Archaeology at UCD is consistently listed in the Top 100 QS World University rankings by subject. 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, enabling you to develop a deeper understanding about the past. You will also develop practical skills valued by employers, such as report writing, teamwork, presentation, communication and analytical skills.
Archaeology
BA/BSc (NFQ Level 8)
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As a general rule, pick the Irish/UK/EU option if you have been a legal resident of Ireland, any other EU or EEA country, the Swiss Confederation or the UK in recent years.
More detailed information is available at ucd.ie/students/fees/eufeeassessment/.
Study Abroad
This course is available through the following application route(s)
- Duration:
- Attendance:
- Full Time
- Delivery:
- On Campus
- NFQ Level:
- 8 (240 credits)
- Level:
- Undergraduate
- Award:
- Bachelor of Science
- Next Intake:
- September
- General Entry Requirements (A-Level)
ABB / BBBD / BBB + D AS Level
- General Entry Requirements (IB)
29
- Subject Requirements (Mathematics)
GCSE C / AS Level D / A Level E
IB SL 4 / HL 3
- Typical CAO Point Range
468
- Leaving Cert Subject Entry Requirements
O6/H7 in English, Irish, Mathematics and three other recognised subjects
- Country Specific Entry Requirements:
- Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
- Other School Leaving Requirements:
- See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Curricular information is subject to change.
- Duration:
- Attendance:
- Full Time
- Delivery:
- On Campus
- NFQ Level:
- 8 (180 credits)
- Level:
- Undergraduate
- Award:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Next Intake:
- September
- General Entry Requirements (A-Level)
CCC
Please note that A Level requirements are under review and will be updated in Nov 2024. For further information, please see here.
- General Entry Requirements (IB)
24
- Typical CAO Point Range
419
- Leaving Cert Subject Entry Requirements
English, Irish, a third Language, Three other recognised subjects
- Country Specific Entry Requirements:
- Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
- Other School Leaving Requirements:
- See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Curricular information is subject to change.
Archaeology at UCD is consistently listed in the Top 100 QS World University rankings by subject. 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, enabling you to develop a deeper understanding about the past. You will also develop practical skills valued by employers, such as report writing, teamwork, presentation, communication and analytical skills.
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 • The Human Past • Introduction to the Archaeology Ireland • Introduction to Anthropology. All first-year social sciences students also study a core module, Societal Challenges in the Twenty First Century • + 1 other subject • Elective modules
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 • + 1 other subject • 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 for a trimester or year. Modules may include: Archaeology of Food • Ancient Technologies • Hunter Gatherers • Early Medieval Europe • Environmental Archaeology • + 1 other subject • 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.
Internship Opportunities
In third year, students can apply for an optional paid internship for one trimester in a range of organisations in the public and private sector, which help to inform future career decisions through real-world experience.
| Study Archaeology (BSc Social Sciences) |
|---|
| Economics | Sociology |
| Geography | Mathematics |
| Information & Communication Studies | Social Justice |
| Philosophy | Statistics |
| Politics & International Relations |
| Art History | Greek & Roman Civilisation |
| Celtic Civilisation | Irish/Gaeilge |
| Chinese | Irish Folklore |
| Earth Sciences |
⇒ Click To View The BSc Social Sciences Course Combination Grid
| Study Archaeology (BA Joint Honours) |
|---|
| History | English |
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 areas, 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.
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) |
ARCH30500 | Experiment Archaeology & Ancient Technologies | 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) |
ARCH31020 | Understanding Human Origins | 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) |
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) |
ARCH31000 | Archaeology, People and Cultures in Extreme Environments | 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) |
ARCH31030 | Archaeology of Communities | 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) |
ARCH30500 | Experiment Archaeology & Ancient Technologies | 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) |
ARCH31020 | Understanding Human Origins | 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) |
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) |
ARCH31000 | Archaeology, People and Cultures in Extreme Environments | 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) |
ARCH31030 | Archaeology of Communities | 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 | SBU3 Social Sciences Bachelor of Science |
Full-Time Commencing September 2024 |
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU) Non EU Undergraduates |
Closed |
| showAudience-audienceInt | BAU5 Arts Bachelor of Arts |
Full-Time Commencing September 2024 |
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU) Non EU Undergraduates |
Closed |
| showAudience-audienceInt | SBU3 Social Sciences Bachelor of Science |
Full-Time Commencing September 2025 |
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU) Non EU Undergraduates |
Apply |
| showAudience-audienceInt | BAU5 Joint Honours Bachelor of Arts |
Full-Time Commencing September 2025 |
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU) Non EU Undergraduates |
Apply |
| showAudience-audienceEU | DN700 Social Sciences Bachelor of Science |
Full-Time Commencing September 2025 |
Application through CAO | Apply via CAO |
| showAudience-audienceEU | DN520 Joint Honours Bachelor of Arts |
Full-Time Commencing September 2025 |
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 | SBU3 Social Sciences Bachelor of Science |
Full-Time Commencing September 2025 |
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 | BAU5 Joint Honours Bachelor of Arts |
Full-Time Commencing September 2025 |
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 |