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Grad Dip Mediterranean Archaeology

GradDip (NFQ Level 9)
Scholarships Available

This course is available through the following application route(s)

Duration:
1 Year
Attendance:
Full Time
Delivery:
On Campus
NFQ Level:
9 (60 credits)
Level:
Graduate Taught
Award:
Graduate Diploma
Next Intake:
September
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:
2 Years
Attendance:
Part-Time
Delivery:
On Campus
NFQ Level:
9 (60 credits)
Level:
Graduate Taught
Award:
Graduate Diploma
Next Intake:
September
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.

Apply Now

UCD School of Archaeology's MSc and Graduate Diploma in Mediterranean Archaeology is for students interested in the diverse peoples, places and material traditions of the ancient Mediterranean. The “Middle Sea” connected Europe, Asia and Africa, providing a unique arena for interaction. From deep prehistory, through Greece and Rome, to the medieval period, you will explore key developments in the human story through an intercultural perspective. The wealth of surviving evidence allows us to explore how complex societies of Egypt, Greece and Rome emerged alongside radically different social models where even the notion of urbanism, literacy or figural art remained alien.

This programme uniquely brings together expertise from the School of Archaeology based in the College of Social Sciences and Law and the School of Classics based in the College of Arts and Humanities, making it a truly interdisciplinary programme.  You will engage with critical analysis of Mediterranean archaeology ranging from key developments in theoretical discourse through to cutting-edge advances in archaeological science and access to hands-on artefact-focussed learning on our campus in Dublin and in the field. Our wide range of modules from the Schools of Archaeology and Classics will allow you to tailor a personal learning experience at UCD. Our Classical Museum provides unparalleled access to artefact collections that enhance learning across material culture research and museum studies and digital archaeology.

Modules are subject to change and may include: Analysing Mediterranean Pasts; Classics in Action: Introduction to Mediterranean Archaeology; Material Culture, Technology and Craft in the Classical Mediterranean; Ancient Materialities; Greek and Latin languages (beginner, intermediate or advanced levels; Archaeology of Extreme Environments; Roman Imperial Art, Architecture and Political Propaganda. Our faculty can supervise research on North Africa, Iberia, and the Central and Eastern Mediterranean from prehistory to Late Antiquity using archaeometric, archaeological, epigraphic, art-historical, landscape studies, literary and other approaches to provide comprehensive, dynamic support for your research. Through the Irish Institute of Hellenic Studies at Athens, we offer unique opportunities for on-the-ground learning in Greece.

About This Course

The MSc and Graduate Diplomas in Mediterranean Archaeology offer students opportunities to tailor their learning experiences drawing from Level 4 and select Level 3 modules from the UCD School of Archaeology and the UCD School of Classics, creating a unique cross-college, interdisciplinary programme. This provides a range of pathways for students to design their own programme that can lean, for example, more heavily into archaeological science, landscape archaeology or into ancient languages.

On completion of this program, a student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of the distinctive challenges and opportunities of studying the Mediterranean past in its local and global context.

2. Critically evaluate archaeological different datasets, taking account of diverse interpretations, and transform them into knowledge.

3. Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of key theoretical approaches, and of the history and context of the archaeology of the Mediterranean culturally and intellectually.

4. Understand how different field and laboratory methods can be employed to answer key research questions in archaeology.

5. Appropriately select and apply discipline-specific archaeological skills and approaches to resolve research problems and develop our understanding of ancient Mediterranean societies.

6. Work within large or small teams and independently, leading and being led as appropriate.

7. Effectively communicate archaeological knowledge using a variety of different approaches and platforms.

8. Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of how archaeological knowledge is relevant to key contemporary issues.

9. Be aware of the potential role of other disciplines across STEM (e.g. isotopic analysis) and AHSS (e.g. historical texts) for studying and understanding the archaeology of the past.

10. Design, structure, research and implement a significant piece of original research focused on Mediterranean archaeology, in the form of an MSc research thesis.

