BACHELOR OF SOCIAL SCIENCE

How to apply Visit us at an open day Talk to Admissions
Qualification
Bachelor Of Social Science Degree
CAO Points
318
CAO/MU Apply code
MH107
Award Type and NFQ level
Undergraduate Degree (8)
Study Mode
Full time
Closing Date
01 July 2025
Jump to
Apply now

Overview

Degree Overview
>The Bachelor of Social Science degree (BSocSc) studies how human societies are organised, the social forces, institutions and ideologies that shape society, and the factors that influence the wellbeing of individuals, families, communities, and countries. The scope of the course includes key topics like class, gender, religion and race.
>Students learn to analyse contemporary social problems, issues and policy responses related to poverty and social exclusion, drugs, criminal justice, housing, migration, ethnicity, disability, ageing and gender. A key focus is on how to address inequality and promote rights and entitlements to services for all. Students also learn about social professions such as social work, community work and youth work, and may pursue postgraduate opportunities in these fields at Maynooth after their undergraduate degree.
>The degree is organised as a double major programme with the core subject of Social Policy and one of the following subjects: Sociology, Philosophy, History, Anthropology, Geography or Economics. The core subject of Social Policy (only available to study in this degree) focuses on government and institutional policies concerned with human needs and welfare in the broadest sense, and how these needs are addressed.

Course structure

Duration: 3 years (BSocSc) or 4 years (BSocSc International)

Duration: 3 years or 4 years (with Erasmus/study abroad option)

The core subject is Social Policy - only available in the BSocSc degree.

1st year

  • Social Policy
  • Sociology
  • Critical Skills for Social Sciences
  • 1 of the following subjects: Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History or Philosophy. Subject Groups.

2nd and 3rd year

  • Continue with Social Policy and 1 of your 1st year subjects as a Double Major Bachelor of Social Science degree
  • Optional 10 credit Elective in second year

Students may apply to study overseas after 2nd year (on Erasmus or Study Abroad) and graduate with a BA (International) after 4 years. See the International Studies website for details.

Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.

After Undergraduation

After Graduation
>Social Policy is the basis for careers in policy research and policy analysis.
>Graduates pursue careers in policy analysis, social research and social professions (social work, community work and youth work).
>Our graduates are also found in management and public administration, the NGO sector, journalism, the media and social research.
>Graduates can take the National Qualification in Social Work at master’s level (for more information visit www.coru.ie). This degree is prescribed as the basis for undertaking a Master’s in Social Work.
>The Department offers a range of postgraduate study options.

Visit the Department website for more information about postgraduate options.

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate applicants are required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 and 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English, 3rd language.

This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.

Entry requirements table

Subject

Required

Ordinary Level Grade

Higher Level Grade

Irish

Yes

O6

H7

English

Yes

O6

H7

Language

Yes

O6

H7

Mathematics

No

N/A

N/A

Science

No

N/A

N/A

* This course requires 3 additional subjects.

Visit the International Office website for details.

Mature Applicants

Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time/flexible degrees the mature age is 21.

Click here to be taken to our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on that page outlines application steps for this degree.

Mature applicants who have a disability

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require support for any required written exercise/interview/ online video audition which may form part of your application assessment, you must complete an online request form and submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2025. Applications for alternative examination accommodation cannot be considered after this deadline.

For further information on the supporting documentation required, as well as examination and other supports visit the Access Office website.

Mature applicant deadline: 01 February 2025

Leaving Certificate Applicants

Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 and 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English, 3rd language. MH107 Round 1 Points 2024: 318

HEAR and DARE

DARE: The Disability Access Route to Education is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.

HEAR: The Higher Education Access Route is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Contact the Access Office for more information about these access routes.

The Maynooth Education

Click here for details about optional Critical Skills courses, Electives and degree pathways.

How to apply

APPLY TO THE CAO - WWW.CAO.IE

The application process depends on the type of applicant you are. Click here for all information about how to apply.

Categories of applicant:

  • School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
  • Mature students (23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University/part-time degrees the mature age is 21)
  • EU/EFTA/UK students
  • International students (outside the EU)
  • QQI (Further Education) students
  • Transferring students
  • Deferring students

Got a question about this course?

Maynooth University Department of Applied Social Studies
www.maynoothuniversity.ie/applied-social-studies

Course Query

General Query

Apply now How to apply Visit us