If you study Archaeology, you will see the world, time and the human condition in an entirely new way. Archaeology is a uniquely multidisciplinary subject, using all sources of evidence from the past, from ancient manuscripts to the scientific analysis of plants, animals and materials. Through undertaking Archaeology as a degree, you will learn how to assess, explain and make connections between different types of evidence that will allow you to develop a deeper understanding about the past. Students will also develop practical skills valued by employers, such as report writing, teamwork, presentation, communication and analytical skills.
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This course is available through the following application route(s)
Archaeology is an interdisciplinary social sciences subject, combining the intellectual, analytical and interpretative skills of the humanities (e.g. history and geography), the methods of social sciences and other scientific approaches (e.g. ancient DNA, bone chemistry). In studying Archaeology, you can expect to gain a wide range of transferable skills. You will often work in teams to investigate problems, and you will develop critical thinking skills, gain an ability to manipulate and explain data and make connections between different types of evidence. You will also develop practical skills in report writing, image production and fieldwork. If you study Archaeology, we can promise you that you will see the world, time and the human condition itself in an entirely new way.
About This Course
You will study through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, field trips and practical engagement.
First Year
In first year, you will engage with Archaeology as a subject. No prior knowledge is assumed. Modules include:
- Exploring Archaeology
- Introduction to the Archaeology Ireland
- Introduction to Anthropology
- The Human Past
- All first year social sciences students also study a core module, Societal Challenges in the Twenty First Century
- Plus another subject
- Plus an Elective module
Second Year
In second year, we will build on the knowledge you gained in first year and explore how various approaches to Archaeology allow us to develop a better understanding of the past. Modules include:
- Archaeology of Things
- Landscape Archaeology
- Prehistoric & Historic Archaeology
- Archaeological Science
- Plus another subject
- Plus Elective modules.
Third Year
You will have an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of Archaeological themes. During this year, you can apply for an internship or to study abroad abroad for a trimester or year. Modules may include:
- Archaeology of Food
- Ancient Technologies
- Hunter Gatherers
- Early Medieval Europe
- Environmental Archaeology
- Plus another subject
- Plus Elective modules.
Fourth Year
Fourth year is designed to give you more ownership of your archaeological learning. Amongst other modules, there will opportunities to engage with archaeological research.
Assessment
We use a variety of assessment methods, e.g. continuous assessment in the form of essays, projects, group work, oral presentations and reports. Each mode of assessment is designed to support your learning through the course and to build life skills that will be of benefit beyond the course.
Opportunities for International Study in Semester Two of Third Year may include:
- Austria
- Germany
- Norway
- Poland
- Switzerland
- North America
- China
- Australia
Students studying Archaeology with Chinese will study abroad for their third year.
Studying Archaeology provides a flexibility of thought and a range of practical skills that make our graduates highly employable in a number of sectors, including the varied and expanding Heritage Sector. Graduates have also found employment within the archaeological profession, in consultancy, professional contract work, museums and education. Others have used their transferable skills to become business and industry entrepreneurs, policymakers in arts and education, journalists, cultural critics and tourism leaders.
Graduate study opportunities in UCD include the MSc in Archaeology, MSc in Experimental Archaeology, MSc in Hunter-Gatherer Archaeology, MSc in World Heritage Management.
Meriel McClatchie
UCD School of Archaeology Newman,
Belfield,
Dublin 4
Email: meriel.mcclatchie@ucd.ie
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
ARCH10050 | Intro archaeology of Ireland | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - Min 1 of: Students may progress with Archaeology in Stage 2 having passed ARCH10050: Introduction to the Archaeology of Ireland and one other Archaeology module offered in Stage 1 from the list below. |
ARCH10010 | Exploring Archaeology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - Min 1 of: Students may progress with Archaeology in Stage 2 having passed ARCH10050: Introduction to the Archaeology of Ireland and one other Archaeology module offered in Stage 1 from the list below. |
ARCH10160 | The Human Past | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - Min 1 of: Students may progress with Archaeology in Stage 2 having passed ARCH10050: Introduction to the Archaeology of Ireland and one other Archaeology module offered in Stage 1 from the list below. |
ARCH10150 | Anthropology: an introduction | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - Min 1 of: Students may progress with Archaeology in Stage 2 having passed ARCH10050: Introduction to the Archaeology of Ireland and one other Archaeology module offered in Stage 1 from the list below. |
ARCH10170 | Making the Past | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
ARCH20520 | How Archaeologists Think: an introduction to archaeological theory | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 4 of: Select a minimum of 4 of the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives. |
ARCH20510 | Archaeology of Landscapes | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 4 of: Select a minimum of 4 of the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives. |
ARCH20570 | Cultural Heritage | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 4 of: Select a minimum of 4 of the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives. |
ARCH20610 | Historical Archaeology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 4 of: Select a minimum of 4 of the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives. |
ARCH20500 | Archaeology of Things | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 4 of: Select a minimum of 4 of the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives. |
ARCH20600 | Archaeological Science | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 4 of: Select a minimum of 4 of the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives. |
ARCH20620 | People in Prehistory: key themes and problems | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
ARCH30920 | Communicating Archaeology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 20CR: Select a minimum of 20 credits from the following list. A minimum of one module must be a 10 credit module. Note ARCH30700 is a pre-requisite for choosing to do a dissertation (ARCH30880) |
