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Archaeology  (AEJ1)

BA/BSc (NFQ Level 8) · Academic Year 2025/2026
School
School of Archaeology
Attendance
Full Time
Level
Undergraduate
NFQ Level
Award
Bachelor of Arts
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Programme Director
Assoc Professor Meriel McClatchie
Overall Programme Credits:
Programme Credits:
Stage 1
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 1
Core/Option: 55 Electives: 5
Stage 2
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 3
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 3
Core/Option: 60 Electives: 0
Stage 4
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
Stage 2: 25
Stage 3: 25
Stage 4: 25

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.

Studying archaeology at UCD provides a transformative educational experience that enables students to use an understanding of the past to critically contribute to the issues of the present and the future. The degree provides knowledge of the archaeology of Ireland in its global context, a broad range of the archaeological skills required to discover the past, and an appreciation of cultural diversity over space and time. It develops key transferable skills, encourages critical thinking, and creates 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, our archaeological heritage. This includes collaborative and independent research, practical and theoretical approaches, always emphasising the importance of evidence-based 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 range of learning approaches, from traditional lectures and seminars to fieldtrips, laboratory and practical elements; our students 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 a number of modules have elements of fieldwork, including the School’s ongoing summer field excavation. 


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

Year may include: Austria, Germany, Norway, Poland, Switzerland, North America, China, Australia. Students studying Archaeology with Chinese will study abroad for their third year.

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.

This programme provides opportunities for students to develop in areas such as:
  • Information & Communication Technology
  • Writing
  • Researching
  • Oral Communication
  • Written Communication
  • Presentations
  • Teamwork
  • Creativity
  • Professionalism, e.g. internships, work experience
  • Global awareness
  • Social responsibility
  • Critical thinking
  • Self-awareness

Analysis of spatial and scientific data
Digital skills

This programme supports students’ career development and employability through:
  • Career and professional development e.g. internships and work placements
  • Cultural awareness, resilience and self-confidence e.g. Study Abroad/ERASMUS
  • Social responsibility e.g. UCD In the Community and UCD Volunteers Overseas
  • Enhancing digital literacy skills
  • Development of critical thinking, problem solving skills and decision-making e.g. through individual and group projects and assignments
  • Development of self-reflection skills
  • Creativity and entrepreneurship e.g. elective modules at UCD Innovation Academy

Deep knowledge of international archaeology and cultural heritage, which is a stepping stone to employment in archaeology and related areas (consultancy, education, government and environmental agencies, heritage tourism etc.)

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.

Meriel McClatchie

UCD School of Archaeology

meriel.mcclatchie@ucd.ie


Stage 2

It is recommended that students wishing to pursue a Joint major in Archaeology have taken more than two level 1 modules. Students must take the level 2 core module and choose four modules from the Options List.

Stage 3

Students must take the Stage 3 core module and register to a minimum of 20 credits from the option list below. Please note that there are 5 and 10 credit modules available and that you must choose at least one 10 credit module. Also note: ARCH30700 is a pre-requisite for choosing to do a dissertation (ARCH30880)

Stage 4

Students must take the Stage 4 core module and register to a minimum of 20 credits from the option list below. Please note that there are 5 and 10 credit modules available and that you must choose at least one 10 credit module . ARCH30700 is a pre-requisite for choosing to do a dissertation (ARCH30880)

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.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
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.
 ARCH20670 Mediterranean 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.
 ARCH20610 Historical Archaeology 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)
 ARCH30910 Roman Imperial Art, Architecture and Political Propaganda; how to spot fake news in the Roman world 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)
 ARCH30990 Between Newgrange & Stonehenge 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)
 ARCH31040 The Art of Greek Emotions 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)
 ARCH30530 Early Medieval Ireland and Beyond: Social Identity and Belonging AD 400-1100 Spring  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)
 ARCH30830 Medieval Buildings: An Arch 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)
 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)
 ARCH31030 Archaeology of Communities 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)
 ARCH31050 Being Human in Prehistory Spring  5
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)
 ARCH30910 Roman Imperial Art, Architecture and Political Propaganda; how to spot fake news in the Roman world 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)
 ARCH30990 Between Newgrange & Stonehenge 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)
 ARCH31040 The Art of Greek Emotions 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)
 ARCH30530 Early Medieval Ireland and Beyond: Social Identity and Belonging AD 400-1100 Spring  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)
 ARCH30830 Medieval Buildings: An Arch 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)
 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)
 ARCH31030 Archaeology of Communities 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)
 ARCH31050 Being Human in Prehistory Spring  5

See the UCD Assessment website for further details, including worked examples of how degree award GPAs are calculated

Module Weighting Info
 
  Award GPA
Programme Module Weightings Rule Description Description >= <=
BHACS014 Stage 3 - 50.00%
Stage 2 - 50.00%
 Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20
Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67
Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07
Pass

2.00

2.47
BHACS001 Stage 3 - 50.00%
Stage 2 - 50.00%
 Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20
Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67
Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07
Pass

2.00

2.47
BHACS023 Stage 3 - 70.00%
Stage 2 - 30.00%
 Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20
Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67
Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07
Pass

2.00

2.47
BHACS027 Stage 4 - 50.00%
Stage 3 - 30.00%
Stage 2 - 20.00%
 Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20
Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67
Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07
Pass

2.00

2.47
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