BA (Hons) in Social Science - Part-time

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) in Social Science is a Level 8, 180 ECTS program designed for students interested in careers working with youth and communities, social research, policy analysis, or who want a broad-based undergraduate education. It offers a range of skills and understandings that prepare students for various roles in NGOs, the voluntary sector, and the public sector. The program is delivered in a hybrid model, with classes both in-person and online. Assessment includes learning journals, case studies, project work, and formal examinations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

• The BA (Hons) in Social Science is a Level 8, 180 ECTS program designed for students interested in careers working with youth and communities, social research, policy analysis, or who want a broad-based undergraduate education.
• It offers a range of skills and understandings that prepare students for various roles in NGOs, the voluntary sector, and the public sector.

Objectives:

• Provide a strong understanding of core social science areas: Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, Social Policy, and Research.
• Develop useful skills for employability: flexibility, teamwork, critical thinking, creativity, and interpersonal communication.
• Equip students with expertise in areas like group facilitation, campaigning, research, advocacy, public engagement, policy analysis, and social research.
• Prepare graduates for further postgraduate education and research opportunities.

Delivery:

• Hybrid model: students attend classes both in-person and online.

Outline:

Course Content:

• Year 1: Foundations in Social Psychology, The Sociological Imagination, Introduction to Social Research, Psychology through the Lifespan, Social Policy and Law for Social Care, 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.

Structure:

• Four years, two evenings per week.
• Divided into three levels, taken in its entirety.
• Year 1: foundational concepts.
• Year 2: development and application of knowledge and skills.

Assessment:

• Learning journals
• Case studies using real-world examples
• Project work (group/individual)
• Formal examinations

Teaching:

• Hybrid model: workshops, practical sessions, tutorials, lectures, sociological experiments.
• Emphasis on student-led learning, problem-solving, and guided feedback.

Careers:

• Opportunities in various sectors: voluntary, social professions, business, finance, etc.
• Career choices influenced by specializations.
• Skills developed applicable to diverse roles.

Examples:

• Youth Justice Worker
• Community worker/development worker
• Education Programme Co-Ordinator
• Equality Officer
• Advice Worker
• Disability Officer
• Press Officer
• Communications Officer
• Project Coordinator
• Project Manager
• Project Worker
• Specific career paths within Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, Social Policy, and Research are listed in the context.

Other:

• The program is approved for tax relief purposes in Ireland.

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. For a full list of part-time undergraduate arts degree fees click here. You can also contact our admissions team who will also be able to advise on the payment options available to our students. All undergraduate programmes of 2 years or more have been approved for tax relief purposes. Tax relief is granted to Irish resident taxpayers at the standard rate of income tax in respect of tuition fees paid exceeding €1,375 and up to €7,000 for part-time programmes only.