Bachelor of Arts: Joint Honours

With a record of excellence in undergraduate education, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts: Joint Honours Degree.

This degree draws on existing DCU strengths offers you choice of what you want to study from a unique range of subjects. You will also have the option to apply to take a year abroad or to take a year-long INTRA work placement (Year abroad and INTRA students complete the degree over four years). You will acquire a critical perspective on areas central to contemporary society, including Law, Politics and Media Studies. You can complement this knowledge by developing a high competence in languages including Gaeilge French, German, or Spanish.

Each subject area of the Bachelor of Arts: Joint Honours programme will provide you with an opportunity to gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of a particular academic discipline. This degree will prepare you for a variety of careers while also providing a solid foundation for further study at postgraduate level.

• All Bachelor of Arts: Joint Honours students can apply to spend a year abroad studying in another country or spend a year on paid work experience between year 2 and 3.
• All students have direct access to their Professors during semester for one-to-one feedback and advice.
• 66% of graduates from degrees offered by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences are in employment within 9 months of graduation. 22% are in further study.

Bachelor of Arts: Joint Honours graduates find employment in:

• Advertising
• Community Development
• Public Relations
• Research
• Creative Writing
• Publishing
• Politics
• Education & Adult Education
• Humanitarian Aid
• Law
• Government
• Policy Evaluation
• Journalism
• Tourism
• Environmental Consultancy
• Language Promotion and Translation
• Broadcasting
• Housing policy
• Diplomatic service
• Regional development
• Arts organisations and administration
• Post primary, primary and instrumental/vocal teaching
• Performing/conducting
• Social justice and human rights bodies
• Legal affairs

Additional Notes



* Subjects are studied for three or four years.

* Gaeilge offered at intermediate level only.

* International Languages includes French or German or Spanish, all offered at intermediate level only.

* Music Applicants who obtain a place on DC009 and wish to take music are normally required to present for an assessment comprising rudiments of music (theory and an aural test) and only those applicants who successfully complete the assessment are eligible to register for music on DC009.

Learn about the subjects on offer

• English

  You will engage with a wide range of literature and become familiar with the vital characteristics and contexts of drama, poetry, film and fiction.

• Gaeilge

  You will learn about Irish culture and tradition as well as developing your practical language skills.

• Geography

  You will examine human activity, human-environment relations and physical environments at a variety of scales, from the local through to the global.

• History

  You will explore how human beings behave grounded on a close examination of how they have behaved in the past in all spheres of the world but with a particular emphasis on Ireland.

• Human Development

  You will develop an understanding of human needs and capacities at crucial stages of the development process through your studies of Psychology, Sociology and Philosophy. This subject is offered only on DC009.

• International Languages (French, German, Spanish)

  You will acquire proficiency in your chosen language and learn about culture, film, literary traditions and intercultural communication.

• Law

  You will take a wide range of law subjects which will provide you with an insight into the complex and interesting nature of the Irish and EU legal systems.

• Media Studies

  You will learn about communication theory, the history of the media, film theory and press and public relations.

• Music

  You will gain knowledge and understanding of classical, traditional, popular and other music styles. This subject is only offered on DC009.

• Philosophy

  You will critically engage with a range of questions about issues such as truth, beauty, value, knowledge, and the nature of reality. In doing so, you will develop enhanced skills in clear analysis and rigorous argumentation.

• Politics

  You will study areas as diverse as international political economy, international development, the politics of climate change, politics of the Middle East, Chinese foreign policy, and conflict, security and peace.

• World Religions and Theology

  You will critically engage with questions, closely analyse ancient and modern texts, and develop insights into cultural and religious diversity.