Program Overview

UCC University College Cork

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UCC Undergraduate courses

Arts

Course Fact File

Course Outline

Our BA degree programme at University College Cork is the gateway to the immense and exciting possibilities of education. We offer a wide variety of subjects across diverse fields – this allows you the flexibility and opportunity to choose your career pathway or postgraduate route.

This programme gives you the space to explore your options. Ultimately you will not only excel in specific subject knowledge you will develop those intellectual, social and management skills essential for today’s working environment.

Our Arts CK101 programme is a full-time three-year honours programme, based at the College of Arts, Celtic Studies & Social Sciences (CACSSS). If you wish to spend a year abroad at one of our partner institutions in Europe and beyond, you can apply to our four-year Arts (International) CK108 programme which is open to language and non-language students.

In Arts CK101 you choose four subjects in Year 1 before specialising in two subjects in Year 2 for the duration of your degree. The Arts programme at UCC offers:

• 30+ subject choices (see below);
• a unique Arts Professional Work Experience (PX3001) module;
• & the opportunity to change your mind on any subject choices in the initial weeks of your first year.

Year 1 Modules

You will select four subjects from the following Subject Group Table, selecting no more than one from each group.

Group 1

• Asian Studies
• Computer Science
• History
• Portuguese

Group 2(a)

• History of Art

Group 2(b)

• European Studies
• Folklore
• Gaeilge/Irish
• Greek & Roman Civilisation

Group 3

• Archaeology
• Chinese Studies
• German
• Latin
• Mathematical Studies
• Politics

Group 4

• French
• Sociology
• Studies in Music

Group 5

• Béaloideas
• Economics
• English
• Greek
• Religions & Global Diversity

Group 6(a)

• Geography
• Italian

Group 6(b)

• Celtic Civilisation
• Philosophy
• Spanish

Groups 2(a) and 2(b): Students can combine Group 2(b) History of Art with any subject from Group 2(a) in Year 1 only. Students can only study one subject from Groups 2(a) and 2(b) in Years 2 & 3.

Groups 6(a) and 6(b): Students may not combine Italian with Celtic Civilisation or Philosophy in Year 2. Students may not combine Geography with Celtic Civilisation, Philosophy or Spanish in Year 2.

Please note there are a number of first-year subjects in CK101 that are only available as minor subjects after the first year:

• European Studies: European Studies is only available through Arts (International) CK108 after first year. Students who wish to keep on European Studies in second and subsequent years must apply to transfer to CK108 Arts International at the end of first year in CK101. Please contact the College Office for application.
• Music: Students who are interested in studying Music with another Arts subject, should apply to CK104 Arts - Music. Studies in Music through Arts CK101 is only available as a minor subject after first year and you will not be eligible to apply to transfer into the second year of CK104 from CK101 Arts.

Academic Programme Catalogue

See the Academic Programme Catalogue for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Check 'Points to Note' for a full list of subject entry requirements and subject-specific information. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.

Course Practicalities

Expected lecture hours

Normally lectures are scheduled Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Each student’s timetable will differ depending on the subjects selected. In First Arts each subject entails three to four lectures per week plus a one-hour tutorial. Even though you will take only two subjects after Year 1, the workload is broadly similar. Each 5-credit module has about 24 one-hour lectures. Students take 60 credits worth of modules each year.

Expected lab/practical hours

Language subjects will have additional weekly language laboratories.

Field trips

Archaeology and Geography require students to attend field trips.

Why Choose This Course

Previous

Being able to criticise is crucial in journalism. My English and French degree help me do that, they help me analyse the current situation.

Imasha Costa – BA (Hons) Arts (English and French)

Digital News Journalist, Irish Examiner

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You can study multiple subjects and really discover who you are...

Judie Russell – BA (Hons) Arts (Economics and Sociology)

Video Strategist and founder of The Vidacademy

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I decided to go with Arts because there was more freedom and flexibility to create the path that I wanted.

Rosemarie O'Byrne – BA (Hons) Arts (History and English)

Current MA in English, Presenter and Producer La Vie en Rose, UCC 98.3FM

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I first became interested in planning as an undergraduate while studying geography in UCC

Pádraig O’Donoghue – BA (Hons) Arts

Assistant Planner, Kerry County Council

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BA Arts: English and Geography

Pádraig O’Donoghue is playing a pivotal role in shaping the sustainable development of Kerry’s towns and rural communities. As an Assistant Planner with Kerry County Council, Pádraig ensures that planning initiatives prioritise environmental sustainability, heritage preservation, and community well-being.

His role involves collaborating with local stakeholders to design spaces that foster economic growth while protecting Kerry's natural landscapes.

Having studied English and Geography, Pádraig brings a unique perspective to urban planning, combining historical knowledge with environmental insights. His work helps ensure that development projects in Kerry not only meet today's needs but also safeguard the county for future generations.

Pádraig shares his experience:

“I first became interested in planning as an undergraduate while studying geography in UCC. I was always interested in the environment and particularly how planning could improve the vibrancy of rural areas. I also had a keen interest in the housing crisis, and this was a major factor in choosing a career in planning.”

“I completed a Joint Honours Bachelor of Arts in UCC, where I studied Geography and English. Following this, I completed the Masters in Planning and Sustainable Development in UCC. I worked in private practice initially but I am currently working as an Assistant Planner with Kerry County Council. My top tip for future planners would be to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible. Planning has many specialties and is always moving forward so having an open mind is helpful.”

