Archaeology - Human Osteoarchaeology

Course Outline

Our MA programme in Archaeology - Human Osteoarchaeology is designed to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of and practical training in human osteoarchaeology: the analysis of human skeletal remains from archaeological contexts. We focus on the explanation of theoretical approaches and methods that can be used to address archaeological research questions using human skeletal data.



Our teaching consists of both lectures and lab-based practical sessions and you will benefit from the fact that the Department of Archaeology has a long tradition of research and teaching in human osteoarchaeology where you 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.



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 Introduction to Biostatistics (5 Credits)

AR6003 Dissertation (45 credits)

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



Under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), candidates below this minimum mark who can demonstrate substantial professional experience in archaeology or anthropology 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.



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.

EU: Closing Date 1st March 2025. Non-EU: Closing Date 1st March 2025.

1 year full-time.

Start Date 8th September 2025.

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.