Arts  (BAU5)

Your two subject degree (DN520) is an excellent opportunity for you to pursue subjects for which you have an aptitude or those you have a particular interest in but have not yet explored.

The BA degree programme at UCD is the most diverse in Ireland offering 26 subjects (refer to module information for subject descriptions). In addition to your selected two subjects, in your first year, you will have the opportunity to study at least one other subject to broaden your knowledge and skills, enhance your learning experience and expand your options.

In Stage 1 you take 12 modules over two trimesters; you will generally study three, or possibly four different subjects, which may include a module from outside the BA programme area - so you can, for example, maintain an interest in science or business or law if that is what you wish to do. In Stages 2 and 3 of your BA programme you will specialise in two subject areas, and you can use what we call your elective modules to continue your interest in other subject areas within or outside Arts and Humanities.

Take time to find out as much as you can about subjects and topics that interest you. You can do this by clicking on the subjects below. Please note that the subjects are timetabled in nine groups: you choose a maximum of one subject from any group and combine it with subjects from any other group, except Group I. The subjects in Group I are only available in particular combinations, defined in the table below. Each subject has a maximum number of places available, so be sure to consider a variety of subjects because it is not possible to guarantee that all students will secure places in all their preferred subjects. You have a guaranteed place in the two subjects that you selected on your CAO.

Please note: it is possible to study the BA Joint Honours on a part-time basis.

Subject Groupings for Academic Year 2021/22

Subject Group A
Art History
Greek and Roman Civilisation
Irish Folklore
Linguistics
Portuguese

Subject Group B
History
Music
Statistics

Subject Group C
German
Irish Studies
Mathematical Studies
Spanish

Subject Group D
English

Subject Group E
Italian
Modern Irish
Film Studies

Subject Group F
Celtic Civilisation
Drama Studies
French

Subject Group G
Latin

Subject Group H
Greek

Subject Group I. Note: Subjects in this group can only be taken with particular Arts and Humanities subjects outlined below:
Archaeology (only available as a Joint Major English or History)
Geography (only available as a Joint Major with History, Irish, Art History, English or Music)
Information and Communication Studies (only available as a Joint Major with English or Linguistics)
Philosophy (only available as a Joint Major with English, Art History, History or Music)
Sociology (only available as a joint major with English or History)

In your first year (called Stage 1) you take 12 modules over two trimesters i.e. 60 credits; we recommend that you focus on 3 subjects, but you can study 4 different subjects. In order to qualify to progress in a given subject (that is, to take that subject for the rest of your three-year degree) you need to have taken and passed at least 10 credits in that subject (It is important to note that some subjects have additional progression rules and that not all subjects in ‘Group I’ can be taken to degree level. Please contact us at http://www.ucd.ie/ahss/contact/ if you need more details about ‘Group I’ subjects).

We strongly recommend that you take 20 credits in at least one subject (Subject 1); many students take a further 20 credits in a second subject (Subject 2). The remaining 20 credits to make up your 60 can be used to explore other subjects in a variety of ways: you can take more credit in the subjects already chosen; you can take 10 or 15 credits in a third subject (Subject 3) or 5 or 10 credits in a fourth subject; or you can take one elective (5 credits) from areas within Arts and Humanities or from across other parts of the University, including Business, Science or Social Science.

In Stages 2 and 3 students on the BA Programme take 2 subjects equally (Joint Major) There is also the possibility, after Stage 1, of applying to study Music as a Single Subject to degree level.

Please note that subject specific progression requirements can be found through the Programme Office website at http://www.ucd.ie/ahss/study/bachelorofartsbafull-time/progressionrequirementsforstage2/

In your third year, you may apply to study abroad through the Erasmus programme or on a non-EU exchange. UCD has over 200 Erasmus partners in Europe and an increasing number of non-EU exchange agreements with universities in the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan and elsewhere. The year abroad takes place when you have accumulated at least 110 credits and satisfied any subject prerequisites, adding a fourth year to the BA programme and turning it into a BA International.

Our students gain in-depth subject knowledge in their chosen areas. In addition, they acquire a wealth of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers, including: research, critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, creativity, communication and writing. We offer students the opportunity to develop their career ambitions through a range of focused employability modules, alumni mentoring, career events and other initiatives.

UCD is ranked number one for graduate employability in Ireland. We are committed to helping our students navigate the rapidly evolving job market and empowering them to find their future. Our graduates play a vital role in intellectual, cultural and business life in Ireland, and work in senior roles across a broad spectrum of industries including: journalism, culture, public sector, law, communications and innovation.

The quality of the BA degree is recognised by employers who want well-educated and versatile employees. The flexibility it provides allows graduates to enter a host of professions including , journalism, politics, human resources management, public service, teaching, non-profit sector roles, tourism, arts and creative industries, advertising, public relations, banking and business to name a few.

UCD Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Programme Office,
Newman Building,
Belfield,
Dublin 4
Tel: +353 1 716 8102/8259
Web: www.ucd.ie/ahss

 

See the UCD Assessment website for further details

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Module Weighting Info