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.

UCD is Ireland’s Global University and its largest university with a track record in empowering students to enter a diverse range of careers that reflects the most diverse curriculum on the Island of Ireland. Consistently, over 90% of graduates are employed or in further study or training 9 months following course completion. The QS World Ranking on Graduate Employability has placed UCD at number 1 in Ireland for Graduate Employability since 2018. On the global stage UCD leads the Irish higher education sector and is the only Irish university to be ranked inside the world’s top 80 for Graduate Employability.

At University College Dublin we are aware that for many students, programme outcomes in terms of graduate jobs and career options is important. The purpose of this statement is to help you understand and appreciate the range of skills you may develop during your time at UCD and how you may develop your employability. Visit the UCD Careers Networks website and MyCareer, the UCD Career management Platform, to access career information, internships and graduate roles as well as information about the range of initiatives, supports and events available to you.

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.