Curricular information is subject to change
Show/hide contentOpenClose All
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.
It is recommended that students wishing to pursue a Minor in Archaeology have taken more than two level one modules.
Students must take the level 2 core module and choose three modules from the Options List.
Students must take the level 3 core module and register to a minimum of 15 credits from the options below. Please note that there are 5 and 10 credit modules available and that you must choose at least one 10 credit module from the list of options.
Students must take the Stage 4 core module and register to a minimum of 15 credits from the options below. Please note that there are 5 and 10 credit modules available and that you must choose at least one 10 credit module from the list of options.
Module ID | Module Title | Trimester | Credits |
---|---|---|---|
ARCH20520 | How Archaeologists Think: an introduction to archaeological theory | Autumn | 5 |
ARCH20510 | Archaeology of Landscapes | Autumn | 5 |
ARCH20570 | Cultural Heritage | Autumn | 5 |
ARCH20610 | Historical Archaeology | Autumn | 5 |
ARCH20500 | Archaeology of Things | Spring | 5 |
ARCH20600 | Archaeological Science | Spring | 5 |
ARCH20620 | People in Prehistory: key themes and problems | Spring | 5 |
ARCH30920 | Communicating Archaeology | Autumn | 5 |
ARCH30820 | The Archaeology of Collapse | Autumn | 10 |
ARCH31010 | Human Osteoarchaeology | Autumn | 10 |
ARCH30990 | Between Newgrange & Stonehenge | Spring | 10 |
ARCH31000 | People & Extreme Environments | Spring | 10 |
ARCH30170 | Combat Archaeology | Autumn | 5 |
ARCH30920 | Communicating Archaeology | Autumn | 5 |
ARCH30820 | The Archaeology of Collapse | Autumn | 10 |
ARCH31010 | Human Osteoarchaeology | Autumn | 10 |
ARCH30990 | Between Newgrange & Stonehenge | Spring | 10 |
ARCH31000 | People & Extreme Environments | Spring | 10 |
ARCH30170 | Combat Archaeology | Autumn | 5 |