Archaeology  (AEC1)

Studying archaeology at UCD provides a transformative educational experience that enables you to gain an understanding of the past, and use this to contribute to issues of the present and future. The degree helps you develop your archaeology knowledge and a broad range of archaeological skills required to discover the past. Through this programme, you will develop an appreciation of cultural diversity over space and time. You will also develop key transferable skills, be encouraged to think critically and create a solid foundation for further study.

The programme is aimed at students of all ages and backgrounds who are interested in the study of human culture, societies and environments over time, as well as those with a specific interest in archaeology as a profession. Archaeology is interdisciplinary, bridging the humanities and social sciences as well as the biological, earth and physical sciences. It combines an exciting and varied range of approaches that develop knowledge about, and value for, the world's archaeological heritage. This includes collaborative and independent research, and practical and theoretical approaches, always emphasising the importance of evidence-informed research and engaging multiple forms of intelligence. Individual development and self-discovery is a key component of archaeological training, as is sharing experiences and values as part of a team.

Our teaching programme focuses on both Irish and international material, integrating the latest research carried out by staff to highlight Ireland’s important position within the global archaeological community. We use a variety of learning approaches, from traditional lectures and seminars to fieldtrips, laboratory and practical sessions. Our students also engage with key archaeological sites and landscapes within Ireland and overseas through field-based teaching across a range of modules. Assessment strategies are varied, ranging from traditional essays to project plans, poster presentations and reflexive field journals. Field teaching is an essential part of archaeology, and several modules have elements of fieldwork, including the School’s ongoing summer field excavation.

• Have an advanced understanding of the latest international archaeological practice and research
• Have a detailed understanding of key changes in human society globally from prehistory to the present day, and how this influences the modern world
• Reflect on the roles of archaeology and the past in modern society, the value of heritage and the context of appropriate legislation
• Have a detailed knowledge of Ireland’s internationally renowned archaeological record, underpinned by the global context
• Gather, evaluate and interpret archaeological data, transforming it into knowledge in interdisciplinary context and communicating your results effectively
• Communicate effectively through written, visual and oral media to specialist and non-specialist audiences
• Work within large or small teams and independently, leading and being part of a team as appropriate

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.