BSocSc Hons Social Science

at University College Cork

On the Social Science course, you will examine social issues from many perspectives, and study several subjects including Social Policy, Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, and Economics. The course is designed on the understanding that this is the first time that most students are encountering the social sciences. As such, students are not expected to have prior knowledge of the various subjects and the first year is focused on introducing you to key concepts and theories.
 

In the second and third years of the course, you will again take a number of ‘core’ or compulsory modules in social policy, sociology, economics, philosophy, and psychology. You will also be invited to choose (elective) modules of particular interest to you from a large range of possibilities. The course also offers you the chance to develop your practical experience through optional work experience in an organisation of your choice in Ireland or abroad. And, if you are interested in languages, you can also study French, German, Spanish, Italian, or Irish/Gaeilge. This flexibility in design allows you to shape the degree to fit your own specialist interests and career plans.
 

An exciting and important element of the degree is the opportunity to engage in research about a social issue of special interest to you. Final year students undertake a social research project that they design and carry out with the guidance of an academic and with opportunities to collaborate with local community organisations. Students therefore produce ‘real world’ research that responds to key social issues in the 21st century.
 

Year 1 Modules:

Core

• AP1022 Social Psychology

• AP1023 Lifespan Development

• EC1117& EC1118 Markets & Government: An Introduction to Economics

• SS1017 & SS1018 Politics & Social Policy (1 & 2)

• SC1012Introduction to Sociology, SC1013 Key Issues in Sociology
   

Electives

• PH1005 An Introduction to Philosophy & Social Science

or

• SS1012 Social Practice & the Social Professions
   

Year 2 Modules:

Core:

Social Policy, Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, Economics
 

Electives:

Social Policy; Sociology; Statistics; Languages; Philosophy
 

Year 3 Modules:

Core:

Politics and Social Policy, Social Research Project
 

Electives:

Sociology; Social Policy; Economics; Social Work and Social Services; Sociology and Society; Applied Psychology; Languages; Philosophy; Statistics

Leaving Certificate entry requirements:
 

At least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H5 in two subjects and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish. Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:

• English  
• O6/H7    
   
•  Irish    
• O6/H7    
   
• Other Language
• O6/H7    
   

Additional requirements: There are further subject-specific requirements for subjects on offer through the BA. You can find out details on language-specific entry requirements in the points-to-note section in the Arts and Arts (International) pages of the UCC calendar.

Mature students:  Applicants should apply directly through the CAO, include a statement of interest, and must apply for and sit the MSAP exam.  Approximately four places are available to mature applicants.
 

Minimum Requirements and Accepted English Language Tests & Examinations

The minimum English language entry requirements for admission onto a postgraduate programme at UCC are outlined below. These requirements are for postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English. If Gaeilge (Irish) is your first language these requirements do not apply to you.
 

There are a small number of programmes with a higher minimum English language entry requirement and we list these below under Programmes with a Higher Minimum English Language Requirement.

IELTS*    

• 6.5 Overall

• 6.0 Individual Skills (academic version)
   

TOEFL iBT    
 

• 90 Overall

• Listening 20

• Reading 19

• Speaking 21

• Writing 20

The fees for Bachelor of Social Science may vary from  - €10,000 to €25,000 anually for tuition fees. The fee's prices may get higher for international students.

The Social Science degree is ideally suited to those who are broadly interested in working with people in a social- and community-focused context. Our graduates are employed in a variety of settings and public and voluntary sector organisations, such as community and health services, probation, social care, local government, housing associations, and social service/advocacy groups.
 

In terms of postgraduate opportunities, a big advantage for Social Science graduates is that they can access a broad range of postgraduate courses in diverse fields including:
 

•  social work

•  occupational therapy

•  speech and language therapy

•  planning and sustainable development

•  community and youth work

•  social policy and social research

•  criminology

•  teaching

•  marketing and management

•  journalism
   

Students who are interested in person-centred careers – but who may be undecided about what particular area they would like to specialise in – will enjoy space and time to grow and mature and to explore their options. Along the way, the degree enables students to develop valuable transferable professional and academic skills including critical thinking, problem solving, social analysis, writing and research skills.