Higher Diploma (Archaeology)

Course details

Archaeology is the study of past peoples and societies. By understanding how they adapted and changed over time, you as an archaeologist will gain insights into the development of the contemporary world.

This programme offers a thorough grounding in a variety of aspects of Irish and European archaeology, stretching from the first arrivals to the continent, to today’s society.

Key facts

Entry requirements

The programme is open to students with a NQAI Level 7 or Level 8 primary degree in any discipline (other than Archaeology) who wish to acquire an academic qualification in archaeology. A basic knowledge of and interest in Archaeology is desirable.

Course outline

Students will take an approved selection of 6 modules within the Second and Final Year BA undergraduate programme to the equivalent of 30 ECTS along with a 10 ECTS module "Reading the Past in Practice" and a 20 ECTS dissertation module, "Archaeology and Place". "Reading the Past in Practice" and "Archaeology and Place" both have fieldwork components. Part-time students will take courses to the equivalent of 30 ECTS in Year 1 and courses to the equivalent of 30 ECTS in Year 2.

Modules on offer include:

• Hunters and Farmers in Early Europe
• Interpretation in Archaeology
• Gaelic Peoples: Identity and Cultural Practice
• Castles, Colonists and Crannogs 1100-1350
• Europe in the Bronze Age
• Public Archaeology
• Reading the Past in Practice
• Archaeology and Place

Requirements and assessment

• The programme is assessed by essays, exams, and continuous assessments.