Archaeology

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.

Module Trimester Credits



Stage 1 Core Modules

ARCH20510 Archaeology of Landscapes Autumn 5

ARCH20520 How Archaeologists Think: an introduction to archaeological theory Autumn 5

ARCH30700 Research Project Preparation Autumn 5

ARCH30920 Communicating Archaeology Autumn 5

ARCH20500 Archaeology of Things Spring 5

ARCH30880 Research Project Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0CR:

Students may choose to take one of the options below, but not both options. It is not necessary to choose either option.

ARCH10050 Intro archaeology of Ireland Spring 5

LSOC10010 Making the Irish Landscape Spring 5



Stage 1 Options - C) Min 10CR:

Please select the remainder of your credits from the below Lists B&C (either 20 or 25 credits dependent on whether you chose a module from List A). Students must take a minimum of 10 credits of option modules at Level 3 (ARCH3xxxx).

ARCH20570 Cultural Heritage Autumn 5

ARCH20610 Historical Archaeology Autumn 5

ARCH30500 Experiment Archaeology & Ancient Technologies Autumn 5

ARCH30820 The Archaeology of Collapse Autumn 10

ARCH31020 Understanding Human Origins Autumn 5

ARCH10150 Anthropology: an introduction Spring 5

ARCH20600 Archaeological Science Spring 5

ARCH20620 People in Prehistory: key themes and problems Spring 5

ARCH31000 Archaeology, People and Cultures in Extreme Environments Spring 10

ARCH31030 Archaeology of Communities Spring 10

Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:

Due to capacity restrictions, registration for ARCH31010 is not available online - if you wish to take this module please contact the School of Archaeology using this Google Form.

ARCH31010 Human Osteoarchaeology Autumn 10

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. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

60

Z212: 1 year full-time

Z213: 2 years part-time

HDip Archaeology (Z212) Full Time

EU: fee per year - €6105

nonEU: fee per year - €13270


HDip Archaeology (Z213) Part Time

EU: fee per year - €3650

nonEU: fee per year - €6635


***Fees are subject to change.


Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website.

Commencing September 2025

Careers & Employability

Following the HDip students are eligible to apply for the GDip/MA programmes in Archaeology. Alternatively, the HDip provides a strong basis for careers in archaeology, cultural heritage, tourism, government organisations, museums, as well as media, education, journalism, publishing, arts and cultural companies, environmental consultancy etc.