Institution: UCD

Number admitted to course: 12

Duration of course: one year

Entry requirements: Degree in archaeology with a grade of 60 per cent. Other degree-holders will be considered provided they have achieved a 60 per cent grade in UCC's one-year, higher diploma in archaeology.

Is there an interview?

Yes, candidates are shortlisted and interviewed. Course co-ordinator, Michael Monk, says that they are looking for people who can show a commitment to archaeology.

How long has the course been running?

Since 1999, it has been a one year course. It started in 1991 as a two-year programme.

Why do this course if you have an archaeology degree?

Because it's a vocational, skills-based course which equips you to work as a field archaeologist or gives you a chance to decide if you want to continue in academia.

What does the course involve?

It's divided into two parts. Between October and January, you follow a number of courses including archaeological cultural resource and project management, research skills, archaeology, art history, and conservation of medieval and post-medieval buildings and the study and analysis of artefacts. From January to September you work on your dissertation, which accounts for 50 per cent of your final marks.

What are the job prospects for archaeologists?

Currently very good, according to Michael Monk. Archaeological surveys are now part of the planning process, he says. Increasingly, local authorities are employing archaeologists. There's plenty of work in the private sector, too. Recent years have seen a huge growth in the number of consultancies providing archaeological services to developers and local authorities. Some of these employ up to 100 staff, Monk says.

Fee: £1,915

The department of archaeology, UCC Tel: 021 4904048. email: archdept@ucc.ie.