Skip to content

Programs : Brochure

This page is the brochure for your selected program. You can view the provided information for this program on this page and click on the available buttons for additional options.

Direct Enrollment: Maynooth University Field Physical Anthropology Field School (Outgoing Program)

Print  Save  Share

  • Locations: Birr, Ireland
  • Program Terms: Summer
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Restrictions: UNT applicants only
Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Summer 2025 04/01/2025 ** Rolling Admission 06/08/2025 06/21/2025

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete Pre-Departure / Post-Decision Phase materials prior to the term's application deadline.
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Academic Level: Undergraduate Program Type: Affiliated, Field Study
Click here for a definition of this term UGRAD Credit Hours: 4 transfer credits Click here for a definition of this term Minimum GPA Requirement: 2.5
Click here for a definition of this term Housing Options: Homestay w/Family Click here for a definition of this term Program Features: Low Cost Program, Research/Independent Project Opportunities
Click here for a definition of this term Classification: Undergraduates Sophomore and Above Minimum Age Requirement: 18 years of age by the time of departure
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English Program Contact in SAO: Mr. Dave Kilough (David.Kilough@unt.edu)
Program Description:

Maynooth Irish Arch Field Scho

The Irish Archaeology Field School (IAFS) provides a unique field school opportunity teaching students how to excavate and critically assess an archaeological site within its landscape. This program gives students a hands-on orientation of archaeological techniques and field anthropology, including archaeological survey (total station and/or GPS survey, graveyard recording and architectural survey) photogrammetry and excavation skills.  

The program takes a truly landscape scale approach to archaeological research, beginning with a study of the geological and glacial processes that shaped the landscape and influenced future possibilities for human settlement. It will then apply a range of archaeological survey techniques to interpret several sites, with a focus on medieval sites in (and around) the town of Birr, where students will learn to record some of the town’s most important earthworks, structures and architectural fragments.

The course is suited to students seeking an introduction to medieval or ecclesiastical archaeology or those hoping to pursue a career in Cultural Resource Management (CRM), teaching as it does several core CRM survey and analytical skills.

The field school is based in the heritage town of Birr, a handsome and charming town, which was the location at which St Brendan founded his c. sixth century monastery. Our campus in Birr serves as a base for all our course teaching and lab-work, but also acts as a launching pad to investigate several regional monastic and later medieval sites.

Staying with local families in homestay accommodation, this program also offers a deeply enriching cultural immersion, guaranteeing students a truly memorable experience.

All students are registered and receive credit and transcripts a 7.5 ECTS credit Maynooth University course (3-4 US credits).

Eligibility

Students must hold at least a 2.5 GPA to participate in this program.

Accommodations

You will stay with a local family in rural Wexford county for the duration of your program. Your host-family will provide transportation to and from your field site each day. All meals and utilities are also provided. 

Cost

Program cost: €2250 (approx. $2,468) for 2024
Your program price includes the following
  • Full-board accommodation in Birr, Co. Offaly, Ireland
  • Full tuition including all instruction, workshops and excavation/post-excavation supervision
  • Two field trips
  • Airport shuttles (at fixed times)
  • Maynooth University transcripts and credit
** Please note that your costs do not include: any additional living expenses, your flight, cell phones and any local transport costs.