Key information for BA (Hons) in Home Economics

Code: SE214 | Level: 8 | Duration: 3 years | Delivery: Fulltime | Credits: 180

Location for BA (Hons) in Home Economics

Location: Waterford | Campus: Cork Road

Application Information for BA (Hons) in Home Economics

Next Intake: None | Application Status: Open

International Applicants information for BA (Hons) in Home Economics

International Application Status: Closed | Application Information Link: https://www.setu.ie/global/study-at-setu/applying-to-setu | International Fees Link: https://www.setu.ie/current-students/fees-and-grants/fees/global-fees

What modules are taught in BA (Hons) in Home Economics?

Year 1: Sem 1: Introduction to Applied Food Studies | Sem 2: Development of Applied Food Studies, Sem 1: Introduction to Textiles and Design | Sem 2: Textiles, Fashion and Sustainability, Sem 1: Home Economics Studies | Sem 2: Essentials of Nutrition and Food Science, Sem 1: Biological Chemistry for Home Economics | Sem 2: The Family, Sem 1: Minor Subject Module 1 | Sem 2: Minor Subject Module 3, Sem 1: Minor Subject Module 2 | Sem 2: Minor Subject Module 4 | Year 2: Sem 3: Nutrition in Health and Disease | Sem 4: Advanced Food Studies, Sem 3: Interior Design | Sem 4: Textile Crafts, Sem 3: Household Finance & Planning | Sem 4: The Irish Food Industry, Sem 3: Microbiology of Food | Sem 4: Developmental Psychology and Education, Sem 3: Minor Subject Module 5 | Sem 4: Minor Subject Module 7, Sem 3: Minor Subject Module 6 | Sem 4: Minor Subject Module 8 | Year 3: Sem 5: Pastry & Baking Techniques | Sem 6: Food Innovation & Development, Sem 5: Garment Construction | Sem 6: Training for Home Economics, Sem 5: Social Psychology for Home Economics | Sem 6: Social Studies, Sem 5: Sustainable Home Design | Sem 6: Consumer Studies: Capstone Research Project, Sem 5: Minor Subject Module 9 | Sem 6: Minor Subject Module 11, Sem 5: Minor Subject Module 10 | Sem 6: Minor Subject Module 12

What further study options exist for graduates of BA (Hons) in Home Economics?

Graduates are equipped with a diverse skill set that opens doors to various career paths including:NutritionistFood Scientist / TechnologistHome Economics TeacherChildcare Specialist / Early Childhood EducatorTextile / Apparel DesignerConsumer Advisor / Financial CounsellorHospitality ManagerCommunity Health WorkerInterior DesignerProduct Developer (Household Goods)Stainability Advisor/Climate Action OfficerEntrepreneur

SE214 Waterford

Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

Home Economics

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Course Overview

The BA (Hons) in Home Economics at SETU is a comprehensive three-year honours degree that combines scientific, social, and applied learning to prepare you for life and work across families, communities, and wider society.

You’ll explore the connections between nutrition, health, wellbeing, consumer behaviour, and sustainable living, gaining a deep understanding of how everyday decisions shape individual and community outcomes.

Through a mix of hands-on labs, community engagement, and real-world project work, you’ll develop practical skills alongside critical thinking, preparing you to make a meaningful impact in a changing world.

What You’ll Learn

This programme equips you with the knowledge and skills to understand and influence key aspects of modern life, including:

Food, nutrition, and health promotion
Family resource management and consumer awareness
Sustainability and responsible living
Social and community wellbeing
Policy and education in Home Economics

With a strong focus on evidence-based practice, ethical awareness, and innovation, you’ll graduate ready to respond to real-world challenges.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this programme are well prepared for a wide range of career paths, including:

Education and teaching
Health promotion and community development
Social and public services
Food and nutrition industries
Policy development and advocacy

Course Structure

In Year 1, you will study Home Economics as your major subject, alongside one minor subject from associated Humanities disciplines.

Your minor subject must be chosen from Groups 1 or 2 of the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) course.

From Year 2 onwards, you will continue with both your major (Home Economics) and your chosen minor subject through to completion.

Minor Subject Options

English
French
Spanish
Law
Religious Studies
Geography, Environment and Sustainability

Study Abroad Opportunity

Students have the option to enhance their degree through an international study year.

After Year 2, you can choose to spend an additional year studying at a partner university abroad before returning to SETU to complete your final year. Students who take this pathway graduate with a BA (Hons) Home Economics International.

You’ll be supported throughout the process by an SETU Academic Advisor, who will help you select a suitable host university and ensure your chosen subjects align with your degree.

This experience offers a valuable opportunity to broaden your perspective, build independence, and gain international experience.

Additional Programme Costs

Additional costs will be incurred by students for the purchase of a culinary uniform and knife set (approx. €230) and a textile skills kit (approx. €150).

Year 1

Semester 1	Semester 2
Introduction to Applied Food Studies	Development of Applied Food Studies
Introduction to Textiles and Design	Textiles, Fashion and Sustainability
Home Economics Studies	Essentials of Nutrition and Food Science
Biological Chemistry for Home Economics	The Family
Minor Subject Module 1	Minor Subject Module 3
Minor Subject Module 2	Minor Subject Module 4

Year 2

Semester 3	Semester 4
Nutrition in Health and Disease	Advanced Food Studies
Interior Design	Textile Crafts
Household Finance & Planning	The Irish Food Industry
Microbiology of Food	Developmental Psychology and Education
Minor Subject Module 5	Minor Subject Module 7
Minor Subject Module 6	Minor Subject Module 8

Year 3

Semester 5	Semester 6
Pastry & Baking Techniques	Food Innovation & Development
Garment Construction	Training for Home Economics
Social Psychology for Home Economics	Social Studies
Sustainable Home Design	Consumer Studies: Capstone Research Project
Minor Subject Module 9	Minor Subject Module 11
Minor Subject Module 10	Minor Subject Module 12

Graduates are equipped with a diverse skill set that opens doors to various career paths including:

Nutritionist
Food Scientist / Technologist
Home Economics Teacher
Childcare Specialist / Early Childhood Educator
Textile / Apparel Designer
Consumer Advisor / Financial Counsellor
Hospitality Manager
Community Health Worker
Interior Designer
Product Developer (Household Goods)
Stainability Advisor/Climate Action Officer
Entrepreneur

CourseCast 26 Mar 2026

Home Economics

This episode of CourseCast focuses on Home Economics at SETU – a new, comprehensive three-year honours degree that combines scientific, social, and applied learning to prepare graduates for life and work in families, communities and broader society. Mary is joined by Dr Aileen Murphy, Programme Director, and Dr Don O’Neill, Head of Department of Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism at SETU.

Listen on podcasts.setu.ie