BA Hons Geographical and Archaelogical Sciences

at University College Cork

The degree has a modular structure in which a range of lecture and field courses are taken on a full-time basis over a three-year period. The programme provides students with a common foundation of knowledge, skills and experience, with an opportunity through option courses to tailor their degree according to specific interests and ambitions. Many courses include a practical component in the form of  laboratory sessions and fieldwork.
 

The first year of this degree involves an exposure to the disciplines of Archaeology and Geography, as well as a foundation in Computer Science, Earth Science and Environmental Science. The Archaeology course provides an introduction to this discipline, as well as a general survey of the archaeology of Ireland in its  European context. First Year Geography offers a foundation in cultural, economic and physical areas of the discipline. Students take a Computer Science module focusing on internet applications, as well as courses that provide a basic introduction to Earth Science and Environmental Science.
 

The Second and Third Year courses provides teaching in different areas of the two core disciplines, as well as the possibility to take option modules in Computer Science, Earth Science and Environmental Science. The Archaeology teaching offers modules on different aspects of theory and practice in Archaeology, including culture history courses on the prehistoric and historic eras in Ireland and Europe. The Geography teaching includes courses on social and political geography, geomorphology and geoinformatics, as well as such areas as coastal environments, tourism studies and environmental sustainability. Second Year includes a one-week residential field course, while Third year students undertake a research dissertation in Archaeology and/or Geography.

Leaving Certificate entry requirements:
 

At least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H5 in two subjects and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish. Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:

• English  
• O6/H7    
   
•  Irish    
• O6/H7    
   
• Other Language
• O6/H7    
   

Additional requirements: There are further subject-specific requirements for subjects on offer through the BA. You can find out details on language-specific entry requirements in the points-to-note section in the Arts and Arts (International) pages of the UCC calendar.

Mature students:  Applicants should apply directly through the CAO, include a statement of interest, and must apply for and sit the MSAP exam.  Approximately four places are available to mature applicants.
 

Minimum Requirements and Accepted English Language Tests & Examinations

The minimum English language entry requirements for admission onto a postgraduate programme at UCC are outlined below. These requirements are for postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English. If Gaeilge (Irish) is your first language these requirements do not apply to you.
 

There are a small number of programmes with a higher minimum English language entry requirement and we list these below under Programmes with a Higher Minimum English Language Requirement.

IELTS*    

• 6.5 Overall

• 6.0 Individual Skills (academic version)
   

TOEFL iBT    
 

• 90 Overall

• Listening 20

• Reading 19

• Speaking 21

• Writing 20

 The fees for BA Hons Geographical and Archaelogical Sciences may vary from  - €10,000 to €25,000 anually for tuition fees. The fee's prices may get higher for international students.

The aim of this degree is to provide a range of vocational skills relevant to Archaeology and Geography that are transferable to others areas of employment.
 

The degree will be attractive to employers in different areas due to its multi-disciplinary and skills-based design. Students will develop a high level of critical thinking and problem-solving ability, an ability to analyse complex  issues, and various technical competences that can be applied to different work situations. These include skills in computing and information technology, lab practice and fieldwork, basic research and report writing.
 

As well as being an exciting and interesting subject, Archaeology is a professional career area, with varied and flexible employment opportunities at home and abroad. In Ireland archaeologists work in the State heritage sector and local authorities, or as consultants working in the construction and infrastructure sectors. Many geographers pursue rewarding careers in education, business, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. The private sector is increasingly interested in the technical skills of geographers as many businesses use spatial information and geo-informatics in their work. Moreover, the integrating nature of Geography has become a major asset in a world of constant change, in which employers seek adaptability and flexibility rather than narrow technical knowledge that is soon outdated.
 

Archaeology and Geography are closely related disciplines, concerned with concepts of time and space in relation to human culture and landscape. The Archaeology teaching provides the type of intellectual and practical training necessary to become a professional archaeologist. Teaching in Geography provides a wide range of technical and communication skills, with graduates likely to find work in environmental technical fields, environmental consultancy, planning, heritage and tourism in addition to secondary education.