Archaeology

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.

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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)

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Study Archaeology (BA Joint Honours)

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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.

• Level 5/6 QQI-FET
• Open Learning Entry Route
• Mature Entry Route
• DARE Entry Route
• HEAR Entry Route
• University Access

Meriel McClatchie
UCD School of Archaeology
e: meriel.mcclatchie@ucd.ie

 

By joining the UCD College of Arts and Humanities you will be part of a vibrant community of students and faculty who are committed to creating a more sustainable, just and equitable future. Our courses are designed to equip students with the best education in their chosen arts and humanities subjects. Our research and teaching and learning connect with many of the SDGs, most notably:

• SDG 4: Quality Education -Promotes inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality - Advances gender equality by addressing social norms, histories, and cultural practices that contribute to gender disparities.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities - Encourages understanding and action against social, economic, and political inequalities.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities - Enhances cultural understanding and heritage preservation, fostering sustainable communities.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - Promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions through critical inquiry into human rights, ethics, and governance.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - Encourages global partnerships and collaboration by fostering international understanding and dialogue.

Our programmes equip students with critical thinking, empathy, and cultural awareness, essential for addressing complex global challenges.

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