Course Summary
Experimental archaeology can be defined as the reconstruction of past buildings, technologies, practices, and things, based on archaeological evidence, and their use as analogies, their recording, testing, use and experience so as to enable a better understanding of people’s lives in the past. It may involve scientific analyses, but also innovative, experiential interrogations of past lifeways and material culture, so as to explore and understand how people interact with materials, craft skills, things, each other, and the wider world.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
- Entry to the Graduate Certificate in Experimental Archaeology and Material Culture (online) will typically be based on an honours university degree (GPA 2.7, NFQ Level 8, or the international equivalent). The course is designed to accommodate applicants with a wide variety of academic qualifications including Archaeology, History, Architecture, Social Sciences, Classics, Geography, Biology, Arts, Fine Art, Agriculture, Engineering, Environmental Science and Economics, Design and Art.
- You may instead have equivalent work experience in the area of traditional crafts, museum studies or heritage communication. Applicants with such experience in traditional crafts, technologies, living history, re-enactment and heritage presentation and related fields are welcome to apply (please discuss with programme coordinator by email to [email protected]).
- We intend to welcome a diverse group of participants with a wide range of experience in different areas of crafts, making and heritage, to provide for a dynamic forum for discussion and interaction.
- If English is not your native language, proof of proficiency in English will be required, unless you took your primary degree through English. The minimum acceptable score on the TOEFL Internet Based Test is 90, on the IELTS system it is 6.5.
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. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax
Application Details
Grad Cert Experimental Archaeology & Material Culture PT (W499)
Duration 1 Years
Attend Part Time
Deadline Rolling*
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised
Next Intake: September 2025
Fees
GradCert Experimental Archaeology & Material Culture (W499) Part Time
EU/NONEU fee per credit - € 77.7
***Fees are subject to change
We expect the Graduate Certificate in Experimental Archaeology and Material Culture (Distance Learning) fees to be €77.70 per credit (€2,331 for 30 credits) for both EU and non-EU students (no difference made).
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.