Experimental Archaeology & Material Culture

The Graduate Certificate in Experimental Archaeology and Material Culture (Online/Distance Learning) builds on the strengths of the existing taught programmes in UG/PGT in experimental archaeology and material culture, and the international reputation of UCD School of Archaeology’s Centre for Experimental Archaeology and Material Culture (CEAMC). The Graduate Certificate in Experimental Archaeology and Material Culture (Online/Distance Learning) is a part-time, online, distance learning course designed to equip students with current thinking and professional understanding of experimental archaeological investigations of past societies. The programme will provide you with the knowledge base, skills and confidence to further develop their career in this field, and to build potential for further graduate studies, research and teaching. It is:



The only Experimental Archaeology & Material Culture Distance Learning course in the world, offering a multidisciplinary programme of teaching and learning with modules in theoretical and practical approaches to experimental archaeology and material culture



Designed for practitioners, museum professionals and motivated participants working in the areas of experimental archaeology, living history, re-enactment, crafts and ancient technologies, primitive technology, museums, archaeological open air museums, and also professional archaeologists (to be accredited as a CPD)



A part-time, online, distance learning course with an international focus on experimental archaeology and material culture.

Module Trimester Credits



Stage 1 Core Modules

ARCH41370 Experimental Archaeology (Online) Autumn 10

ARCH41350 Thinking about Things (Online) Spring 10

ARCH41360 Crafts, Making & Storytelling (Online) Summer 10

- Entry to the Graduate Certificate in Experimental Archaeology and Material Culture (online) will typically be based on an honours university degree (GPA 2.7, NFQ Level 8, or the international equivalent). The course is designed to accommodate applicants with a wide variety of academic qualifications including Archaeology, History, Architecture, Social Sciences, Classics, Geography, Biology, Arts, Fine Art, Agriculture, Engineering, Environmental Science and Economics, Design and Art.



- You may instead have equivalent work experience in the area of traditional crafts, museum studies or heritage communication. Applicants with such experience in traditional crafts, technologies, living history, re-enactment and heritage presentation and related fields are welcome to apply (please discuss with programme coordinator by email to barry.molloy@ucd.ie).



- We intend to welcome a diverse group of participants with a wide range of experience in different areas of crafts, making and heritage, to provide for a dynamic forum for discussion and interaction.



- If English is not your native language, proof of proficiency in English will be required, unless you took your primary degree through English. The minimum acceptable score on the TOEFL Internet Based Test is 90, on the IELTS system it is 6.5.



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

1 year part-time online.

Next Intake: September 2025