The Graduate Diploma in Mediterranean Archaeology will provide you with the skills required to develop a career in the archaeological profession or the cultural heritage sector, or to go on to further academic study. Transferable skillsets such as critical thinking and project design, management and completion will also provide you with an excellent grounding for future employment in other sectors. Graduates of this programme may progress to careers in:

• Further research, whether academic or professional
• Commercial archaeology and Cultural Resource Management (CRM)
• The Heritage sector
• State sector bodies (Museums, Archaeological Monuments Management)
• NGOs
• Education (Primary, Secondary, University/Higher Education Instiutions)
• Tourism and Public Engagement

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
 ARCH41490 MedLifeways: Exploring the social world of ancient Med through material culture, scientific analyses Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 ARCH41460 Dissertation (Taught) Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GRC40390 Classics in Action Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 15CR:
Option List A: Students are required to take 35 CR in Options modules - 20 CR in Autumn and 15 CR in Spring. You must choose a minimum of 15 credits from these Level 4 options (List A). You can choose the remaining 20 credits from either List A or List B below.
 ARCH41180 Experimental Archaeology: Making, Understanding, Storytelling Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 15CR:
Option List A: Students are required to take 35 CR in Options modules - 20 CR in Autumn and 15 CR in Spring. You must choose a minimum of 15 credits from these Level 4 options (List A). You can choose the remaining 20 credits from either List A or List B below.
 ARCH41240 Heritage Management Challenges Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 15CR:
Option List A: Students are required to take 35 CR in Options modules - 20 CR in Autumn and 15 CR in Spring. You must choose a minimum of 15 credits from these Level 4 options (List A). You can choose the remaining 20 credits from either List A or List B below.
 ARCH41310 Land / Landscape Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 15CR:
Option List A: Students are required to take 35 CR in Options modules - 20 CR in Autumn and 15 CR in Spring. You must choose a minimum of 15 credits from these Level 4 options (List A). You can choose the remaining 20 credits from either List A or List B below.
 GRC40330 Exploring New Worlds Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 15CR:
Option List A: Students are required to take 35 CR in Options modules - 20 CR in Autumn and 15 CR in Spring. You must choose a minimum of 15 credits from these Level 4 options (List A). You can choose the remaining 20 credits from either List A or List B below.
 GRC40400 Ancient Technology and Craft Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 15CR:
Option List A: Students are required to take 35 CR in Options modules - 20 CR in Autumn and 15 CR in Spring. You must choose a minimum of 15 credits from these Level 4 options (List A). You can choose the remaining 20 credits from either List A or List B below.
 ARCH40850 Practical Experimental Archaeology Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 15CR:
Option List A: Students are required to take 35 CR in Options modules - 20 CR in Autumn and 15 CR in Spring. You must choose a minimum of 15 credits from these Level 4 options (List A). You can choose the remaining 20 credits from either List A or List B below.
 ARCH41270 Archaeological Field Methods Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 15CR:
Option List A: Students are required to take 35 CR in Options modules - 20 CR in Autumn and 15 CR in Spring. You must choose a minimum of 15 credits from these Level 4 options (List A). You can choose the remaining 20 credits from either List A or List B below.
 ARCH41340 GIS, Cultural Heritage and Spatial Thinking Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 15CR:
Option List A: Students are required to take 35 CR in Options modules - 20 CR in Autumn and 15 CR in Spring. You must choose a minimum of 15 credits from these Level 4 options (List A). You can choose the remaining 20 credits from either List A or List B below.
 ARCH41380 Urban Histories and Heritages Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 15CR:
Option List A: Students are required to take 35 CR in Options modules - 20 CR in Autumn and 15 CR in Spring. You must choose a minimum of 15 credits from these Level 4 options (List A). You can choose the remaining 20 credits from either List A or List B below.
 ARCH41450 Current Debates in Archaeology Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 15CR:
Option List A: Students are required to take 35 CR in Options modules - 20 CR in Autumn and 15 CR in Spring. You must choose a minimum of 15 credits from these Level 4 options (List A). You can choose the remaining 20 credits from either List A or List B below.
 GRC40410 Inscribing the Ancient World: Approaches to Greek and Roman Epigraphy Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Option List B: Students MAY select up to a maximum of 20 credits from Level 3 modules in List B (if not previously taken)
 ARCH30910 Roman Imperial Art, Architecture and Political Propaganda; how to spot fake news in the Roman world Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Option List B: Students MAY select up to a maximum of 20 credits from Level 3 modules in List B (if not previously taken)
 ARCH30920 Communicating Archaeology Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Option List B: Students MAY select up to a maximum of 20 credits from Level 3 modules in List B (if not previously taken)
 ARCH31040 The Art of Greek Emotions Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Option List B: Students MAY select up to a maximum of 20 credits from Level 3 modules in List B (if not previously taken)
 GRC30350 Sparta Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Option List B: Students MAY select up to a maximum of 20 credits from Level 3 modules in List B (if not previously taken)
 GRK30130 Greek Texts: Sophocles Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Option List B: Students MAY select up to a maximum of 20 credits from Level 3 modules in List B (if not previously taken)
 LAT30220 Latin Texts: Roman Epic Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Option List B: Students MAY select up to a maximum of 20 credits from Level 3 modules in List B (if not previously taken)
 ARCH30720 Archaeology of Food Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Option List B: Students MAY select up to a maximum of 20 credits from Level 3 modules in List B (if not previously taken)
 ARCH31000 Archaeology, People and Cultures in Extreme Environments Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Option List B: Students MAY select up to a maximum of 20 credits from Level 3 modules in List B (if not previously taken)
 GRC30070 Family Life in Ancient Greece Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Option List B: Students MAY select up to a maximum of 20 credits from Level 3 modules in List B (if not previously taken)
 GRC30590 Beyond Rome: Provincial Life in the Empire Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Option List B: Students MAY select up to a maximum of 20 credits from Level 3 modules in List B (if not previously taken)
 LAT30030 Tacitus Agricola: Empire and Resistance Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C)0 of:
Registration to the following modules is only available following advice from the module coordinator.
 GRK20140 Intermediate Greek Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - C)0 of:
Registration to the following modules is only available following advice from the module coordinator.
 LAT20140 Intermediate Latin Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - C)0 of:
Registration to the following modules is only available following advice from the module coordinator.
 GRK20160 Introduction to Greek Texts Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - C)0 of:
Registration to the following modules is only available following advice from the module coordinator.
 LAT20130 Catullus Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C)0 of:
Registration to the following modules is only available following advice from the module coordinator.
 LAT20200 Latin Texts: Sallust Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D)0 of:
Registration to this module is only available if advised by the Programme Director.
 ARCH41480 Intro MediterraneanArchaeology Autumn  10

