Anthropology in University College Cork, Ireland

Anthropology in University College Cork

Anthropology is the scientific study of humankind in the cultures of the world, both past and present. This exciting field seeks to understand what it means to be human. Anthropologists explore the biological and cultural aspects of humanity, using cross-cultural comparisons to understand the variability of human existence the world over. These insights can address urgent issues of our time, such as the impact of globalization, sustainability and the environment, social and ethnic diversity, and the pursuit of social justice.

The BA in Anthropology in UCC is an interdisciplinary programme that provides a strong foundation in the sub-fields of Archaeology and Sociology, as well as broad exposure to disciplines such as Celtic Civilization, Ethnography and Folklore, Ethnomusicology, History, Philosophy, and Religion and Global Diversity. This degree will provide students with the intellectual and practical means to understand cultural diversity around the world, and with an ability to view our own culture in a critical manner. Anthropology students acquire skills relevant to careers that involve working with individuals of diverse national or ethnic backgrounds, where an ability to gather and interpret data about human societies is important for employment in government and non-government agencies, academia, industry and community bodies.

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

Class contact time in second and third-year workload is broadly similar but will vary depending on which module options you choose. Each 5-credit module has about 24 one-hour lectures.

Students take 60 credits worth of modules each year.

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 is the only university primary degree in Anthropology offered in Ireland.

• The interdisciplinary nature of this degree, modelled on the North American approach, is 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.
• It 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.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Should they opt for the international learning pathway in this degree, students will have an opportunity to study Anthropology for a year abroad in a leading university. There are also encouraged to seek summer employment in areas relevant to their 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

Anthropology graduates enter a variety of professions and their employability should increase as the world becomes more globalized. Anthropologists are trained to research and analyse different aspects of the human condition. 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 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.