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.

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 - C)25CR:

Please select 25 credits of option modules from the below List B. Students must take a minimum of 10 credits of option modules at Level 3 (ARCH3xxxx).

ARCH20570 Cultural Heritage Autumn 5

ARCH20670 Mediterranean Archaeology Autumn 5

ARCH30500 Experiment Archaeology & Ancient Technologies Autumn 5

ARCH30910 Roman Imperial Art, Architecture and Political Propaganda; how to spot fake news in the Roman world Autumn 10

ARCH30990 Between Newgrange & Stonehenge Autumn 10

ARCH31040 The Art of Greek Emotions Autumn 5

ARCH10050 Intro archaeology of Ireland Spring 5

ARCH10150 Anthropology: an introduction Spring 5

ARCH20600 Archaeological Science Spring 5

ARCH20610 Historical Archaeology Spring 5

ARCH20620 People in Prehistory: key themes and problems Spring 5

ARCH30530 Early Medieval Ireland and Beyond: Social Identity and Belonging AD 400-1100 Spring 5

ARCH30830 Medieval Buildings: An Arch Spring 10

ARCH31030 Archaeology of Communities Spring 10

ARCH31050 Being Human in Prehistory Spring 5

The majority of students who study for the Higher Diploma already have an Honours Bachelor Degree; although holders of Ordinary Bachelor Degrees are also still able to do a Higher Diploma. In either case, a minimum 2.1 or an equivalent of a UCD GPA of 3.2. is required.



For most students, the Higher Diploma offers a way for students with no archaeological qualifications to begin to study archaeology at 3rd Level. As such, the Higher Diploma does not require the previous qualification to be in archaeology or a related discipline. If completed successfully, the Higher Diploma may offer a pathway for students to study for a Masters degree in archaeology.



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.

Apply online



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes



Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: No

Z212: 1 year full-time

Z213: 2 years part-time

Z212 Higher Diploma Archaeology

Higher Diploma Full-Time

Commencing September 2026



Z213 Higher Diploma Archaeology

Higher Diploma Part-Time

Commencing September 2026