ARCH30170 | Combat Archaeology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 20CR: Select a minimum of 20 credits from the following list. A minimum of one module must be a 10 credit module. Note ARCH30700 is a pre-requisite for choosing to do a dissertation (ARCH30880) |
ARCH30700 | Research Project Preparation | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 20CR: Select a minimum of 20 credits from the following list. A minimum of one module must be a 10 credit module. Note ARCH30700 is a pre-requisite for choosing to do a dissertation (ARCH30880) |
ARCH30820 | The Archaeology of Collapse | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 20CR: Select a minimum of 20 credits from the following list. A minimum of one module must be a 10 credit module. Note ARCH30700 is a pre-requisite for choosing to do a dissertation (ARCH30880) |
ARCH31010 | Human Osteoarchaeology | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 20CR: Select a minimum of 20 credits from the following list. A minimum of one module must be a 10 credit module. Note ARCH30700 is a pre-requisite for choosing to do a dissertation (ARCH30880) |
ARCH30880 | Research Project | Spring | 10 |
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 20CR: Select a minimum of 20 credits from the following list. A minimum of one module must be a 10 credit module. Note ARCH30700 is a pre-requisite for choosing to do a dissertation (ARCH30880) |
ARCH30990 | Between Newgrange & Stonehenge | Spring | 10 |
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 20CR: Select a minimum of 20 credits from the following list. A minimum of one module must be a 10 credit module. Note ARCH30700 is a pre-requisite for choosing to do a dissertation (ARCH30880) |
ARCH31000 | People & Extreme Environments | Spring | 10 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
ARCH30920 | Communicating Archaeology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 20CR: Select a minimum of 20 credits from the following list. A minimum of one module must be a 10 credit module. Note ARCH30700 is a pre-requisite for choosing to do a dissertation (ARCH30880) |
ARCH30170 | Combat Archaeology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 20CR: Select a minimum of 20 credits from the following list. A minimum of one module must be a 10 credit module. Note ARCH30700 is a pre-requisite for choosing to do a dissertation (ARCH30880) |
ARCH30700 | Research Project Preparation | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 20CR: Select a minimum of 20 credits from the following list. A minimum of one module must be a 10 credit module. Note ARCH30700 is a pre-requisite for choosing to do a dissertation (ARCH30880) |
ARCH30820 | The Archaeology of Collapse | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 20CR: Select a minimum of 20 credits from the following list. A minimum of one module must be a 10 credit module. Note ARCH30700 is a pre-requisite for choosing to do a dissertation (ARCH30880) |
ARCH31010 | Human Osteoarchaeology | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 20CR: Select a minimum of 20 credits from the following list. A minimum of one module must be a 10 credit module. Note ARCH30700 is a pre-requisite for choosing to do a dissertation (ARCH30880) |
ARCH30880 | Research Project | Spring | 10 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 20CR: Select a minimum of 20 credits from the following list. A minimum of one module must be a 10 credit module. Note ARCH30700 is a pre-requisite for choosing to do a dissertation (ARCH30880) |
ARCH30990 | Between Newgrange & Stonehenge | Spring | 10 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 20CR: Select a minimum of 20 credits from the following list. A minimum of one module must be a 10 credit module. Note ARCH30700 is a pre-requisite for choosing to do a dissertation (ARCH30880) |
ARCH31000 | People & Extreme Environments | Spring | 10 |
“Archaeology has always been a subject that’s interested me since I was very young; even before I knew what it was. Understanding the thought process of people from thousands of years ago fascinated me, and I was happy to discover that UCD had a course that would feed my curiosity. There is something in this course for every learning type, from hands-on experiments to field trips to lectures and an option to study abroad in your third year. The professors and staff are super approachable no matter the circumstance and always offer guidance on any academic issues; it creates such a positive learning experience.”
Hannah Costello, Student
THE MA Archaeology is a one year, Level 9, 90 credit taught course which will provide students with a high level of competency in conducting independent archaeological research in a range of subject areas. Students will develop critical perspectives on different forms of archaeological practice, including the archaelogical sciences, theorecitel perspectives on the past and the views of heritage stakeholders. Bein located in Dublin places us in close proximity to key cultural and archaeological institutions
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Archaeology:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to | Application Type | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceInt | BAU5 Arts Bachelor of Arts |
Commencing 2024/2025 September | Undergraduate Degree (Non EU) Non EU Undergraduates |
Apply |
| showAudience-audienceInt | SBU3 Social Sciences Bachelor of Science |
Commencing 2024/2025 September | Undergraduate Degree (Non EU) Non EU Undergraduates |
Apply |
| showAudience-audienceEU | DN520 Arts Bachelor of Arts |
Full-Time Commencing 2024/2025 September |
Application through CAO | Apply via CAO |
| showAudience-audienceEU | DN700 Social Sciences Bachelor of Science |
Full-Time Commencing 2024/2025 September |
Application through CAO | Apply via CAO |
* you can change options at the top of the page
Additional special entry route(s) to Archaeology:
These options have additional eligibility requirements to cater for specific applicant cohorts. You should not apply via these routes before consulting the requirements or contacting the responsible UCD office.
| ROWCLASS | Apply to | Application Type | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | BAU5 Arts Bachelor of Arts |
Commencing 2024/2025 September | Access Progression Pathway Access Progression Pathway Application to this Non-EU Access Progression Pathway is by invitation only. If you are not currently enrolled on an Access programme at UCD, your application will be marked as invalid. If you are not a current Access student, but you are a non-EU applicant seeking admission to an undergraduate degree, please submit an application via the "Undergraduate Degree (Non-EU)" course type. |
Apply |
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | SBU3 Social Sciences Bachelor of Science |
Commencing 2024/2025 September | Access Progression Pathway Access Progression Pathway Application to this Non-EU Access Progression Pathway is by invitation only. If you are not currently enrolled on an Access programme at UCD, your application will be marked as invalid. If you are not a current Access student, but you are a non-EU applicant seeking admission to an undergraduate degree, please submit an application via the "Undergraduate Degree (Non-EU)" course type. |
Apply |