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Higher Diploma Archaeology

HDip (NFQ Level 8)
Scholarships Available

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

Duration:
1 Year
Attendance:
Full Time
Delivery:
On Campus
NFQ Level:
8 (60 credits)
Level:
Graduate Taught
Award:
Higher 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:
8 (60 credits)
Level:
Graduate Taught
Award:
Higher 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
The Higher Diploma (HDip) in Archaeology is a one year (full time) or two year (part time) 60-ECTS credit degree programme. It is designed for people who do not have a previous qualification in archaeology but who wish to consider a postgraduate degree in the subject

The programme comprises the final two years of our undergraduate programme compressed into a single academic year. This includes:

  • Core modules on archaeological theory, methods, approaches to landscape and material culture as well as key issues in heritage management and Irish archaeology
  • Optional modules in areas including prehistoric and medieval archaeology, scientific archaeology and other thematic areas.
  • Production of a 10-credit independent research project.

About This Course

  • Apply discipline-specific archaeological skills and approaches, such as archaeological fieldwork or laboratory techniques
  • Communicate through written, visual and oral media to specialist and non-specialist
  • Conduct independent and self-planned evidence-based research projects, reflectively using appropriate professional methodologies and equipment
  • Develop a detailed knowledge of Ireland’s internationally-renowned archaeological record, underpinned by the global context
  • Develop a detailed understanding of key changes in human society globally from prehistory to the present day, and how this influences the modern world
  • Develop an advanced understanding of the latest international archaeological practice and research
  • Gather, evaluate and interpret archaeological data, transforming it into knowledge in interdisciplinary context and communicating your results effectively
  • Participate in field and laboratory-based archaeological projects
  • Reflect upon the roles of archaeology and the past in modern society, the value of heritage and the context of appropriate legislation
  • Work within large or small teams and independently, leading and being led as appropriate

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
 ARCH20510 Archaeology of Landscapes Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 ARCH20520 How Archaeologists Think: an introduction to archaeological theory Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 ARCH30700 Research Project Preparation Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 ARCH30920 Communicating Archaeology Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 ARCH20500 Archaeology of Things Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 ARCH30880 Research Project Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - C)25CR:
Please select 25 credits of option modules from the below List B. Students must take a minimum of 10 credits of option modules at Level 3 (ARCH3xxxx).
 ARCH20570 Cultural Heritage Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - C)25CR:
Please select 25 credits of option modules from the below List B. Students must take a minimum of 10 credits of option modules at Level 3 (ARCH3xxxx).
 ARCH20670 Mediterranean Archaeology Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - C)25CR:
Please select 25 credits of option modules from the below List B. Students must take a minimum of 10 credits of option modules at Level 3 (ARCH3xxxx).
 ARCH30500 Experiment Archaeology & Ancient Technologies Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - C)25CR:
Please select 25 credits of option modules from the below List B. Students must take a minimum of 10 credits of option modules at Level 3 (ARCH3xxxx).
 ARCH30910 Roman Imperial Art, Architecture and Political Propaganda; how to spot fake news in the Roman world Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - C)25CR:
Please select 25 credits of option modules from the below List B. Students must take a minimum of 10 credits of option modules at Level 3 (ARCH3xxxx).
 ARCH30990 Between Newgrange & Stonehenge Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - C)25CR:
Please select 25 credits of option modules from the below List B. Students must take a minimum of 10 credits of option modules at Level 3 (ARCH3xxxx).
 ARCH31040 The Art of Greek Emotions Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - C)25CR:
Please select 25 credits of option modules from the below List B. Students must take a minimum of 10 credits of option modules at Level 3 (ARCH3xxxx).
 ARCH10050 Intro archaeology of Ireland Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C)25CR:
Please select 25 credits of option modules from the below List B. Students must take a minimum of 10 credits of option modules at Level 3 (ARCH3xxxx).
 ARCH10150 Anthropology: an introduction Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C)25CR:
Please select 25 credits of option modules from the below List B. Students must take a minimum of 10 credits of option modules at Level 3 (ARCH3xxxx).
 ARCH20600 Archaeological Science Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C)25CR:
Please select 25 credits of option modules from the below List B. Students must take a minimum of 10 credits of option modules at Level 3 (ARCH3xxxx).
 ARCH20610 Historical Archaeology Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C)25CR:
Please select 25 credits of option modules from the below List B. Students must take a minimum of 10 credits of option modules at Level 3 (ARCH3xxxx).
 ARCH20620 People in Prehistory: key themes and problems Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C)25CR:
Please select 25 credits of option modules from the below List B. Students must take a minimum of 10 credits of option modules at Level 3 (ARCH3xxxx).
 ARCH30530 Early Medieval Ireland and Beyond: Social Identity and Belonging AD 400-1100 Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C)25CR:
Please select 25 credits of option modules from the below List B. Students must take a minimum of 10 credits of option modules at Level 3 (ARCH3xxxx).
 ARCH30830 Medieval Buildings: An Arch Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - C)25CR:
Please select 25 credits of option modules from the below List B. Students must take a minimum of 10 credits of option modules at Level 3 (ARCH3xxxx).
 ARCH31030 Archaeology of Communities Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - C)25CR:
Please select 25 credits of option modules from the below List B. Students must take a minimum of 10 credits of option modules at Level 3 (ARCH3xxxx).
 ARCH31050 Being Human in Prehistory Spring  5

Higher Diploma Archaeology (Z212) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 7325
nonEU    fee per year - € 15070

Higher Diploma Archaeology (Z213) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 4375
nonEU    fee per year - € 7540

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.

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


The HDip is designed for students with little or no prior archaeological training, and will fast track you through the advanced stages (Levels 2 and 3) of our undergraduate programme.



The Higher Diploma in Archaeology is a Level 8 course within the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and runs for a year (Full Time) or two years (Part Time). The majority of students who study for the Higher Diploma already have an Honours Bachelor Degree; although holders of Ordinary Bachelor Degrees are also still able to do a Higher Diploma. In either case,a minimum 2.1 or an equivalent of a UCD GPA of 3.2. is required. 



For most students,  the Higher Diploma offers a way for students with no archaeological qualifications to begin to study archaeology at 3rd Level. As such, the Higher Diploma does not require the previous qualification to be in archaeology or a related discipline. If completed successfully, the Higher Diploma may offer a pathway for students to study for a Masters degree in archaeology.


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Higher Diploma Archaeology:

ROWCLASS Apply to
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Z212
Higher Diploma Archaeology
Higher Diploma

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Apply
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
Z213
Higher Diploma Archaeology
Higher Diploma

Part-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsApply
* you can change options at the top of the page
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