Program Overview
Social Sciences and Cultural Innovation
Overview
The BA in Social Sciences and Cultural Innovation is a unique degree that explores the meaning and power of culture, examines the role of media and technology in society, and learns about national and international political systems. This future-focused programme is designed to equip students for the 21st century workplace and a world defined by increased connectivity and rapid technological change.
Careers & Further Options
Careers
There is a pressing need for graduates who are future-focused, problem solvers, critical thinkers, excellent communicators, highly digitally literate, creative, ethically aware, as well as reflective and empathetic. DCU’s BA in Social Sciences and Cultural Innovation explicitly targets these competencies, ensuring that you will develop and be able to demonstrate the skills and attributes which are highly sought after by employers.
Career Areas
- Digital and Traditional Media
- Public Relations
- Marketing
- Politics
- Policy Development
- Government and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
- Strategic Consultancy
- Social Entrepreneurship
- Creative and Cultural Industries
- International Political and Commercial Organisations
- Corporate Social Responsibility
Career Prospects
- Media and Communications Specialist
- Political Advisor
- Diplomat
- Strategic Planning Executive
- Innovation Manager
- Social Entrepreneur
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Executive
- Trainer and Educator
Entry Requirements
Leaving Cert
There are no additional entry requirements for this programme apart from the general entry requirements for admission to the university.
GCE A Level
There are no additional entry requirements for this programme apart from the general entry requirements for admission to the university.
FET Level 5
Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU.
Mature Applicants
Mature entry is a competitive process. Applicants must demonstrate:
- a genuine interest in the programme(s) they are applying for
- academic experience and competency in their chosen field of study
- an ability to engage and succeed on the programme
All applicants must complete a statement of interest to be considered for the mature application route.
Advanced Entry
Applications are made via the CAO Advanced Entry route which will open on the 5th of November to 1st July.
International Applications
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.
Course Structure
Overview
From the outset your career development is given attention and the degree is designed to ensure that you complete modules on essential transferable skills throughout the course such as leadership, critical thinking, digital literacy and project management.
Opportunity to Specialise
In your final year you will specialise in one pillar, while continuing to study the other two at a lesser intensity. You will also have the opportunity to do in-depth research on a particular topic of interest in the form of a dissertation.
More about the Three Pillars
The course is structured around three specific pillars, comprising both core and optional modules, relating to the study of culture, media and politics.
Self, Society and Innovation
- Study key social identities such as gender, nationality, ethnicity and social class
- Examine the drivers and impacts of globalisation and mass migration
- Identify local, national and global challenges
- Develop creative strategies to address these
Media, Messaging and the Digital World
- Analyse advertising and other media outputs
- Study the history of journalism and how it is evolving
- Explore the challenges and opportunities facing traditional and new media in the 21st century, including the ever-increasing role of social media and digital platforms
Politics, Power and Internationalisation
- Reflect on the concept of power in personal, political and economic relations
- Consider how various innovations influence how citizens engage with politics
- Examine political ideologies and conflicts from around the world
- Explore diverse approaches to international security and political terrorism
Year Abroad
Studying abroad at one of our partner universities provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the culture of another country. Our international partner universities are either based in an English-speaking country or are European universities where modules are delivered through English. If you choose to study abroad for your third year, you will add a year to the degree duration and complete your final year in year 4.
INTRA Year
Alternatively you may choose to pursue a year-long work placement that will give you a unique opportunity to enhance your CV, increase your employability and apply your knowledge and skills in the real world. This option is competitive and subject to the availability of placements.
Fees and Funding
Fees
- Full time: €3,043 per annum (Student Contribution) + €6,679 per annum (EU Status Fee) + €15,400 per annum (Non EU Fee)
How To Apply
Applicants presenting EU School Leaving/FETAC Level 5 examinations
Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May
Applicants presenting examinations from outside the EU
Candidates should apply directly here. Please provide:
- Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable
- If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis up to 1st July. All Non-EU candidates are advised to apply early, as places are limited.
Mature Applicants
All mature applicants apply through the CAO by 1st February. For further information and for special application procedures for mature students, please click here
Advanced Entry
Applications are made via the CAO Advanced Entry route which will open on the 5th of November to 1st July.
Life On Campus
Clubs & Societies
You will be spoiled for choice with clubs and societies at DCU. Make sure you check them out and you might be interested in the Media Production Society, Politics Society, Enterprise Society, Marketing and Innovation Society, the Enactus society, Raising and Giving Society, Volunteer Overseas Society and much more!
Life on Campus
At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.
Accommodation
Information about accommodation each of our three campuses can be accessed here.
Student Supports
We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.
- Student Advice & Learning Skills Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice
- The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
- Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
- Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.
FAQs
Programme FAQs
- What is the Social Sciences and Cultural Innovation (DC238) degree all about? The BA in Social Sciences and Cultural Innovation is a new offering in Irish higher education. It offers a unique combination of modules from the fields of Sociology, Media, Politics and Innovation. This future-focused programme is designed to equip students for the 21st century workplace and a world defined by increased connectivity and rapid technological change. We aim to give you an opportunity to learn more about social entrepreneurship and cultural innovation. This degree also offers students a chance to gain valuable work experience and to form an international worldview as they have a possibility of studying for a year abroad after Year 2, and can also opt to apply for a year-long INTRA work placement in Year Three.
- Is the BA in Social Sciences and Cultural Innovation a three or four year programme? You can complete the BA in Social Sciences and Cultural Innovation degree in three years, or choose to take an extra year either to study abroad or complete an INTRA placement.
Faculty FAQs
- Is DCU all one campus? DCU is a multi campus university - the Glasnevin, St Patrick's and All Hallows campuses. The St Patrick's campus is where the Education courses are taught and some of the subjects from the BA Joint Honours degree. There is a 20-25 minute walk between the campuses but there are buses and bikes available to go between them also.
- If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus? Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of.
- Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations? We have a brand new state of the art four floor library on our St. Patrick's Campus which complements the existing library on the Glasnevin campus. There is free wifi, work stations as well as desktop computers.
- Does DCU provide accommodation? DCU does have on-campus accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and you can find out more and apply via the Accommodation Office webpage.