What is the BA (Hons) in Social Science Course?
The BA (Hons) Social Science is a multi-disciplinary three-year course. In times of rapid social and economic change, this programme offers students the opportunity to understand and critically analyse contemporary Irish society and Ireland’s place in an increasingly globalised world.
This course draws on core Social Science disciplines such as Social Policy, Sociology, Psychology, Economics and Politics, with an emphasis on Social Research and Social Studies in Context.
The implications of and responses to social problems for marginalised and vulnerable members of society are central to this programme.
Special Feature of BA (Hons) in Social Science Course
Students are offered an opportunity to take elective modules in Semesters, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Students may select from a wide range of modules such as (but not limited to) Personal & Professional Development; Social Care, Organisational Studies. Probation, Policing and the Police, and Sociology of Deviance.
If you are open-minded, interested in tackling some of the key issues of our time, and want to develop skills to think differently about and understand our complex world – then Social Science is for you!
The programme is structured to provide students with the opportunity to gain a solid academic foundation in a range of related disciplines. The programme is also structured to enable students to develop their critical understanding of the applied nature of social science, and the importance of social research in critical inquiry and analysis of contemporary society.
The programme emphasises the importance of inter-disciplinarity. These pillars of learning theory, application, research and integration) are the focus of this programme.
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Psychology | Introduction to Social Psychology |
| Social Policy, Poverty and Social Exclusion | Irish Social Policy |
| Introduction to Sociological Problems | Developmental Psychology |
| Critical Thinking and Academic Skills | Development of the Irish Welfare State |
| Irish Society and the Media | Ireland: Race, Nation, Ethnicities |
| Introduction to politics in the Irish context | Introduction to Research |
Year 2
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| Social Research Methodologies | Dissertation Proposal |
| Foundations of Ethics: Philosophical and Theological | Macroeconomic Environment |
| Citizenship, Social Justice and Rights | Modern Social Theory |
| Classical Social Theory | Sociology of Gender |
| Economics of the Market | The Politics of Welfare |
| Elective Modules | Elective modules |
Year 3
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
| Data Analysis in Social Research | Comparing Social Policies |
| Dissertation 1 Social Science | Dissertation 2 Social Science |
| Psychology and Crime | Economic Sociology |
| Social Studies in Context 1 | Social Ethics |
| The EU and Globalisation | Social Studies in Context 2 |
| Elective Module | Elective module |
Leaving Cert: Minimum entry requirements for BA (Hons) in Social Science
2 subjects: H5
4 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O6/H7
Advanced and Equivalent Entry for BA (Hons) in Social Science
Completion of a level 8 programme will also enable students to undertake taught Masters programmes or Masters degrees by research at SETU Waterford or other third-level colleges
BA (Hons) in Social Science Career Opportunities
The BA (Hons) Social Science offers graduates a wide variety of career opportunities such as Social Research, Policy Analysis, Human Resources, Administration and Social Work in Government and Non-governmental agencies. Some career options require further postgraduate qualifications and this programme provides an ideal pathway into a range of postgraduate options.
Follow on Study for Social Science Graduates
Graduates may proceed to postgraduate study, either research or taught, at SETU Waterford or other their-level colleges.
CourseCast Podcast
Listen to our CourseCast Social Science episode to hear real insights from students and lecturers about this course, what you’ll learn, and where it can lead.
Stories
Course Leader
Dr John McNamara
Course Leader - Social Science & Lecturer - Sociology -
Email: [email protected]
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