If you study Archaeology, you will see the world, time and the human condition in an entirely new way. Archaeology is a uniquely multidisciplinary subject, using all sources of evidence from the past, from ancient manuscripts to the scientific analysis of plants, animals and materials. Through undertaking Archaeology as a degree, you will learn how to assess, explain and make connections between different types of evidence that will allow you to develop a deeper understanding about the past. Students will also develop practical skills valued by employers, such as report writing, teamwork, presentation, communication and analytical skills.

You will study through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, field trips and practical engagement.

First Year

In first year, you will engage with Archaeology as a subject. No prior knowledge is assumed. Modules include:

• Exploring Archaeology
• Introduction to the Archaeology Ireland
• Introduction to Anthropology
• The Human Past
• All first year social sciences students also study a core module, Societal Challenges in the Twenty First Century
• Plus another subject
• Plus an Elective module

Second Year

In second year, we will build on the knowledge you gained in first year and explore how various approaches to Archaeology allow us to develop a better understanding of the past. Modules include:

• Archaeology of Things
• Landscape Archaeology
• Prehistoric & Historic Archaeology
• Archaeological Science
• Plus another subject
• Plus Elective modules.

Third Year

You will have an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of Archaeological themes. During this year, you can apply for an internship or to study abroad abroad for a trimester or year. Modules may include:

• Archaeology of Food
• Ancient Technologies
• Hunter Gatherers
• Early Medieval Europe
• Environmental Archaeology
• Plus another subject
• Plus Elective modules.

Fourth Year

Fourth year is designed to give you more ownership of your archaeological learning. Amongst other modules, there will opportunities to engage with archaeological research.

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods, e.g. continuous assessment in the form of essays, projects, group work, oral presentations and reports. Each mode of assessment is designed to support your learning through the course and to build life skills that will be of benefit beyond the course.

For detailed information on subject content click here.

You may be interested in the following Blog posts: Experimental Archaeology in UCD

Opportunities for International Study in Semester Two of Third Year may include:

• Austria
• Germany
• Norway
• Poland
• Switzerland
• North America
• China
• Australia

Students studying Archaeology with Chinese will study abroad for their third year.

Studying Archaeology provides a flexibility of thought and a range of practical skills that make our graduates highly employable in a number of sectors, including the varied and expanding Heritage Sector. Graduates have also found employment within the archaeological profession, in consultancy, professional contract work, museums and education. Others have used their transferable skills to become business and industry entrepreneurs, policymakers in arts and education, journalists, cultural critics and tourism leaders.

Graduate study opportunities in UCD include the MSc in Archaeology, MSc in Experimental Archaeology, MSc in Hunter-Gatherer Archaeology, MSc in World Heritage Management.

• Level 5/6 QQI-FET
  
• Open Learning Entry Route
• Mature Entry Route
• DARE Entry Route
  
• HEAR Entry Route
  
• University Access
  

Meriel McClatchie
UCD School of Archaeology
Newman,
Belfield,
Dublin 4

Email: meriel.mcclatchie@ucd.ie