Archaeology  (AEC1)

Archaeology is an exciting subject that combines practical and interpretative skills to reconstruct past human societies and to understand their relevance to the modern world. The material remains of the past are an archaeologist's primary subject matter. Excavating, recording, analysing and interpreting ancient artefacts, buildings and landscapes can answer many of your questions about the past for example, what people ate, what their houses looked like, or how they buried their dead. The Stage 1 programme provides a broad introduction to the subject. Topics covered include the emergence of the earliest humans in Africa, the origins of farming in the Near East, the artistic achievements of the 'Celtic' peoples of Ireland and the castles and great pilgrimage churches of the Middle Ages. Alongside this, you will be introduced to archaeological methods and techniques such as survey, excavation and radiocarbon dating. Although field programmes or laboratory-based programmes are not offered at Stage 1 level, students who take Archaeology through to Stages 2 will have the opportunity to take a variety of practical programmes. Many of our students have gone on to work as professional archaeologists after graduation.

Stage 1

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. Archaeology is only available in Stages 2 and 3 in combination with either English or History.