Early Start Semester in Irish Archaeology
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-08-10 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Early Start in Irish Archaeology is a three-week program that provides students with a comprehensive overview of Ireland's culture and history. Through lectures and field trips to significant archaeological sites, students explore Irish art, architecture, and the impact of climate change on ancient societies. The course is led by Dr. Tomás Ó Carragáin and offers a unique perspective on Ireland's landscapes, people, and material culture.
Program Outline
Outline:
The Early Start in Irish Archaeology is a three-week pre-session course running from mid-August to early September. It is a full-time program that provides students with a unique perspective on Ireland's culture, history, and landscapes.
Content:
The course covers a broad sweep of Irish history, from the colonization of the island after the last Ice Age to the birth of the modern era in the seventeenth century. Key themes and subjects include:
- The rich archaeological evidence for interactions between locals and incomers during the Viking Age
- The impact of climate change on societies in ancient Ireland
- The globally important art produced in Ireland, both during the Stone Age and in the early medieval period (e.g., the Tara brooch and the Book of Kells)
Structure:
The course is structured around a combination of lectures and field trips. Lectures are held in the mornings on days when no field trip is scheduled.
Field Trips:
Field trips are a significant component of the course, with about half of the contact time dedicated to them. The sites visited range from local ruins to internationally famous archaeological complexes. Students explore locations in Cork, neighboring counties, Dublin, Galway, the Burren, and the Aran Islands.
Assessment:
Assessment is in the form of two projects based in part on first-hand observations by students about the many sites visited.
Teaching:
The teaching methods include lectures, seminars, and field trips. The course is led by Dr. Tomás Ó Carragáin, Director of the Early Start in Archaeology.
Careers:
The course provides students with a new understanding of how people in the past, and indeed the present, use material culture (monuments and artefacts) to express social status, ideology, identity, and gender. It considers aspects of Irish art and architecture and explores the role of buildings, monuments, and artefacts in the formation of Irish identities.
Early Start Fee 2024: €1,400 Minor additional costs may be incurred for snacks or meals on field trip(s).
University College Cork
Overview:
University College Cork (UCC) is a public research university located in Cork, Ireland. It is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland (NUI). UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.
Services Offered:
Student Support:
UCC provides a range of support services for students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.Library:
The Boole Library offers extensive resources, including books, journals, and online databases.Campus Life:
UCC offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student clubs, societies, and sports teams.Accommodation:
UCC provides on-campus accommodation options for students.International Office:
The International Office supports international students with visa applications, cultural adjustment, and other services.Adult Continuing Education:
UCC offers a variety of programs for adult learners, including evening classes and online courses.Continuing Professional Development:
UCC provides professional development opportunities for working professionals.Micro-credentials:
UCC offers micro-credentials in various fields, allowing students to gain specific skills and knowledge.Scholarships and Prizes:
UCC offers a range of scholarships and prizes to support students financially.Transition-In Programme:
UCC provides a transition-in program for students who are new to higher education.Graduate Attributes:
UCC focuses on developing graduate attributes such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCC offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including sports, clubs, societies, and events. The campus is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.
Key Reasons to Study There:
World-class Education:
UCC is renowned for its high-quality education and research.Strong Academic Programs:
UCC offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.Vibrant Campus Life:
UCC provides a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved.Beautiful Location:
UCC is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.International Reputation:
UCC is a globally recognized university with a strong international reputation.Academic Programs:
UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
- Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
- Business and Law
- Engineering and Science
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Education
- Music
Other:
- UCC is committed to sustainability and has been recognized as the world's first green campus.
- UCC is a member of the National University of Ireland (NUI).
- UCC has a strong research focus and is home to a number of research centers and institutes.
- UCC is a popular choice for international students, with a large international student population.
