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Social Sciences

Undergraduate

Why do people behave the way they do? How do social, cultural, political and economic forces shape our lives and the world in which we live?

If these types of questions about society and social relationships spark your interest, prepare to be challenged and fascinated by studying social sciences in UCD. You will examine the nature of our society and the issues confronting humanity, including climate change, crime and violence, social and economic inequality, gender justice, sustainable cities, human development, economic growth and big data.

There are five distinct degrees within Social Sciences at UCD:

  • BSc Social Sciences (Four Years)
  • BSc Economics (Three Years)
  • BSc Psychology (Three Years)
  • BSocSc Social Policy & Sociology (Three Years)
  • BEd Education, Gaeilge &/or Modern Languages (Four Years)
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About Social Sciences

UCD leads the way with the broadest and most diverse Social Sciences programmes in Ireland offering innovative education and research to address the critical social, political, cultural and economic concerns of our time. You will study with internationally renowned academics and capitalise on UCD’s impressive international subject rankings.

You will develop the skills required to succeed in today’s rapid paced business and societal environment, including research, problem solving, analysis and communication. In addition, you will develop expertise in the research techniques employed by social scientists.

There are five distinct degrees within Social Sciences;

BSc Social Sciences

The four-year BSc Social Sciences degree is the largest undergraduate degree in UCD and provides students with a range of subject combinations.

BSc Economics

The three-year BSc in Economics is a Single-Major degree for students who are focused on studying only economics as a single subject.

BSc Psychology

The three-year BSc Psychology degree is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland. Students study Psychology in UCD as a single subject degree only.

BSocSc Social Policy & Sociology

This three-year BSocSc Social Policy & Sociology degree is a Joint Major in Social Policy & Sociology. This degree was previously named the BSocSc in Social Sciences. Graduates often progress to further study to become social workers or work in public policy or human resources management.

BEd Education with Gaeilge &/or Modern Languages

This new four-year teacher education degree, accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland, affords students the opportunity to study languages (French, Spanish, German, Italian, Gaeilge, Portuguese) while also engaging in foundational education modules to prepare for teaching in post-primary schools in Ireland.

The first year studying social sciences is structured to provide extensive support to incoming students as they make the transition to third-level learning. Each student is assigned a peer mentor – an existing UCD student – to act as a guide and support as you navigate your new life in university.

As you develop expertise in your subjects and become more familiar with the university teaching and learning environment, you increasingly choose your own options, studying areas that interest you. You will be given academic advice and support on your choices as you advance into second year. 

You gain a deep understanding of the subjects you choose to study and develop real-world skills in research, communication and leadership – highly valued by employers. Graduates of UCD social sciences progress to work as:

  • Policymakers
  • Environmentalists
  • Activists
  • Economists
  • Information managers
  • HR managers
  • Data Analysts
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Journalists
  • Statisticians
  • Urban planners
  • Archaeologists
  • Librarians
  • Secondary school teachers
  • Social workers
  • Researchers and many more professions across the public and private sectors. 

Among our accomplished alumni of UCD Social Sciences are:

  • Frances Fitzgerald, Minister for Justice
  • Ali Hewson, Humanitarian
  • Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy, Humanitarian