Skip to main content

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 Podcast 

Listen to our CourseCast Home Economics episode to hear real insights about this course, what you’ll learn, and where it can lead.

Contact

Course Leader

Dr Aileen Murphy

Lecturer, Faculty of Arts and Humanities -

Call: +35351302119

Email: [email protected]

Profile
1 of 5