Program Overview

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BA (Hons) Social Science - Part-time

Overview

The BA (Hons) in Social Science is a part-time, four-year programme that offers a comprehensive understanding of the interdisciplinary field of social science. This degree is designed for students who wish to progress towards a career in areas such as youth and community work, professional social research, policy analysis/development, or working with disadvantaged and marginalised individuals.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to challenge students to think in a rigorous and scientific way about society and the social processes that feed into how society operates at an institutional, political, and individual level. Students will be guided, trained, and upskilled to carry out their own research and to be aware of how structures and special processes affect our daily lives.

Delivery

This programme is taught on a hybrid basis, with learners timetabled either in-class or online, in a mix of online and in-class days.

Teaching and Assessment

The programme provides a flexible, active, peer-led, experiential, and reflective learning environment for students. Assessment takes a variety of forms, including learning journals, case studies using real-world examples, project work (group/individual), and formal examinations.

Structure

The programme is divided into three levels, with students taking the programme in its entirety. Year 1 provides a solid and comprehensive understanding of the foundational concepts of interdisciplinary field of Social Science, whilst also providing transversal skills embedded in a mix of unique modules. Year 2 covers content in which the knowledge, understanding, and skills acquired in Year 1 are developed and applied. Year 3 focuses on contemporary subjects, with students also undertaking a research project under the guidance of a supervisor.

Career Opportunities

The interdisciplinary nature of this programme will enable students to apply their new knowledge in a variety of contexts and in different sectors of employment. Graduates may pursue careers in areas such as:

• Youth Justice Worker
• Community Welfare Officer
• Community Worker/Community Development Worker
• Education Programme Co-Ordinator
• Equality Officer
• Advice Worker
• Disability Officer
• Press Officer
• Communication Officer
• Project Coordinator
• Project Manager
• Project Worker

Fees

The Course Fees for the BA (Hons) in Social Science are €870 (1 x 10 credit module) / €420 (1 x 5 credit module) per annum.

Entry Requirements

• Standard Applicants: Minimum of 2H5’s and 4 O6/H7, including a language. Some degree programmes may also require a minimum of O6/H7 in Maths.
• Mature Applicants: Over 23 years of age, with relevant work experience and education.
• FETAC Applicants: Minimum admission requirements for graduates of FETAC awards (former NCVA Level 2 or 3) are a full FETAC award in a course in a cognate area with a distinction grade in at least three modules.

Awarding Body

Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)

Award

Honours Bachelor Degree

NFQ Level

Level 8

Award Title

Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

Award Type

Major

Duration

4 Years (2 evenings per week)

Next Intake

September 2025

Categories

• Psychology & Social Science
• Counselling and Psychotherapy
• Arts
• Part-Time
• 8
• Evening Degrees

Related Information

Recognition & Accreditation

Entry Requirements

Student Services

Career Services

All Part-Time Degree Programmes

Programme Modules

Year 1

• Foundations in Social Psychology
• The Sociological Imagination
• Introduction to Social Research
• Psychology through the Lifespan 1
• Social Policy and Law for Social Care 1
• Critical Thinking Skills
• Foundations in Criminology

Year 2

• Economic Sociology
• Criminology in Action - Youth Justice
• Campaigning, Advocacy, and Public Engagement
• Interpersonal and Group Communication Skills
• Advanced Social Research
• Contemporary Inequalities
• Politics in the Modern World
• Social Psychology
• Psychology in Action

Year 3

• Contemporary Criminology
• Cyberpsychology
• Organisational Psychology
• Social Science Research Project
• Sociology of Families, Intimacies and Personal Life
• Contemporary Social Policy in Ireland
• Environment and Society
• Global Issues

Additional Information

• This programme is taught on a hybrid basis, with learners timetabled either in-class or online, in a mix of online and in-class days.
• The programme provides a flexible, active, peer-led, experiential, and reflective learning environment for students.
• Assessment takes a variety of forms, including learning journals, case studies using real-world examples, project work (group/individual), and formal examinations.