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Archaeology

BA/BSc (NFQ Level 8)
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This course is available through the following application route(s)

Duration:
4 Years
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)

BBC / BCCC / BCC

+ C AS Level

General Entry Requirements (IB)

29

Subject Requirements (Mathematics)

GCSE C / A Level E

(or AS Level D)

IB SL 4 / HL 3

CAO Points 2025

490

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
Read more about Social Sciences
Curricular information is subject to change.

Duration:
3 Years
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)

DDD

General Entry Requirements (IB)

24

Subject Requirements (Mathematics)

A Level C for Maths/Stats

IB HL5 for Maths/Stats

CAO Points 2025

420

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
Read more about Joint Honours
Curricular information is subject to change.

Apply Now

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

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.

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

⇒ Click To View The BA Arts Course Combination Grid

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.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 ARCH10050 Intro archaeology of Ireland Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) 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 - A) 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 - A) 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 - A) 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 1 Options - A) 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.
 ARCH10180 Archaeological Field Skills Summer  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.
 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

SDG4 SDG 5 SDG 10 SDG 11 SDG 16 SDG 17

 

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.

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

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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Archaeology:

ROWCLASS Apply to
showAudience-audienceInt
SBU3
Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
Apply
showAudience-audienceInt
BAU5
Joint Honours
Bachelor of Arts

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
Apply
showAudience-audienceEU
DN700
Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Application through CAO
Apply via CAO
showAudience-audienceEU
DN520
Joint Honours
Bachelor of Arts

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
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
showAudience-audienceInt
SBU3
Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Access Progression Pathway
Access Progression Pathway
Apply
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.
showAudience-audienceInt
BAU5
Joint Honours
Bachelor of Arts

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Access Progression Pathway
Access Progression Pathway
Apply
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.
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