Humanities and Social Science Courses Explained
Bachelor of Arts: Joint Honours
The Bachelor of Arts: Joint Honours degree draws on DCU strengths in humanities and social sciences while giving you the choice of what you want to study from a unique range of subjects. Students also have the option to take a year abroad (year abroad students complete the degree over four years). You will acquire a critical perspective on areas central to contemporary society, including law, politics and the media. You can also complement this knowledge by developing a high competence in a foreign language or Irish.
Each subject area of the Bachelor of Arts 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 Joint Honours students can apply to spend a year abroad studying in another country or spend a year on paid work experience between year two and three.
All students have direct access to their lecturers during the semester for one-to-one feedback and advice.
DCU is highly ranked in global university rankings for graduate employability. 66% of graduates from BA/BSc degrees in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences are in employment within 9 months of graduation. 22% are in further study.
For further information and course entry requirements, go to: www.dcu.ie/DC009
BA in Communications Studies
The BA in Communication Studies will give you a thorough understanding of the role communications play in local, national and international settings by teaching you how to think critically about communication in its various forms. It will also introduce you to the varied careers available to graduates and help you decide which interests you most.
The degree includes foundation, core, production and optional modules in performance, audio, imaging and video, giving you a grounding in critical understanding of communication as well as hands-on experience.
DCU’s School of Communications is an internationally-focused centre for excellence in teaching and research in the areas of media, communications and journalism. We are the top school in Ireland for media and communications.
With a tradition stretching back almost 40 years – and a long-established reputation as Ireland’s leading centre for communications – the School has been consistently ranked in the top 200 of almost 4,500 universities worldwide in the area of communications.
In the meantime, you may want to have a look at what our degree looks like in this video or you can watch the video above.
For further information and course entry requirements, go to: www.dcu.ie/DC131
BA in Journalism
If you’re interested in DCU’s BA in Journalism, you have a profound sense of curiosity about the world and an ability to analyse and reveal how things work through clear, concise and engaging stories. You possess the ability to absorb large amounts of information quickly, to relate facts to the bigger picture, and to work to deadline. You’re excited at the prospect of learning how to tell stories across a range of platforms from social to mobile to broadcast.
A niche of journalism can be found to suit most interests. In all areas of life, from business to politics, from culture to religion, from sports to lifestyles, the public looks to journalism for context.
DCU’s Journalism degree focuses on three essentials: practical skills such as video, audio and writing for different platforms (digital, social, print and broadcast); knowledge of people, institutions and ethical principles needed as context; and academic studies of law, politics and society to sharpen your critical thinking.
An essential element of the final year of the course is an eight-week placement in a media organisation where you’ll trial your abilities in the working world. Every journalism student must complete a relevant work placement arranged or approved by DCU.
DCU’s School of Communications is an internationally-focused centre for excellence in teaching and research in the areas of media, communications and journalism. We are the top School in Ireland for media and communications. The School has been consistently ranked in the top 200 of almost 4,500 universities worldwide in the area of communications.
For further information and course entry requirements, go to: www.dcu.ie/DC132
In the meantime, you may want to have a look at what our degree looks like in this video or you can watch the video above.
BSc in Multimedia
The BSc in Multimedia at DCU is a programme for those who are creative, enquiring, and interested in the creation of engaging and interactive media experiences. Our graduates are highly successful designers, developers, artists, educators, entrepreneurs, and scholars.
If, like them, you are intrigued by the relationship we have to media and digital technologies in our lives – and want to explore, improve and expand that relationship – this is the course for you. You should enjoy working with digital technologies and be interested in problem solving, creative expression, and working in focussed team-based projects.
In the course of your Multimedia degree, you’ll acquire a command of the concepts and practices in digital text, image and sound manipulation, and multimedia authoring. In this way, you will be equipped to contribute to multimedia product development and to manage a diverse range of multimedia projects. You will participate in many group-based projects, reflecting the media design and production industries that this programme prepares graduates for and developing your skills in effective and creative teamwork.
Here’s what Richard Nolan, BSc in Multimedia graduate and Lead Graphic Designer, Secret Screen, London had to say about the programme:
“The BSc in Multimedia's balanced grounding in creativity and technology is invaluable in an industry where designers are expected to be an expert in not one, but many fields.”
DCU’s School of Communications is an internationally-focused centre for excellence in teaching and research. We are the top school in Ireland for media and communications. We are the top School in Ireland for media and communications. The School has been consistently ranked in the top 200 of almost 4,500 universities worldwide in the area of communications.
