National Tour Guiding Award with Business

Certification
QQI Special Purpose Award in National Tour Guiding
Reference
6S20232
Places
25
Fees
€50

The programme aims to provide students with the knowledge, skills and competence to undertake guiding and tour management services for tourists visiting and travelling in Ireland. The Programme is designed to:

● Improve knowledge of Ireland's historical, natural, cultural, and archaeological heritage.
● Help students to provide accurate, information and interesting tour experiences within a range of different contexts.
● Enable students to manage tours to a professional standard throughout Ireland implementing best safety and environmental practice.
● Facilitate students to develop their interpersonal, team working, personal development, event planning, and time management skills in the context of a tour guiding practice and completion of the academic course.
● Gain specific knowledge, skills, and competence at this level, which may help learners with opportunities to progress to other courses at level QQI7 or above.

Principal areas of study

Each module involved a combination of written assignments, examined content and practical skills demonstrations.

Irish Tour Guiding QQIL6

National Tour Management  QQIL6 

Irish Natural Heritage  QQIL6 

Personal & Professional Development QQIL6

Event Management   QQIL6

Tourism Policy & Practice  QQIL6

(Modules may be subject to change)

The Course content is delivered in class and online as a mix of formal instruction, group workshops, practical experiences, and role play.  With a diverse range of students’ backgrounds, we find that students also learn from their peers and shared experiences. The course provides a framework for that learning. Active participation and regular attendance are key. The Overall assessment for the national tour management award is based on a series of skill assessments, final written exams, and a national overnight tour.

Features of this course

  • This course combines lectures with on the job work experience and role playing.  Participants will learn about the business of tour guiding as well as gaining hands on experience.
  • Tuition is provided by experienced Tour Guides/Historians with guest speakers from regulatory bodies, tour operators & industry experts.
  • Practical on the job training including field trips.
  • Garda Vetting for work experience.

Certification

  • QQI Special Purpose Award in National Tour Guiding 6S20232
  • Emergency First Aid
  • National Tour Guiding White Badge & ATGI/FEG

    Upon completion of the National Tour Guiding Award, participants will be awarded the National Tour Guiding – ‘White Badge’, formerly the ‘Failte Ireland Badge’, the white badge is considered a recognition of competency and high standards within Tourist Guiding and is only awarded upon completion of a recognised QQI Level 6 Award.

Progression

  • CICH L8 Certificate in Irish Cultural Heritage – NUI Maynooth
  • TU747 L7 Tourism Management – TU Dublin City Campus (mature students only)
  • GA272 L7 Heritage Studies – GMIT Galway Mayo IT (mature students only)
  • Upon successful completion of the course, graduates are eligible to join AIGI (Approved Tour Guide of Ireland), FEG (Federation of European Guides), ITGA (Independent Tour Guide Association)

Employment

  • Self employment in Tour Guiding businesses
  • Employment as guides in museums, tour companies & heritage sites.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

  • QQI Level 5 or appropriate experience
  • Candidates will be selected by interview
  • You should be at least 21 years of age
  • This course is suitable for mature students

Candidates should demonstrate excellent communication skills, good leadership skills and confidence in dealing with large groups of people.  They should be passionate about their city and its surroundings.