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MSc Hunter-Gatherer Archaeology

MSc (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 (90 credits)
Level:
Graduate Taught
Award:
Master of Science
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 (90 credits)
Level:
Graduate Taught
Award:
Master of Science
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

The MSc in Hunter- Gatherer Archaeology is for students interested in the fascinating and remarkable world of hunter-gatherers. It is often claimed that humans have spent 90-99% of their existence as hunter-gatherers. Understanding these ways of life provides vital perspectives on human identity and the challenges and opportunities societies face today. Anthropology provides information about recent hunter-gatherers, but archaeology is the only discipline that can understand our hunter-gatherer past, and hunter-gatherer archaeology therefore has a particular significance. Our programme will introduce students to key themes in the archaeology of past hunter gatherers, the relationship between past and present hunting and gathering communities, and the contemporary context of knowledge production about hunter-gatherers. Our primary focus is the archaeology of Homo sapienshunter-gatherers: we will include some discussion of non-Homo sapiens, but this is not a course on human evolution. 

Students will develop skills in project design and independent research, data analysis and interpretation, communicating the past to different stakeholders, as well as how to develop different perspectives on the past. Students will be part of a dynamic, friendly and international postgraduate community in a School with a 160-year history of exceptional archaeological research and will form part of the UCD Hunter Gatherer Research Group.

Hunter-Gatherer Archaeology students have the opportunity to volunteer on many of our hunter-gatherer research projects, potentially including two weeks of excavation in the Cairngorm mountains of Scotland. Contact the course director (graeme.warren@ucd.ie) for details. 

About This Course

  • Demonstrate understanding and assess of the distinctive character and challenges of the archaeology of hunting and gathering communities and the opportunities this provides in global context)
  • Critically understand the use of analogy and ethnoarchaeology in the archaeology of hunter-gatherers 
  • Assess the social and political context of our archaeological knowledge of hunting and gathering communities and the problems and potentials associated with this 
  • Critically evaluate diverse sources of data on past and present hunting and gathering communities (archaeology, anthropology, genetic, linguistics etc) and transform them into knowledge 
  • Appropriately select and apply discipline-specific archaeological skills and approaches to resolve research problems and develop our understanding of hunter-gatherer communities
  • Communicate findings and ideas clearly and effectively in oral, written and visual
  • Work within large or small teams and independently, leading and being led as appropriate
  • Effectively manage projects and deadlines over the course of a year of intensive study
  • Design, structure, research and implement a significant piece of original research focused on hunter-gatherer archaeology, in the form of an MSc research thesis

Graduate attributes

Graduates from the MSc/GDip in Hunter-Gatherer Archaeology will have

  • H developed interpersonal, intercultural, and life skills necessary for flourishing in an increasingly global and digital society 
  • a strong knowledge of the hunter-gatherer past and the potentials of this for imagining and realising the future. 
  • ability to work independently and with peers in collaborative and flexible ways.
  • resourcefulness, creativity and problem-solving skills.
  • proficiency in collating, analysing and interpret scientific information.
  • an ability to evaluate, synthesise and communicate different views.
  • an understanding of the social and political context of knowledge production.
  • an understanding of the deep history of contemporary issues and of the potential of knowledge of the human past to creatively and critically shape the future.

They will be

  • Academically excellent, and have developed capacities to forge a career in hunter-gatherer research and/or advocacy as well as a broad range of other professional possibilities.
  • In possession of knowledge, skills, experience and attitudes needed to flourish in society. 
  • Intellectually flexible and culturally literate and globally engaged; with especially increased understanding of cultural diversity as it relates to hunter-gatherer societies and the value of this for present and future societies.
  • Committed to issues surrounding equality, diversity and inclusion in their professional contexts.

The MSc will provide you with the skills required to develop a career in the archaeological profession or the heritage sector, or to go on to further academic study. Transferable skillsets such as critical thinking and project management 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 

• The heritage sector & Tourism 

• State sector bodies 

• NGOs 

• Education

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
 ARCH41170 Material Culture Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 ARCH41320 Hunter-Gatherers 1: Key Themes Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 ARCH41330 Hunter-Gatherers 2: producing knowledge Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 ARCH41460 Dissertation (Taught) Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 ARCH41470 MSc Dissertation (Research) Summer  30
Stage 1 Options - A)25CR:
Students are required to take 25 CR in Options modules - 10 CR in Autumn and 15 CR in Spring.
ARCH41180 Experimental Archaeology: Making, Understanding, Storytelling Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)25CR:
Students are required to take 25 CR in Options modules - 10 CR in Autumn and 15 CR in Spring.
ARCH41240 Heritage Management Challenges Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)25CR:
Students are required to take 25 CR in Options modules - 10 CR in Autumn and 15 CR in Spring.
ARCH41250 Nature & Culture: A bridge Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)25CR:
Students are required to take 25 CR in Options modules - 10 CR in Autumn and 15 CR in Spring.
ARCH41310 Land / Landscape Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)25CR:
Students are required to take 25 CR in Options modules - 10 CR in Autumn and 15 CR in Spring.
ARCH40850 Practical Experimental Archaeology Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)25CR:
Students are required to take 25 CR in Options modules - 10 CR in Autumn and 15 CR in Spring.
ARCH41220 Heritage Management in Practice Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A)25CR:
Students are required to take 25 CR in Options modules - 10 CR in Autumn and 15 CR in Spring.
ARCH41270 Archaeological Field Methods Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)25CR:
Students are required to take 25 CR in Options modules - 10 CR in Autumn and 15 CR in Spring.
ARCH41340 GIS, Cultural Heritage and Spatial Thinking Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)25CR:
Students are required to take 25 CR in Options modules - 10 CR in Autumn and 15 CR in Spring.
ARCH41450 Current Debates in Archaeology Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A)25CR:
Students are required to take 25 CR in Options modules - 10 CR in Autumn and 15 CR in Spring.
LAW42040 Culture, Heritage and Human Rights Spring  10

Deborah Buchanan
MSc Hunter-Gatherer Archaeology student, UCD School of Archaeology

“I can honestly say that the Hunter-Gatherer Archaeology programme has far exceeded my expectations. The practical
side of things really surprised me- we’ve spent a lot of time doing, not just sitting listening to lectures.

The style of teaching at UCD has also been a pleasant surprise to me. In the past I didn’t feel like I could approach lecturers, but at UCD I feel like everyone is trying to help me learn and genuinely wants me to do well.”

MSc Hunter-Gatherer Archaeology (W501) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 9515
nonEU    fee per year - € 22600

MSc Hunter-Gatherer Archaeology (W502) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 5275
nonEU    fee per year - € 11300

***Fees are subject to change

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.

For further information on UCD graduate scholarships please see UCD scholarships.

The School of Archaeology offer two scholarships towards tuition fees, which are open to all EU and international students: the School of Archaeology Graduate Scholarship, worth €5,000 towards fees; and the 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


Part Time option suitable for:



Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No



The MSc and GradDip programmes are intended for applicants with a degree in archaeology, anthropology, or cognate disciplines such as geography, history, environmental studies, or professionals working in museums, heritage management or related areas. Contact us for advice and information, especially to consider relevant archaeological experience. 


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

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W501
MSc Hunter-Gatherer Archaeology
Master of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Apply
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W502
MSc Hunter-Gatherer Archaeology
Master of Science

Part-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsApply
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