Explore UCD

UCD Home >

ARCH41270

Academic Year 2026/2027

Archaeological Field Methods (ARCH41270)

Subject:
Archaeology
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Archaeology
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Professor Aidan O'Sullivan
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

ARCH41270: Archaeological Field Methods will introduce you to some key principles in archaeological investigations, principally through archaeological excavations of key features in UCD Centre for Experimental Archaeology and Material Culture (CEAMC), e.g. which in the past have included excavations of our Mesolithic houses, the early medieval roundhouse burnt down in 2019, replica ironsmelting areas, pottery firing features, and other 'archaeological sites' within CEAMC).

An experienced professional archaeologist and adept Archaeological Site Director Cathy Moore, MA will guide you in such key archaeological field recording and processing techniques as excavation methods and techniques; site and feature scale planning; sampling, retention of archaeological finds, and other typical methods of recording features (e.g. drawing, photography, use of feature sheets, and other methods). An emphasis is placed on understanding the basic archaeological methods used in fieldwork and applying skills in practice, including how to use text, illustrations, artefact studies, and an understanding how we represent the excavated record by various means.

This is a module taught entirely through outdoors work, and attendance everyday is obligatory as key learning tasks will be encountered every day. In 2027, this will be held during the two-weeks of the March mid-term break (but not including St Patrick's Day (a national holiday) or at weekends). March in Ireland can be cold and wet, and also bright and breezy, so warm and waterproof footwear (preferably workboots) and clothing (coat, hat, trousers suitable for outdoors work (not jeans, which don't dry out) are a requirement. A packed lunch and drinks should be brought by each student. Toilet facilities are available locally in Roebuck. Access to CEAMC is via gravel pathways and CEAMC itself is grassy with uneven ground, and occasional hollows, dug pits and trip hazards. You will be working with digging tools (mattocks, shovels, spades, trowels) and will be guided on their safe use for yourself and others. Any students with health or access concerns should discuss any of this with the module coordinator (Prof Aidan O'Sullivan) as soon as possible

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module you should be able to:
- Understand how archaeologists approach the investigation of sites and features
- Perform basic tasks using key pieces of archaeological equipment
- Record features in the field
- Critically appraise the techniques utilised
- Consider appropriate excavation strategies and methods to achieve define goals
- Work in groups to manage and undertake a field or other project
- Present your project portfolio to a professional standard

UNESCO highlights a set of key competencies that support individuals in their development and support society in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UCD has adapted these competencies and is combining them with others to form a general framework of learning competencies. This module will help you develop the competencies below to the levels specified. 
Learning Competency Additional Information Level

Collaboration

 The ability to learn from others; to understand and respect the needs, perspectives and actions of others (empathy); to understand, relate to and be sensitive to others (empathic leadership); to deal with conflicts in a group; and to facilitate collaborative and participatory problem solving. Proficient

Critical Thinking

 The ability to question norms, practices and opinions; to reflect on one’s own values, perceptions and actions. Proficient

Self-awareness

 The ability to reflect on one’s own role in the local community and (global) society; to continually evaluate and further motivate one’s actions; and to deal with one’s feelings and desires. Proficient

Anticipatory

 The ability to understand and evaluate multiple scenarios for the future – possible, probable and desirable; to create one’s own visions for the future; to apply the precautionary principle; to assess the consequences of actions; and to deal with risks and changes. Proficient

Wellbeing

 Wellbeing is having the resources and skills to meet life's challenges, including attributes such as personal development skills, resilience, stress management, strengths, lifestyle skills, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, alcohol/substance use, academic skills, time management, goal setting, interpersonal skills, group work, communication. Competent

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


Goal Name Description Coverage

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all 1

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls 1
 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

125
Autonomous Student Learning

75
Small Group

40
Total

240

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
See module description

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade Component repeat (in-module) Offered
Reflective Assignment: Learning Journal – “My reflections on archaeological excavations as a process for investigating the past” (2000 words). During the field week you are expected to keep a diary or site notebook Week 10 Graded No
30
 No
Report(s): Archaeological Excavation Report (3,500 words)
You will prepare and submit a summary archaeological excavation report describing one of the site(s) investigated during the fieldweek.
Week 14 Graded No
70
 No

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided through Brightspace.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Meriel McClatchie Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Brendan O'Neill Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Field Trip Offering 1 Week(s) - 27, 28 Mon 10:00 - 16:50
Spring Field Trip Offering 1 Week(s) - 27, 28 Thurs 10:00 - 16:50
Spring Field Trip Offering 1 Week(s) - 27, 28 Tues 10:00 - 16:50
Spring Field Trip Offering 1 Week(s) - 27, 28 Wed 10:00 - 16:50
Print this page
Fill in the following details:
Enter the body of your query here.

From time to time UCD would like to send you further information that we feel, based on your enquiry, would be of interest to you.