Lauren Brown

MSc in Experimental Archaeology 2020, current PhD Archaeology candidate

“As a graduate of an MSc degree at UCD, I was well equipped with the critical and analytical skills to begin my PhD here. The faculty in the UCD School of Archaeology was approachable and supportive, building my confidence to identify, explore and ultimately go deeper researching new ideas that I developed in my time here. My training has enabled me to forge my own path while doing what I love, gain transferable skills, and develop a professional network to support my career development.”

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. In terms of higher education, notwithstanding Brexit, UK students will still be eligible for the EU fee rate.

Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. 

Students on this programme will also be eligible to apply for the School of Archaeology's Kay Mahon bursary, valued at €3,000 to be set against fees. 

- entry to MSc based on an Upper Second Class Honours (2H1) undergraduate degree (GPA 3.2, NFQ Level 8, or the international equivalent) in archaeology or anthropology, or other cognate disciplines (to be discussed with programme coordinator)

- entry to GradDip based on a Lower Second Class Honours (2H2) undergraduate degree (GPA 2.7, NFQ Level 8, or the international equivalent) in archaeology or anthropology, or other cognate disciplines (to be discussed with programme coordinator)

- If English is not your native language, proof of proficiency in English will be required, unless you took your primary degree through English. The minimum acceptable score on the TOEFL Internet Based Test is 90, on the IELTS system it is 6.5

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No


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

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Grad Dip Mediterranean Archaeology
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Commencing September 2026
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Grad Dip Mediterranean Archaeology PT
Graduate Diploma

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W631
Grad Dip Mediterranean Archaeology
Graduate Diploma

Full-Time
Commencing September 2027
Graduate Taught
Opens 01 Oct 2026
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W632
Grad Dip Mediterranean Archaeology PT
Graduate Diploma

Part-Time
Commencing September 2027
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsOpens 01 Oct 2026
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