For further information and course entry requirements, go to: www.dcu.ie/DC133
BA in Social Sciences and Cultural Innovation
The BA in Social Sciences and Cultural Innovation is a new offering in Irish higher education, providing students with a unique suite of modules from the fields of Sociology, Media, Politics and Innovation. This future-focused programme is designed to equip you for the 21st century workplace and a world defined by increased connectivity and rapid technological change. It aims to bring an applied focus to the Social Sciences, providing you with the opportunity to actively engage with areas such as social entrepreneurship and cultural innovation, as well as the chance to gain valuable work experience.
The programme is defined by both flexibility and focus, as you have the opportunity to explore multiple disciplines, before going on to specialise in your area of choice.
The BA in Social Sciences and Cultural Innovation also places a strong emphasis on the development of transferable skills, such as creativity, leadership, ethical and critical thinking, digital literacy, intercultural competence, and future thinking, all which have been identified as important for 21st century living and working. With this in mind, parallel to studying Social Sciences, each year students will undertake a variety of modules which focus on fostering these skills.
Furthermore, students have the possibility of studying for a year abroad after year two, and students can also opt to apply for a year-long INTRA work placement in year three, which can provide students with excellent experience and a valuable professional network while still in university.
For further information and course entry requirements, go to: www.dcu.ie/DC238
In the meantime, you may want to have a look at what our degree looks like in this video or you can watch the video above.
Bachelor of Civil Law (Law and Society)
The Bachelor of Civil Law (Law and Society) course suits analytical problem solvers who want to understand the role law plays in regulating social systems and to engage critically with the possibilities of law reform.
You will learn how the legal process operates and how law and social forces influence one another in our modern world. In this degree, you will explore the key foundations of law (for instance, constitutional law, contract law and criminal law), and examine critical perspectives on the nature of these subjects, the practice of law, and the wider role of law in society.
The course also gives you the opportunity to study the core modules to prepare for entrance exams to the Law Society as a trainee solicitor, or to qualify for entrance to the Barrister-at-Law degree at King's Inns. Alternatively, upon graduation, you may choose to work within the public service, politics, NGOs, journalism, criminology/criminal justice and equality organisations, or international institutions.
For further information and course entry requirements, go to: www.dcu.ie/DC232
In the meantime, you may want to have a look at what our degree looks like in this video or you can watch the video above.
BA in Economics, Politics and Law (EPL)
The BA in Economics, Politics and Law (EPL) is an exciting degree that will give you a strong foundation in all three disciplines of economics, politics and law and will prepare you to work in a number of associated fields
The EPL degree will challenge you to explore how its key disciplines interact in contemporary Irish society and how they shape the current global environment. You will also gain an understanding of how economics, politics and law are inextricably bound together and how they can be applied to real world situations. This extremely versatile degree can be exercised in a number of professions.
The course can be completed in three years or in four with an optional third year abroad in the US, France, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Denmark, Sweden or a one of a selection of other locations. You can also opt to apply for a year-long INTRA work placement in year three.
For further information and course entry requirements, go to: www.dcu.ie/DC230
In the meantime, you may want to have a look at what our degree looks like in this video or you can watch the video above.
BA in International Relations
The International Relations degree will give you insight into the major world issues that challenge and fascinate us today. You will examine the forces that shape contemporary societies, such as globalisation, international law, third-world debt and American foreign policy. You will also study key institutions like the European Union and the United Nations.
You will learn from staff with expertise in areas such as Terrorism and Counter-terrorism, European Union studies, Middle-Eastern studies, International Security and Conflict Studies, International Law and Aid, and Development Studies.
The programme also prepares you for the workforce by imparting broader abilities, such as oral and written communication skills, the capacity to think analytically, teamwork skills, and research techniques.
The BA in International Relations is normally a three-year course. However, you may elect to spend an extra year abroad in one of our partner universities in China, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the USA. You can also opt to apply for a year-long INTRA work placement in year three.
For further information and course entry requirements, go to: www.dcu.ie/DC231
In the meantime, you may want to have a look at what our degree looks like in this video or you can watch the video above.
BA in Applied Language and Translation Studies
The BA in Applied Language and Translation Studies has been designed to prepare a new generation of translators and language specialists for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. You will be equipped with the skills needed to communicate effectively across cultures and languages at both social and professional level. The programme allows you to develop and enhance your language skills in two foreign languages, including Chinese, French, German, Japanese and Spanish, while also developing key skills demanded within the modern translation industry. This includes a strong focus on working with multi-modal and digital literacies, as well as developing critical and creative thinking.
The unique range of languages, coupled with stimulating modules on translation, allow for exciting combinations that make graduates highly employable in an increasingly competitive, technologically driven, international marketplace.
Studying languages at DCU is an exciting journey. The School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies (SALIS) is energetic and innovative with colleagues from all corners of the world. We offer our students an enjoyable experience while learning languages!
For further information and course entry requirements, go to: www.dcu.ie/155
In the meantime, you may want to have a look at what our degree looks like in this short video or you can watch the video above.
A Passion for Languages? Choose DCU!'
