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“I Wanted to Do Something for Me”: Meet our students in Heritage & Folklore
For many of our students, returning to education later in life isn’t just about gaining new knowledge, it’s about rediscovering curiosity, confidence, and community. The Diploma in Heritage and Folklore Studies at UCC ACE attracts people of all ages. Some are passionate about their local history, others are looking to return to education now they are retired, and many simply want to learn more about the stories, customs, and traditions that shape who we are.
Here’s what a few of them have to say about their experience so far.
“I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone.”
Aisling Cotter was always been proud of her local heritage and in recent years she become involved in organising events for Heritage Week to celebrate the wonderful heritage points in her area. She describes how her habit of going down “online rabbit holes” eventually led her to sign up for the diploma:
“I felt drawn to learn even more and have factual information at my disposal. I also felt the time was right to do something for me… to check that my brain still worked after many years of being out of the college environment.”
Part of the student experience that surprised Aisling was the new community that emerged during the programme:
“First of all the group of people have been the lynchpin for me. We are from all walks of life/backgrounds/ages. We have a Watsapp group that we regularly communicate with each other and share tips and support. We all agree that we learned almost as much from each other as we did from the course which is quite something.”
The flexibility of online lectures for this programme helped Aisling to fulfil her passion as the schedule worked well with her full-time job:
“I found the course flexible to suit me working full time. If I missed a lecture I could watch it back. It being online was a major factor also in it working for me. And it meant that we had a wider geographic diversity than would have been possible if it was solely online.”
With a mix of engaging modules, guest speakers, and field trips, the course offered plenty of inspiration:
“There is a good mix of subjects throughout the year and also of guest lecturers which was fantastic. The assignments were definitely a challenge initially, but I am very pleased with my results after the first year and looking forward to see what next year brings. If you are thinking about it I would urge you to go for it… it’s the best thing I have done for myself.”
“It has made me grow as a person and a scholar.”
Maryliz Regan, took the brave decision to return to learning at 61 and she has found the experience to be been deeply fulfilling:
“As I have little to no experience with third level education aside from a one-year cert last year, I have to say at 61 taking up this course has been so informative, inspiring and satisfying… It’s taking me nearer to a personal goal of achieving a third level degree.”
She also shared a message for anyone who might be hesitant:
“If anyone has any doubts about doing this type of diploma I can only say go for it. My advice to any out there who maybe undecided or worried about whether they could achieve a degree with an ACE course in UCC is take the chance, seize the moment, you won’t regret it. With UCC ACE courses you don’t just read and learn, you absorb and experience more than you think possible with like-minded and most interesting peers from all walks of life.”
“Even the modules I didn’t expect to enjoy surprised me.”
Maryliz wasn't the only applicant attracted to this Diploma later in life, Martina O’Brien also hadn’t studied formally since 1994 and was worried about what to expect, but she quickly found herself immersed in the experience:
“I need not have worried, the topics were accessible and engaging and the lecturers were consistently available and thoroughly brilliant and engaged in their fields.”
Even modules outside her comfort zone became highlights:
“Even though modern Irish history was tough and maybe not a module that I was massively interested in, Rory O’Dwyer’s exuberance and sense of fun made it fantastic!”
The combination of academic challenge and support was key:
“The workload is at times hard but enjoyable… I cannot wait for the second year and could not recommend this course highly enough to anyone who wishes to gain more insight into the heritage of Ireland.”
Ready to follow your passion?
Whether you’re returning to education, following a lifelong passion, or just want to know more about Ireland’s rich and varied past, the Diploma in Heritage and Folklore Studies offers a warm welcome and a rewarding challenge for adults of all ages and at all stages of life.
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