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

Many graduates have found employment within the archaeological profession, in consultancy, professional contract work, museums and education. Archaeology offers many transferable skills, and graduates can utilise these to become:

• Business and industry entrepreneurs


• Policymakers in arts and education


• Journalists


• Tourism leaders


• Writers, actors, cultural critics

Graduate study opportunities in UCD include the MA and the MLitt/PhD in Archaeology.

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.

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)

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)

Module ID	Module Title	Trimester	Credits
Stage 2 Core Modules
ARCH20520	How Archaeologists Think: an introduction to archaeological theory	Autumn	5
Stage 2 Core Modules
Stage 2 Options - B)MIN4OF: Select a minimum of 4 of the following options.
ARCH20510	Archaeology of Landscapes	Autumn	5
ARCH20570	Cultural Heritage	Autumn	5
ARCH20600	Archaeological Science	Autumn	5
ARCH20630	Archaeological Field Skills	Autumn	5
ARCH20500	Archaeology of Things	Spring	5
ARCH20610	Historical Archaeology	Spring	5
ARCH20620	People in Prehistory: key themes and problems	Spring	5
Stage 2 Options - B)MIN4OF: Select a minimum of 4 of the following options.
Stage 3 Core Modules
ARCH30920	Communicating Archaeology	Autumn	5
Stage 3 Core Modules
Stage 3 Options - B)MIN2OF: 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)
ARCH20630	Archaeological Field Skills	Autumn	5
ARCH30170	Combat Archaeology	Autumn	5
ARCH30700	Research Project Preparation	Autumn	5
ARCH30770	Environmental Arch in Practice	Autumn	10
ARCH30810	Southeast and East Asian Archaeology	Autumn	10
ARCH30830	Medieval Buildings: An Arch	Spring	10
ARCH30840	Minoan Archaeology	Spring	10
ARCH30880	Research Project	Spring	10
ARCH30970	Iron Age Ireland	Spring	5
ARCH30980	The Viking Age: Studies in the Archaeology of northern Europe, c.AD700–1050	Spring	5
Stage 3 Options - B)MIN2OF: 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)
Stage 4 Core Modules
ARCH30920	Communicating Archaeology	Autumn	5
Stage 4 Core Modules
Stage 4 Options - B)MIN2OF: 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)
ARCH20630	Archaeological Field Skills	Autumn	5
ARCH30170	Combat Archaeology	Autumn	5
ARCH30700	Research Project Preparation	Autumn	5
ARCH30770	Environmental Arch in Practice	Autumn	10
ARCH30810	Southeast and East Asian Archaeology	Autumn	10
ARCH30830	Medieval Buildings: An Arch	Spring	10
ARCH30840	Minoan Archaeology	Spring	10
ARCH30880	Research Project	Spring	10
ARCH30970	Iron Age Ireland	Spring	5
ARCH30980	The Viking Age: Studies in the Archaeology of northern Europe, c.AD700–1050	Spring	5
Stage 4 Options - B)MIN2OF: 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)

		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