Prospective Students

• Archaeology and Palaeoecology (UG)
• Geography (UG)
• Postgraduate Studies
  • Graduate Studies (Taught)
    • Archaeology and Environment
    • Dating and Chronology
    • Heritage Science
    • Professional Archaeology
    • Human Geography: Society, Space and Culture
  • Graduate Studies (Research)
  • PhD Projects 2013-2014
• Graduate Quotes

The Archaeology & Environment programme includes two core modules (both taken in Semester 1) and four elective modules that students select at the time of registration.

SEMESTER 1

Two core 12 week modules, each worth 20 credits and one elective module also worth 20 credits

SEMESTER 2

In Semester 2 students can choose to select their remaining three elective modules from those that either run concurrently over 12 weeks or those that run consecutively in 4 week blocks (see below).

SUMMER TERM

A 60-credit dissertation of between 12,000–15,000 words on a subject agreed with the academic supervisor. The Dissertation is compiled over the summer months for submission in September and graduation in December.

ELECTIVE MODULES (Semester 1)

Each of the elective Semester 1 modules listed below run concurrently over 12 weeks and are worth 20 credits. Only one of these is required to complete the quota of three modules for Semester 1.

SEMESTER 1

• Chronology: Methods and Applications 1
• Practical ¹⁴C Dating
• Critical Human Geographies
• Social Geographies of Segregation
• Utopian Geographies

ELECTIVE MODULES (Semester 2)

In Semester 2 students can choose to select their remaining three elective modules from those that either run concurrently over 12 weeks or those that run consecutively in 4 week blocks.
Please note that it is not possible to select modules from both lists because of timetabling issues. With the exception of the 40 credit ‘City of Rome’ module, all modules are worth 20 credits.

SEMESTER 2 (each module in this list runs over 12 weeks)

• Chronology: Methods and Applications 2
• Chronology: Analysis and Modelling
• Anthropology of Ireland
• Methods and Research Design
• Worlds of Mapping
• Nature Landscape and Power

Or

SEMESTER 2 (each module in this list runs over 4 weeks)

• Geophysical Surveying (Weeks 1-4)
• Natural Heritage Environments (Weeks 1-4)
• Historic Landscapes & Cultural Heritage (Weeks 5-8)
• Managing Stone in the Built Environment (Weeks 5-8)
• The Archaeology of Buildings (Weeks 5-8)
• Archaeological Practice: Professional Placement (Weeks 9-12)
• City of Rome (40 credits: additional fees are required))

Descriptions of elective modules listed above are available on the other four Postgraduate Taught Programme webpages.

Please note that that the availability of modules on offer will change from year to year and you are advised to contact the Programme Director for information about this and any other queries you may have.

Module Descriptions (Core Modules)

SEMESTER 1

Landscape Palaeoecology (20 credits, 12 weeks)

In this module students learn to examine the wider living landscape within which humans went about their daily lives. In the field, students are introduced to some of the key techniques associated with palaeoecological investigation. In the laboratory, students learn about techniques such as those used to analyse pollen, fossil beetle, mollusc and plant macrofossils – techniques that are central to palaeoecological interpretation of landscape.
Coordinator: Dr Chris Hunt 

Irish Archaeology in a Global Context (20 credits, 12 weeks)

This module explores some of the most hotly debated topics that drive archaeological research. From a specifically Irish focus to a truly global perspective, this module is designed to help students develop an understanding of factors central to the development of human societies, and the application of data, models and theories used in their study.
Coordinator: Dr Gill Plunkett 

Dissertation (60 credits, 12 weeks)

This triple-weighted module will provide MSc students with the necessary guidance, advice, time-management and basic research skills, required to enable them to submit a 12,000–15,000 word MSc dissertation. It provides an opportunity for students to engage in a substantial piece of research related to their programme under suitable supervisory guidance. Undertaking the dissertation will enable students to develop an advanced – and critical – understanding of the application of research methodologies.