About the Bachelor of Social Science at University College Dublin.

2. INTRODUCTION ABOUT STUDYING SOCIAL
SCIENCE AT UCD
In a time of rapid change, the UCD Bachelor of Social Science degree (BSocSc) offers you the opportunity
to explore and understand the society in which you live. In this programme, you will examine the
complexities of life and society and see how individuals and groups live and work together. You will
also explore how best to respond to individual needs and to the particular requirements of
marginalised members of society. From the start, core modules in Sociology and Social Policy allow
you to take a close look at society and social life, looking at why people behave in certain ways and
how they function in the different groups to which they belong – family, race, class, religion and
neighbourhood. You will also look at the most effective way to respond to social problems and social
needs in areas such as housing, health and education. You will explore the complexities behind such
issues as poverty, child welfare and protection, and drug and alcohol abuse. You are taught by
supportive staff who will, through a mixture of lectures and small group teaching, support you in
choosing the modules that best suit your interests and career needs.

3. ∆ The Bachelor of Social Science is the degree for
people who know that they want to work in a
people-focused job, but still wish to explore a
number of possible career paths.
∆ At UCD, you will be taught by first-class lecturers and
professors. You will develop a set of skills including
critical thinking, communication and presentation
skills, problem solving, research skills and the ability
to think on your feet.
∆ You’ll learn about the complexities of life and the
society in which you live, and how best to respond to
human needs, including the needs of those who are
marginalised.

4. ∆ You’ll undertake required modules in Social Policy and Sociology, as well as
selecting two modules from a third social science subject, along with two UCD
Horizons elective modules. From your first year, you will start to acquire abilities and
skills that prepare you for your future studies and for challenging careers in all areas
of professional life.
∆ Your first year is also the time to introduce yourself to your fellow students and
settle in to university life. The small tutorial groups within your programme are the
ideal opportunity to get to know people and make new friends, as are the many
social events, clubs and societies at UCD.
STAGE 1:

5. STAGE 1 MODULES
Modular programmes work on the principle of credit accumulation and you will progress
through your programme in stages as you accumulate credit. Each stage represents 60
credits. A full-time student will normally complete a 60-credit stage in one academic
year.
Foundations of Sociological Thought Economics
Introduction to Sociology
Psychology (BSocSc)
Ireland in Comparative Perspective
Sociological Analysis and Research Design
Social Policy Theories and Concepts I
Understanding Social Problems and Policies
Contemporary Irish Welfare State
History of Irish Social Policy

6. In your second year, you can apply to enter the four-year Bachelor of Social Science
(International) degree. If accepted, you can attend one of UCD’s partner universities in
countries such as Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Italy, Malta, the
Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the USA.
At the beginning of second year you choose your major subjects for your degree. You
select one of the following paths:
 Social Work
 Environmental Policy
 Development Studies
 Human & Organisational
 Rights, Justice and Society
 Crime and Social Order
 Social Media
 Ancient and Modern Societies
STAGE 2

7. STAGE 3 AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

8. INTERNSHIP/JOBS OPPORTUNITIES
Internships can be completed in almost any field or industry, based upon the interest of the student. The
most popular include advertising/public relations, arts administration, broadcasting, consulting,
community development and non-profit management, counseling, entertainment and sports, fashion,
finance, healthcare, marketing, human resources, and training and development.
The United Nations is a perfect place for internship and my future careers