Pathway + Bachelor

Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSc) (Hons) in Social Policy and Sociology

Ireland

10

2

What will I learn?

Why is this course for me?

The Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSc) at University College Dublin is the premier honours degree of its kind in Ireland. It is the standard qualification for those working in policy making and social services and recently celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. If you are interested in exploring how societies, communities and families work and wish to make a difference to the world, affect cultural change, contribute to public service or corporate responsibility, then this course is for you.

What Will I Study

The course explores key social issues affecting societies in the European Union, the USA and East Asia: poverty, homelessness, addiction, mental illness, social stratification, criminal justice, globalisation, gender equality, sexualities and reproductive health, childhood and children’s services, and tax and welfare systems. You will learn about how policy makers, in Ireland and across the world, have responded to these societal challenges. A strong emphasis is placed on studying qualitative and quantitative research methods. You will attend lectures and seminars and engage in project-based learning, instruction, and independent study with experienced academic staff and with input from policy-makers and industry.

First Year

You will undertake compulsory modules in social policy and sociology. Students are not expected to have any prior knowledge of these disciplines; the first year modules will provide you with a comprehensive introduction.

Second & Third Year

Alongside compulsory modules in social policy and sociology you will select optional modules from one of the following pathways, which will refine and develop your career skills:

There are three Pathways available to you as follows;

1. Social Work and Social Professions

2. Society and Public Service

3. Work, Organisations and People

International Study Opportunities

The School offers international study opportunities in universities both in Europe and further afield. Currently Erasmus exchange opportunities exist in:

  • Germany
  • Italy
  • The Netherlands
  • Sweden
  • Japan
  • Hong Kong.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

The BSocSc provides a strong foundation for both postgraduate study and a wide range of careers in government, social services, NGOs, education, media, including new and online media (who are increasingly expressing an active interest in recruiting social sciences graduates) and business. Alumni include Orlaith Blaney (Marketing and Advertising, former CEO McCannBlue Dublin), Frances Fitzgerald (TD), Ali Hewson (Humanitarian) and Sr Stanislaus Kennedy (Humanitarian & Founder, Focus Ireland).

Which department am I in?

UCD College of Social Sciences and Law

Study options

Full Time (3 Years)

Tuition fees
€22,600.00 (20,41,185) per year

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

9 September 2024

Venue

UCD College of Social Sciences and Law

BELFIELD,

Dublin,

Republic of Ireland

Entry requirements

For international students

Students must have completed their secondary level/high school studies or have never studied at university before are eligible to apply bachelor’s degree at UCD. Requirements vary from country to country.

There are minimum entry requirements that all applicants, applying based on school leaving results, must meet.

IELTS - An average score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version;

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section;

English language examinations administered by the University of Cambridge: 176+ on Cambridge English scale (with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English), Acceptable Examinations:

Proficiency Certificate, Grade C (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2).

Advanced Certificate, Grade C (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2)

First Certificate, Grade A (i.e. CEFR Level C1)

Pearson English Language Text: Minimum of 63 and at least 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section.

Duolingo English Test (DET) - The minimum requirement will be a DET score of 120 is required with at least 110 in each subscore.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

Pathways options

Offered by this university

University College Dublin offers below pathways course for this subject
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About University College Dublin

UCD is the most international and diverse university in Ireland, and is the destination of choice for over 10,400 international students.

  • Main campus in Belfield, only 5km from Dublin city centre
  • 181st in the world (QS World University Rankings, 2023)
  • One of Europe’s top research-intensive universities
  • Scholarships available for international students