Archaeology - Human Osteoarchaeology

Teaching focuses on the explanation of theoretical approaches and methods that can be used to address archaeological research questions using human skeletal data. Teaching consists of both lectures and lab-based practical sessions. You will benefit from the fact that the Department of Archaeology has a long tradition of research and teaching in human osteoarchaeology and will have the opportunity to engage in discussions with PhD students and staff, both in the classroom and outside. You will have an active role in shaping your own research project. The taught MA in Human Osteoarchaeology is a one-year, full-time, vocationally- orientated course. This provides both a basis for application in the workplace and an opportunity for you to continue into PhD research.

For the first part of the year, you will be required to attend lectures, seminars, laboratory practicals and field trips for seven modules. You will also choose a 20-25,000-word dissertation topic in consultation with staff. In the second part of the year, you will work on this dissertation for presentation in September.

Course Practicalities
The bulk of teaching is carried out in Period 1 when lectures take place each morning, typically from 10 am to 1 pm. There are also some afternoon classes. One course, Anatomy, is taught over both Periods 1 and 2. All lectures, practicals and occasional field trips are mandatory. You are strongly encouraged to work in the Human Remains Laboratory outside class times throughout the year.

Taught modules are assessed by a variety of means including essays, in-class practical tests, seminar participation and presentations, laboratory notebooks, and MCQ examination. One course, Anatomy, has a written, end-of-year final exam. Fifty per cent of the total grade for the course is awarded for independent research: the dissertation which is due in mid-September.

Dr Barra Ó Donnabhain (PhD, University of Chicago) is a bioarchaeologist who has been conducting archaeological research in Ireland and other parts of the world for over 25 years. His publications cover a wide temporal span as well as a broad range of themes but are characterized by an integrative approach in their reconstructions of past lives. This is exemplified by recent papers dealing with the political use of ritualized violence and the use of bone chemistry to characterize diet and identity in Viking Age Dublin. Ó Donnabhain has directed and collaborated in archaeological projects in a number of world areas.

Why Choose This Course
This is the only taught master's course in human osteoarchaeology on offer in any of the universities in Ireland and since its inception in 2004, the course has trained many of those who work in the discipline in Ireland. A number of students have proceeded to PhD research and one has proceeded to graduate entry in medicine (GEM).

Placement or Study Abroad Information
There are opportunities to participate in mortuary excavations in Ireland. There are also limited opportunities for placement and study abroad. Previous placements have been in Peru (dissertation fieldwork) and Britain (museum studies courses at Bournemouth University).

Modules:

AR6001 Regional and Topographical Anatomy (10 Credits)
AR6009 Mortuary Theory (5 credits)
AR6011 Biocultural Approaches to Human Remains (5 credits)
AR6014 Osteoarchaeology Laboratory (10 credits)
AR6031 Palaeopathology (10 Credits)
ST2001 Introdicution to Biostatistics (5 Credits)
AR6003 Dissertation (45 credits)

Details of the programme content and modules are in the Postgraduate College Calendar

Modules

Further details on the modules listed above can be found in our Book of Modules. Any modules listed above are indicative of the current set of modules for this course but are subject to change from year to year.

University Calendar

You can find the full academic content for the current year of any given course in our University Calendar

You will have a Second Class Honours Grade I (60%) in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in archaeology.

Under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), candidates below this minimum mark who can demonstrate substantial professional experience in archaeology may also apply. It is possible for students who have a primary degree in a related subject to undertake a Higher Diploma in Arts (Archaeology). This qualification will enable prospective students to apply for this MA course — it will not, however, grant automatic entry to the MA.

All applicants will be required to attend for interview.

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

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.

The closing date for non-EU applications is 19 May 2023

How Do I Apply
1. Check Dates: Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the fact file boxes at the top of the page.

For Irish and EU applicants we operate a rounds system and you can check the rounds closing dates here.
Note that not all our programmes are subject to the rounds system so check the opening and closing dates for your specific programme in the fact file boxes above.

2. Gather Documents: Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:

Original qualification documents listed on your application including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC;
Any supplementary items requested for your course if required.

3. Apply Online: Apply online via the UCC online application portal. Note the majority of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.

Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.

Additional Requirements (All Applicants)
Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application..

Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.

Please enter the names and email addresses of 2 referees. References are required from applicants who are not a University College Cork Graduate in the last two years. Please supply two references, one of which should be a previous employer or supervisor of studies.
All suitably qualified applicants will be required to attend for interview

Deferrals
Deferrals are not permitted on this programme

1 year full-time.

Skills and Careers Information
This course provides you with a thorough grounding in the practical and theoretical aspects of the study of archaeological human remains. Graduates from the course will be in a prime position to continue their education at PhD level or to seek employment with research, educational or commercial organisations. Since its first intake in 2004, the course has had an excellent completion rate and the majority of graduates have gone on to either work or study in archaeology.