Archaeology - Conversion Course

Course Outline

This course is for non-archaeology graduates who have a degree and would like to transfer their studies to the discipline of archaeology. The course is designed for those who have an active interest in archaeology and want to undertake a full-time course of study, out of interest, or to change careers.



It is also aimed at those currently employed in some branch of archaeology, who wish to obtain an academic qualification in the subject out of interest, or in order to change career. The Diploma is also designed for those who require a conversion course to apply for postgraduate studies in archaeology at UCC, such as a one-year MA course or the MPhil/PhD research degree. The course is suitable for international students who wish to study Archaeology in Ireland.



This is a full-time course over one academic year during which you will take modules in archaeology to the equivalent of 60 credits. The course is made up of modules from the second and third-year courses in the undergraduate BA degree. This means you will be able to take courses across Irish prehistory, the medieval and post-medieval period, and a range of methods, ranging from bioarchaeology and osteoarchaeology to palaeo-environmental archaeology, palynology and wetland archaeology.



Staff in the department are internationally recognised experts in their respective areas and teaching is informed by their own research. Frequent field trips to museums and field monuments also form part of various modules, introducing you to the range of archaeological sites in the Irish landscape.



You are required to take core modules to a value of 20 credits. You will choose the remaining 40 credits in consultation with the course coordinator, taking into account timetable constraints and the suitability of course combinations. Students with little previous knowledge of archaeology may also audit all or part of the first-year archaeology course.



Additional Teaching Mode Information

The part-time option will be taught during weekday working hours over two years. Teaching is delivered in person in classrooms, labs and through fieldwork. Field trips take place on weekends.

Requirements

It is intended for those who already have a 3- or 4-year primary degree, and who wish to study the subject of Archaeology intensively over one academic year. The Higher Diploma in Arts is a conversion programme and applicants would not normally have studied the relevant subject to Honours Degree level previously.



For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.



International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.



- In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.



- Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.



English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

Closing Date: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.



Non-EU Closing Date

Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

The course will be assessed by a combination of formal, end-of-year examination and continuous assessment of essays, projects and field trip participation.

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

Start Date: 8th September 2025.

Skills and Careers Information

For more information please contact the course coordinator Dr Katharina Becker.