees in archaeology in 2003. Since then, we have thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of developing and expanding the first degrees in archaeological science offered in the Republic of Ireland.”
“Along the way we worked with some great colleagues in the School of Science as well as in the university, state and commercial archaeology sectors. We developed numerous research projects, of both national and international significance, and built up a strong publication record. What we all agree on, however, is that the best part of the past 18 years has been the wonderful students that have passed through our doors.”
The statement went on to highlight how Applied Archaeology attracted students from those with a lifelong interest to retirees exploring further education. It also reveals the level and variety of future employment graduates have gone on to enjoy.
“We have had the pleasure and privilege to work with students from all walks of life and very diverse backgrounds. Some came directly from Leaving Cert, moving to Sligo from all corners of the country and, indeed, from around the world.
“Other students opted for a career change and took up archaeology, a subject they had been interested in all their lives. Others came to us after they had retired with the objective of enjoying further education. We learned as much from our students as they learned from us.”
“We are incredibly proud of our graduates, and follow with great interest the careers they have pursued. “Many have gone on to work in the commercial archaeology sector and we continuously hear how well equipped they are to work in the field. Others have moved into the heritage and museum sectors, or found employment in libraries and archive work. “Several students progressed to do Masters or PhDs in archaeology or cognate disciplines, further progressing their academic careers. Some students opted for other career paths in forensics, the United Nations, nursing, the Gardaí, childcare, primary school teaching, secondary school teaching, teaching English abroad, animal welfare, tourism, farming, IT, cookery, retail. The list goes on. We have many, many fond memories of all our class groups.”
“We want to thank all our colleagues in IT Sligo and beyond for their support over the past 18 years. Most importantly, however, our warmest thanks to all our students, past and present.
“You have each contributed to an innovative and groundbreaking archaeology programme at IT Sligo, and you have enriched our lives as lecturers. We wish each of you the very best in your futures, whatever paths you take. Please continue to keep in touch.”