Tackling Barriers to Entry: Major Heritage Council Bursary Announced for UCD Archives Students

The bursary will cover 75% of tuition fees—amounting to €8,850—for one student enrolled in the professionally accredited MA programme, the only one of its kind in Ireland. The bursary is open to students who have already secured a place on the programme and may be used for either full-time or part-time study, offering flexibility for those with caring responsibilities or who wish to gain additional practical experience.

Virginia Teehan, CEO of the Heritage Council, said:
"This bursary reflects our commitment to fostering a more inclusive heritage sector. By reducing financial barriers, we hope to support individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in archives and records management. This aligns with our DEI policy, which recognises that a diverse heritage workforce is essential to preserving and interpreting Ireland’s rich and multifaceted past."

The bursary responds to growing concerns about the lack of diversity in the archival profession. The high cost of training, which is based in Dublin, has also been identified as a significant barrier to entry for many prospective students around the country who are unable to take up their places on the course due to the accommodation crisis and the high cost of rent.

Dr. Elizabeth Mullins, Director of the MA in Archives and Records Management at UCD, welcomed the initiative:
"This bursary is a game changer. It will enable talented individuals who might otherwise be excluded due to financial constraints to access professional training. A more diverse cohort of archivists will enrich the profession and help ensure that the archival record better reflects the full spectrum of Irish society."

Professor Catherine Cox, Head of the UCD School of History, added:
"We are delighted to collaborate with the Heritage Council on this important initiative. The bursary not only supports individual students but also strengthens our collective ability to preserve a more inclusive and representative historical record."

Applications for the bursary will open in June to students who have been accepted into the MA programme for the upcoming academic year. The selection process will be overseen by a committee within the School of History, and the successful candidate will be notified in July.

This bursary is part of the Heritage Council’s broader strategy to support equity and access across all areas of heritage practice in Ireland.