Studying languages at DCU is an exciting journey and five languages are taught in the School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies. Click into the videos below to learn a little bit more of what we offer with our colleagues, who come from all corners of the world.
BA Gnó agus Gaeilge
Níl aon chéim eile in Éirinn ar a múintear cúrsaí chomh sainiúil seo sa ghnó, sa bhainistíocht agus i dTeicneolaíocht na Faisnéise trí mheán na Gaeilge. Tá nasc idir an clár seo agus fostóirí náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta a thugann tús áite do chéimithe a bhfuil sárscileanna gnó agus IT acu agus ar ceannairí nuálacha iad.
Gheobhaidh tú oideachas leathan acadúil agus praiticiúil atá in oiriúint don saol comhaimseartha gnó. Beidh deis agat ina dhiaidh sin bliain a chaitheamh ar chlár INTRA nó dul ar aghaidh go dtí an bhliain dheireanach.
Tá béim ar leith ar na réimsí seo a leanas: an gnó, an bhainistíocht, Teicneolaíocht na Faisnéise agus an Ghaeilge. Sa bhreise air sin bíonn modúil ar an mBainistíocht Straitéiseach, Bainistíocht Tionscadail agus Bainistíocht Acmhainní Daonna. Chomh maith leis sin forbróidh tú an tuiscint atá agat ar an nGaeilge agus cuirfidh tú le do chuid scileanna cumarsáide sa Ghaeilge labhartha agus scríofa.
Gheobhaidh tú taithí luachmhar ag obair ar thionscadail i ngrúpaí chomh maith le deis féinfhorbartha trí úsáid na samhlaíochta i gcomhthéacs cruthaitheach gnó.
Is féidir féachaint ar an bhfíseán seo faoin gcúrsa.
The BA in Business and Irish is a unique degree at DCU.
No other degree in Ireland offers such an advanced course of studies in business, management and information technology, taught through the Irish language. The programme is linked with national and international employers who favour graduates with superior business and IT skills who are also innovative leaders.
This is a broad academic and practical education, suited to today's business environment. You will have the opportunity to test-drive your business skills with an optional one-year INTRA work placement before you enter your final year.
There’s particular emphasis on business, management, information technology and Irish, supported by modules in Strategic Management, Project Management and Human Resources Management. You’ll also develop your understanding of Irish and further your communication skills in written and spoken Irish.
You will gain valuable experience working on group projects while also developing personally by using your imagination in a creative business context.
For further information and course entry requirements, go to: www.dcu.ie/DC118
In the meantime, you may want to have a look at what our degree looks like in this video or you can watch the video above.
BA in Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance
The BA in Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance is a four-year, full time Honours degree which trains you for a life as a professional performing musician. The programme covers a wide range of musical techniques including performance, instrumental technique, improvisation, composition, computer music, aural training, arranging and pedagogical studies, giving you the skills necessary to operate in a wide area of contemporary music, not just jazz. All of the subjects in the course are geared towards training young musicians to the highest international standards and to be fully equipped to work in the world of contemporary music both here and abroad.
The degree focuses on giving you the practical skills you need in order to function well in the professional milieu of contemporary jazz, and other musical settings. Due to its very broad nature, jazz is an ideal training for contemporary musicians and students experience the practical benefits of the various techniques undertaken throughout the programme.
A key feature of this programme is an opportunity for you to apply to transfer into Berklee College of Music in Boston, one of the most prestigious music schools in the world in the field of contemporary music. Programme modules include Instrumental and Vocal Tuition, Aural Training, Ensemble Performance, Composition and Arranging, Jazz History, and Music Business.
For further information and course entry requirements, go to: www.dcu.ie/DC014
In the meantime, you may want to have a look at what our degree looks like in this video.
BA in Theology and Religious Studies
This honours degree is an exciting programme for mature students wishing to pursue the academic study of theology and religion.
The BA in Theology and Religious Studies offers the opportunity to reflect on the significance of religion in a complex world. In this programme you’ll explore the origins and development of the world’s major religions, along with the beliefs and practices that are central to these traditions. You will also have the opportunity to study the Bible and other sacred texts, explore the importance of ethics in our personal, social and political lives, and reflect on the place of ecumenical and interreligious dialogue in the contemporary world.
The programme is intended for people from a broad range of backgrounds who wish to study theology and religion for personal enrichment as well as those who would like to study theology with a view to being more active in their local community. This programme suits mature students interested in areas like community work, parish ministry and liturgy, youth and young adult ministry, social justice engagement, ecumenical projects, dialogue with other faith communities, and education and school boards. This degree also serves as a qualification for those wishing to pursue postgraduate study or research.
To qualify, you must be aged 23 or over on the 1st January in the year of application.
For further information and course entry requirements, go to: www.dcu.ie/DC300