BA Archaeology and Irish at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

Joint Honours degree combining the study of the wider human past with the contemporary Irish language, Gaelic heritage and identity. Students receive intensive tuition in Irish and gain hands-on experience with archaeological material and fieldwork. The Archaeology pathway is accredited by CIfA and UAUK.

Department: School of Natural and Built Environment | Duration: 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time | Intake: 2027/28 entry (UCAS) | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Core modules: Introduction to World Archaeology and Gaeilge 1 (40 credits). Options include Celtic Mythology, Europe in Prehistory, Themes in Historical Archaeology, Archaeological Excavation, Environmental Change: past, present and future, and Irish-language literature and language politics modules. Irish modules cover filmmaking, the short story, the novel, modern poetry, mythology, folklore and Scottish Gaelic.

Career pathways

Careers in commercial archaeology, survey and heritage management, both within and beyond the heritage sector.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB including Irish. Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H3H3H3 / H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level H3 in Irish. Graduate entry: minimum 2:2 Honours degree, subject requirement also met. Access courses, IB Diploma, BTEC Extended Diplomas, HNC and HND can be considered if the Irish subject requirement is met. All applicants need GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent. Typical offers are based on three A-levels; a maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate counts (Distinction* equated to A, Distinction to B). Applicants are not normally interviewed. Applications are made through UCAS. Applicants need a minimum of five GCSEs at C/4 or above including English Language (last year's profile). International applicants: IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or an equivalent accepted qualification.

Domestic applicants: GBP 4,985 a year (2026/27). NI/ROI residency, full-time undergraduate tuition; 2026/27 rate Source

International applicants: GBP 24,600 a year (2027/28). International and EU Other rate (annual), for 2027/28 entry. Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

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