Archaeology (AEJ4)

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Studying archaeology at UCD provides a transformative educational experience that enables you to use an understanding of the past to critically contribute to the issues of the present and the future. The degree develops your archaeological knowledge, and provides a broad range of the archaeological skills required to discover the past. Through the programme you will develop an appreciation of cultural diversity over space and time. You will also develop key transferable skills, be encouraged to think critically, and create 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
Stage 3

Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 25 credits from the option list below. Please note that there are 5 and 10 credit modules available – this means that you may need to choose more than the minimum requirements in order to choose 25 credits. If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here.

Stage 4

Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 25 credits overall for stage 4. You must select a minimum of 20 credits of option modules. A minimum of 15 credits can be chosen from list A, the remaining 5 credits of options can be selected from list A OR list B. Please note that there are 5 and 10 credit modules available.

In order to complete your Undergraduate degree, you must earn at least 40 credits at level 3 or above. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet this requirement.

Module ID Module Title Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
     
ARCH10010 Exploring Archaeology Autumn 5
ARCH10160 The Human Past Autumn 5
ARCH10050 Intro archaeology of Ireland Spring 5
Stage 1 Core Modules
     
Stage 1 Options - A)MIN1OF:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional option module can be selected in place of an elective.
     
ARCH10150 Anthropology: an introduction Spring 5
ARCH10170 Making the Past Spring 5
Stage 1 Options - A)MIN1OF:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional option module can be selected in place of an elective.
     
Stage 2 Core Modules
     
ARCH20520 How Archaeologists Think: an introduction to archaeological theory Autumn 5
Stage 2 Core Modules
     
Stage 2 Options - A)MIN2OF:
Select a minimum of 2 of two of the following option modules. Additional option module can be selected in place of an elective.
     
ARCH20510 Archaeology of Landscapes Autumn 5
ARCH20570 Cultural Heritage Autumn 5
ARCH20500 Archaeology of Things Spring 5
Stage 2 Options - A)MIN2OF:
Select a minimum of 2 of two of the following option modules. Additional option module can be selected in place of an elective.
     
Stage 2 Options - B)MIN1OF:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
     
ARCH20600 Archaeological Science Autumn 5
ARCH20630 Archaeological Field Skills Autumn 5
ARCH20610 Historical Archaeology Spring 5
ARCH20620 People in Prehistory: key themes and problems Spring 5
Stage 2 Options - B)MIN1OF:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
     
Stage 3 Options - A)MIN25CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 25 credits from the option list below. Please note that there are 5 and 10 credit modules available – this means that you may need to choose more than the minimum requirements in order to choose 25 credits. If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
     
ARCH20510 Archaeology of Landscapes Autumn 5
ARCH20600 Archaeological Science Autumn 5
ARCH20630 Archaeological Field Skills Autumn 5
ARCH30170 Combat Archaeology Autumn 5
ARCH30770 Environmental Arch in Practice Autumn 10
ARCH30810 Southeast and East Asian Archaeology Autumn 10
ARCH20500 Archaeology of Things Spring 5
ARCH20610 Historical Archaeology Spring 5
ARCH20620 People in Prehistory: key themes and problems Spring 5
ARCH30830 Medieval Buildings: An Arch Spring 10
ARCH30840 Minoan Archaeology 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 - A)MIN25CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 25 credits from the option list below. Please note that there are 5 and 10 credit modules available – this means that you may need to choose more than the minimum requirements in order to choose 25 credits. If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
     
Stage 4 Core Modules
     
ARCH30920 Communicating Archaeology Autumn 5
Stage 4 Core Modules
     
Stage 4 Options - A)MIN15CR:
Select a minimum of 20 credits of option modules from the two lists below. Select a minimum of 15 credits from list A. The remaining 5 credits of options can be selected from list A or list B. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
     
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 - A)MIN15CR:
Select a minimum of 20 credits of option modules from the two lists below. Select a minimum of 15 credits from list A. The remaining 5 credits of options can be selected from list A or list B. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
     
Stage 4 Options - B)MIN0CR:
You may select a max of 5 credits from the following options list to fulfill stage 4 requirements. Students can select one of the modules listed below in place of an elective.
     
ARCH20570 Cultural Heritage Autumn 5
ARCH20600 Archaeological Science Autumn 5
ARCH20500 Archaeology of Things Spring 5
ARCH20610 Historical Archaeology Spring 5
ARCH20620 People in Prehistory: key themes and problems Spring 5
Stage 4 Options - B)MIN0CR:
You may select a max of 5 credits from the following options list to fulfill stage 4 requirements. Students can select one of the modules listed below in place of an elective.
     
See the UCD Assessment website for further details

Module Weighting Info  
  Award GPA
Programme Module Weightings Rule Description Description >= <=
BHSOC010 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


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