By immersing myself in the course and pursuing subjects I enjoyed, I found my passion

Ruby Walsh – BA (Hons) Arts

Redesigning the Post-Industrial City (RePIC) Masters Student, Accessible Cities Advocate

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BA Arts (CK101): Sociology and Geography

Ruby Walsh graduated from UCC with a First-Class Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography and Sociology.

As an Arts (CK101) student, Ruby developed a strong passion for understanding and addressing social and urban issues.

Ruby engaged in extensive projects, including the id+ project in which students with intellectual disabilities join degree students through a co-learning modules Cities of Diversity and Sustainable Cities & Communities.

This year, Ruby has started a new chapter as she pursues a Master of Science in Redesigning the Post-Industrial City (RePIC). Ruby was awarded a prestigious Eramus Mundus scholarship for the RePIC MSc, which will enable her to explore sustainable urban development and innovative city planning.

Ruby’s experience:

“I have always been fascinated by how cities function—the constant movement, the vibrant atmosphere, observing how people interact and how these interactions shift depending on the space they are in. It was not until studying Geography and Sociology through Arts at UCC that I realised how complex these dynamics are, especially for marginalised communities. Through my involvement with the id+ project and my dissertation on third spaces for people with intellectual disabilities, my understanding of the need for inclusivity deepened. My interest shifted from simply observing cities to wanting to actively address urban and social issues.”

“I highly recommend pursuing a Bachelor of Arts. Its flexibility and diversity allow you to explore a range of subjects, helping you discover what truly interests you while building a broad skillset. For me, studying Geography and Sociology deepened my understanding of how societies function and how cities are shaped—something I had always been curious about.”

“An Arts degree equips you with critical thinking, communication, and research skills, valuable in any career. It offers many opportunities to find what resonates with you. Go in with an open mind and seize every opportunity! By immersing myself in the course and pursuing subjects I enjoyed, I found my passion.”

Next

Connected Curriculum

We encourage innovative teaching and learning practices at UCC. This learning approach reflects our commitment to the Connected Curriculum where we emphasise the connection between students, learning, research and leadership through our vision for a Connected University. Our staff are at the forefront of this integrative approach to learning and will support you in making meaningful connections within and between disciplines across the Arts programme.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

The College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Science (CACSSS) offers an optional Professional Work Experience module (PX3001). This is an accredited professional work experience module that allows CACSSS students to explore and develop their career interests.

Skills and Careers Information

As an Arts graduate, you will make significant contributions to our society, culture, and economy. The cultural and intellectual enrichment derived from the process of your learning will extend to your contributions, significant and subtle, to your future work environment, community and culture.

Aside from your subject knowledge and expertise, employers across a range of professions increasingly seek out individuals with a range of intellectual attributes such as the ability to:

• think critically and independently
• be creative and innovative
• problem solve
• contribute to cultural, economic, and social challenges
• conduct research
• communicate with a high level of intellectual fluency

Our graduates have pursued careers in a wide range of areas including:

• Archaeologist
• Arts Management
• Finance/Banking
• Information Sciences
• Interpreter
• Marketing and Management
• Public Affairs
• Publishing
• Researcher
• Teaching/Lecturing
• Theatre
• TV/Radio

UCC Employability Guide

Our UCC Employment and Employability Guide notes that University College Cork (UCC) graduates are highly sought-after by employers: 93% of our graduates are in employment or further studies within nine months of graduating.

Postgraduate Studies

Due to the extensive range of subject choices on offer, you will have vast opportunities for Postgraduate Study in UCC, Ireland, and Internationally. In UCC our graduates have gone on to postgraduate study in such areas as:

• MA Criminology
• MA Digital Arts and Humanities
• MSc Economics/Business
• PME Education
• MA Film & Screen Media
• MSc Computing Science
• MSc Management & Marketing
• MA Global Gallery Studies
• MA Translation Studies

Please see the CACSSS postgraduate page for more information on a vast array of postgraduate programmes, including CACSSS PhD options for graduates.

Requirements

Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements

At least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H5 in two subjects and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish. Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:

Additional Requirements

There are further subject-specific requirements for subjects on offer through the BA in Arts. You can find out details on subject-specific entry requirements in the Academic Programme Catalogue.

EU/EFTA/UK Qualifications

EU/EFTA/UK applicants presenting an equivalent school-leaving qualification should review the EU/EFTA/UK Applicants page for information on equivalent grades and how to prove their level of English.

Mature Applicants

To compete through the mature entry route, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the application year and apply online via the CAO by 1 February. Your application should include a statement of interest, and you must also apply for and sit the Mature Student Evaluation (MSE) test.

You can find further information on applying as a mature student on the Mature Applicants and Mature Student Entry support pages.

QQI FET Entry

Applicants who meet the required level of distinctions in required subjects can apply for entry to this course using specific QQI FET qualifications. Please review the Programme Requirements on our Information for QQI FET Applicants page for information on related QQI courses, and visit Access UCC’s QQI/FET Entry section for further support.

Non-EU Applicants

Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page and refer to our International Office page for more information.

Fees and Costs

• Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you. See more information on EU Fees, Non-EU Fees, or Free Fees Status.
• The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme. The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.
• See the Fee Schedule to find out the course fee.
• Check out scholarships that may be available to you.
• Explore our Nurturing Bright Futures free online course (Module 5) to learn about managing your money as a student and budgeting for university life.

How To Apply

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.

Mature Applicants

Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry.

QQI/FET Applicants

Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET Applicants page for information on the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Further Education and Training (FET) application process and whether there are routes available to this course.

Non-EU Applicants

If you are from outside the EU/EFTA/UK, apply online via the UCC Apply portal. See our International Office page for more information.