The BSocSc Social Policy and Sociology at University College Dublin is the premier honours degree of its kind in Ireland. It is the standard qualification for those working in policy making and social services and recently celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. If you are interested in exploring how societies, communities and families work and wish to make a difference to the world, affect cultural change, contribute to public service or corporate responsibility, then this course is for you.
This course is available through the following application route(s)
This three-year BSocSc Social Policy & Sociology degree is a Joint Major in Social Policy and Sociology. This degree was previously named the BSocSc in Social Science. Graduates often progress to further study to become social workers and to related professions. When you apply for this degree, you choose SBU2 BSc Social Policy and Sociology.
About This Course
The course explores key social issues affecting societies in the European Union, the USA and East Asia: poverty, homelessness, addiction, mental illness, social stratification, criminal justice, globalisation, gender equality, sexualities and reproductive health, childhood and children’s services, and tax and welfare systems. You will learn about how policy makers, in Ireland and across the world, have responded to these societal challenges. A strong emphasis is placed on studying qualitative and quantitative research methods. You will attend lectures and seminars and engage in project-based learning, instruction, and independent study with experienced academic staff and with input from policy-makers and industry.
This programme allows international study opportunities in universities both in Europe and further afield. Currently Erasmus exchange opportunities exist in Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Sweden, Japan, Hong Kong.
You have the option of taking a four-year BSocSc (International) degree that incorporates an extra year of university study abroad as an integral part of the programme.
In Stage 2 you may apply to enter the international programme and, if accepted, you have the opportunity to attend one of a range of European universities during the following year.
The BSocSc provides a strong foundation for both postgraduate study and a wide range of careers in government, social services, NGOs, education, media, including new and online media (who are increasingly expressing an active interest in recruiting social sciences graduates) and business. Alumni include Orlaith Blaney (Marketing and Advertising, former CEO McCannBlue Dublin), Frances Fitzgerald (TD), Ali Hewson (Humanitarian) and Sr Stanislaus Kennedy (Humanitarian & Founder, Focus Ireland).
UCD Social Sciences,
Newman Building,
Belfield,
Dublin 4
socialsciences@ucd.ie
www.ucd.ie/socialsciences
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
Trimester | Credits | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
SOC10010 | Foundations of Sociological Thought | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
SOC10020 | Introduction to Sociology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
SOC10110 | Sociology of Crime & Deviance | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
SPOL10010 | Social Policy Theories and Concepts I | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
SPOL10030 | Understanding Social Problems and Policies | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
SPOL10180 | History of Irish Social Policy | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PSY10050 | Introduction to Psychology | Autumn and Spring (separate) | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
SOC10060 | Ireland in Comparative Perspective | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
SOC10070 | Sociological Analysis and Research Design | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
SPOL10020 | Contemporary Irish Welfare State | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
SSJ10060 | Inequality and Social Justice in Irish Society | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: You may choose an elective from the stage 1 elective section when it opens later in the year, or you may select the module below. |
SPOL18130 | Introduction to Social Work | Spring | 5 |
The UCD College of Social Sciences and Law is a broad and diverse, but connected community of students and faculty who are committed to creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all. We work together in a culture of collaboration to support each other to thrive and achieve our full potential, in service of broader societal goals. Through our undergraduate and graduate education, research and external engagement, we aim to ensure that our students, faculty and staff thrive and contribute to sustainable well-being on our campus, in Ireland and across the wider world. Our faculty are globally recognized experts in their fields, advancing knowledge through research, engaging with government, business and civil society to enhance our world, and using their knowledge to design and offer cutting-edge education within their disciplines and across the disciplines of Archaeology, Economics, Geography, Information & Communication Studies, Philosophy, Politics & International Relations, Psychology, Social Policy Social Work & Social Justice, and Sociology. Our ambition is that our students will debate and engage with the greatest societal challenges of our time by becoming informed citizens who will play a leading role in shaping societies around the globe toward more sustainable futures.
The Social Sciences degrees at UCD incorporate a diverse range of formal and informal learning opportunities for students, delivered by excellent researchers who are leading their fields globally, and embedding the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDG’s) in their educational activities where appropriate.
BSocSc Social Policy & Sociology
The Sociology and Social Policy programme explores key social issues affecting societies in Ireland and worldwide including poverty, homelessness, addiction, mental illness, social stratification, criminal justice, globalisation, gender equality, sexualities and reproductive health, childhood and children’s services, and tax and welfare systems. By learning about how policy makers respond to societal challenges, students are equipped to make a difference to the world, affect cultural change, contribute to public service or corporate responsibility to advance the sustainable development goals.
- No Poverty (SDG1)
- Good health and wellbeing (SDG 3)
- Gender Equality (SDG 5)
- Reduce Inequalities (SDG 10)
- Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
- Climate Action (SDG 13)
- Peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16)
Non-EU Undergraduate Fee information can be found here.
UCD offers a number of competitive undergraduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD undergraduate degree programme. For information on Undergraduate Scholarships, please see the UCD International Scholarships webpage.
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Social Policy and Sociology:
ROWCLASS | Apply to | Application Type | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
showAudience-audienceInt | SBU2 Social Policy and Sociology Bachelor of Social Science |
Commencing 2024/2025 September | Undergraduate Degree (Non EU) Non EU Undergraduates |
Apply |
showAudience-audienceEU | DN750 Social Policy and Sociology Bachelor of Social Science |
Full-Time Commencing 2024/2025 September |
Application through CAO | Apply via CAO |
Additional special entry route(s) to Social Policy and Sociology:
These options have additional eligibility requirements to cater for specific applicant cohorts. You should not apply via these routes before consulting the requirements or contacting the responsible UCD office.
ROWCLASS | Apply to | Application Type | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | SBU2 Social Policy and Sociology Bachelor of Social Science |
Commencing 2024/2025 September | Access Progression Pathway Access Progression Pathway Application to this Non-EU Access Progression Pathway is by invitation only. If you are not currently enrolled on an Access programme at UCD, your application will be marked as invalid. If you are not a current Access student, but you are a non-EU applicant seeking admission to an undergraduate degree, please submit an application via the "Undergraduate Degree (Non-EU)" course type. |
Apply |