print

1. Study
2. Undergraduate
3. Courses
4. Anthropology

Course Fact File

Code	CK123
Duration	3 or 4 years
Teaching Mode	Full-time
Qualifications	BA (Hons)
NFQ Level	Level 8
Fees	EU Student Contribution + Capitation: €3,138 See Fees and Costs for full details.
CAO Points	2023: 304
CAO Points Range	2023: 304-598

Course Outline

Anthropology is the comparative study of humankind in the cultures of the world, both past and present and our BA (Hons) Anthropology degree at University College Cork brings together the many related disciplines to examine what defines us as humans and how we came to be the way we are. This exciting programme offers a unique way of looking at the world, offering a greater understanding of the human experience and a strong sense of global citizenship to meet the challenges of the future.

Anthropology takes part in the long conversation about what it is to be human and gives flesh and blood to these fundamental questions. It is a genuinely cosmopolitan discipline in that it does not privilege certain ways of life above others, but charts and compares the full range of solutions to the perennial human challenges.

This discipline is of its time – it is crucial that we come to terms with a globalised world. Our responsibility as Anthropologists is to facilitate conversations across real or imagined cultural divides. This degree programme will go some way into addressing these many issues and parachute you into a career, or onto a path of further study, that will totally engage you.

Our BA in Anthropology programme addresses these many questions in a course that will provide you with a strong foundation in not only Anthropology, but the sub-fields of Archaeology and Sociology, as well as exposure to disciplines such as Celtic Civilization, Ethnomusicology, History, Philosophy, Ethnography and Folklore; and Religions and Global Diversity.

Programme

Our BA (Hons) Anthropology programme is a full-time, honours degree taken over three years. If you wish to spend a year abroad at one of our partner institutions in Europe and beyond, you can take the International Pathway option and spend Year 3 abroad before returning to UCC to complete your degree in Year 4.

Year 1 modules (60 credits total)

• AR1001 The Archaeology of Ireland in Context (15 credits)
• AY1001  Introduction to Anthropology (5 credits)
• HI1007  Anti-Semitism in Europe from the Middle Ages to the Holocaust (5 credits)
• HI1012  Women in Europe since 1800 (5 credits)
• SC1005  Introduction to Sociology (5 credits)
• SC1006  Key Issues in Sociology (10 credits) 

Plus one 15-credit module from the following:

• FL1004  Irish Folklore & Culture: An Introduction (15 credits) or
• RG1001 Religions in the Contemporary World (15 credits)

Academic Programme Catalogue

See the Academic Programme Catalogue for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year-to-year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.

Course Practicalities

Expected lecture hours: Lectures are scheduled Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Each student’s timetable will differ depending on the subjects selected. In Year 1, class contact time is around 16 hours, with each subject having three lectures per week plus a one-hour tutorial.

Class contact time in Years 2 & 3 is broadly similar but will vary depending on which module options you choose. Each 5-credit module has approximately 24 one-hour lectures.

Field trips: Students may be required to attend field trips in some modules, generally involving one or two weekend days each year. They are also required to attend an Anthropology field school in the second year, where a residential course is held over four days during the Easter period.

Why Choose This Course

• This UCC BA Anthropology programme is unique in Ireland.
• The interdisciplinary nature of this degree, modelled on the North American approach, is also unique in a European context.
• The programme provides strong academic learning and applied skills in Anthropology and in the major sub-fields of Archaeology and Sociology.
• The BA programme provides a solid foundation for graduate training that will lead to direct and indirect employment in professional areas of social science and archaeology, with work opportunities in a variety of government and non-government agencies, community groups, and in areas of industry such as market research, human resources, and public services.
• Students will acquire a range of transferrable skills important for employers in other areas, such as an ability to solve problems and think in a critical manner, and well as good communication skills, literacy and digital competence.

Connected Curriculum

We encourage innovative teaching and learning practices at UCC. This learning approach reflects our commitment to the Connected Curriculum where we emphasise the connection between students, learning, research and leadership through our vision for a Connected University. Our staff are at the forefront of this integrative approach to learning and will support you in making meaningful connections within and between disciplines such as Anthropology, Archaeology, Sociology and across the breadth of the Arts programme.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Study abroad: If you select the International Pathway in this degree, you will have the opportunity to spend Year 3 studying Anthropology at one of our numerous partner universities in Europe, North America, or Asia, before returning to UCC for Year 4 to complete your degree. See our Go Abroad with UCC page.

Work experience: There are a number of options for work experience both in the summer prior to and during your final year. There are also supported options through the CACSSS Professional Work Experience module (PX3001). This module offers preparatory training, a work placement organised by the UCC Careers Office, and post-placement follow-up.

You are also encouraged to seek summer employment in areas relevant to your studies, such as archaeological excavation, tourism and heritage, market research, and with State agencies working in public services and social policy, among others.

Skills and Careers Information

This BA degree will provide you with the intellectual and practical means to understand cultural diversity around the world, and an ability to view our own culture in a critical manner. These skills are highly prized by employers. Career options include working as an archaeologist and forensic anthropologist, in arts administration and creative industries, community work, museums and heritage centres, journalism, librarianship, market research, the media, and in State bodies and NGOs dealing with social policy.

Direct entry into some of these careers is possible, while others require training at the postgraduate level to build on the academic foundation of a primary degree that has international recognition. Students with an Anthropology degree have a range of graduate career training options at masters and higher level, offered within UCC and in other Irish and overseas universities.

Postgraduate Options

Options for postgraduate study at UCC include:

• MA Anthropology
• MA Global Cultures & Languages
• MA Human Osteoarchaeology
• MA Museum Studies
• MA Sociology
• MA Sociology of Sustainability & Global Challenges

Please see the CACSSS postgraduate study page for more information including PhD in Anthropology and other PhD options for CACSSS graduates.

Requirements

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	Irish	Other Language
O6/H7	O6/H7	O6/H7

Mature students: It is expected there will be up to 10% of places in this degree courses for mature students who qualify for admission. Applicants apply directly through the CAO, include a statement of interest and must also apply separately to sit the Mature Student Evaluation (MSE). See our Mature Student Entry page for more information. 

Other qualifications: EU/EFTA/UK students presenting an alternative school-leaving qualification (e.g. A-levels or International Baccalaureate) or QQI/FE course should visit our EU/EFTA/UK Applicants pages for further information. 

Fees and Costs

How To Apply