The Higher Diploma in Irish Folklore is primarily designed for students without any previous background in general folkloristics or comparative ethnology. The Diploma programme will provide them with a broad knowledge of the essentials of these subjects, and with the requisite skills, information and experience to enable them to formulate and complete their own research projects in the field of folklore studies. As in the case of the Graduate Diploma in Irish Folklore, the use of archival sources and familiarity with archival processes are central to the programme, and their importance to the study of folklore is emphasized.<br><br>Diploma students are encouraged to develop a reflective approach to their studies and to draw on their own experience in their research. Teaching is carried out in lectures, in small-group tutorials, and in seminar-style participatory classes. A series of seminars delivered by guest lecturers throughout the year introduces students to current research by experts in their fields. Assessments take the form of written examinations, individual research projects, in-semester essays (with feedback), and oral presentations. They also include assignments and substantial dissertations which give students the opportunity to formulate their own research questions, to engage with primary sources, and to produce original research.