BA (Hons) in Social Science
Key Features of the BA (Hons) in Social Science - Ideal degree for those progressing towards a career in the field of social care, professional social research or policy analysis
- Throughout the programme, there is consistent emphasis placed on training students to carry out their own research and to critically challenge the world around them
- Aims to provide students with a broad based education focusing on the core element of social scientific research through methodology training, sociological, anthropological and psychological topics, social policy analysis and through the study of specific social issues in Ireland.
Four key themes throughout the programme: 1. Social Science Research Methodology
2. Social Policy/Social Care
3. Comparative Sociology of Ireland
4. Key Themes in Social Science
Social Science is the interdisciplinary study of human society. It draws upon disciplines such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, and applied social studies such as social policy analysis and social work.
Its hallmark is to provide the intellectual rigour of the older disciplines and to emphasise the practical aspects of social science: research methodologies and the theoretical dimensions of research practice. Programme Rationale Whether your interest is in progressing towards a career in social care, professional social research or policy analysis, for example, or whether you are interested in a broad-based undergraduate education, the BA (Hons) Social Science is the degree for you. The range of this programme is its strength. From social policy and aging to language and crime, students will be challenged to think in a rigorous and scientific way about social processes, institutions and policies. From the first to the final year of the programme there is a consistent emphasis on training students to carry out their own research and to critically challenge the world around them.
Programme Overview The aim of the BA (Hons) in Social Science is to provide students with a broad-based scholarly education, focusing on the core elements of social-scientific research through methodology training, sociological, anthropological and psychological topics, social policy analysis, and through the study of specific social issues in Ireland. In this, there are four key themes within the programme:
Social Science Research Methodology Theoretical and practical training in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies will be provided, which will train and educate students in cutting-edge techniques for social-scientific research, from new qualitative packages and practical training in statistical techniques to the values of in-depth cultural analysis.
Social Policy/Social Care Students will be introduced to the nature of social policy analysis, legally, European-wide, and in terms of process, with a view towards seeking to facilitate the learning of potential of graduates who will subsequently be able to 'hit the ground running' in applied postgraduate social policy training. The analysis of social policy is complemented by the study of issues related to social care: there is a growing awareness that communities and individuals remain in challenging environments and are vulnerable in a variety of ways within the context of a polarising western world. Social care is one of the ways through which students may encounter the ways in which vulnerable groups including minorities, the elderly or those suffering from structural violence may be cared for.
Comparative Sociology of Ireland This programme of study in social science takes on a specific relevance in the context of a rapidly changing Ireland. Rapid demographic transition, migration, racism, poverty and social exclusion as well as the study of the effects of economic behaviour on society are an integral part of this programme. Key Themes in Social Science What causes crime, violence and poverty? What are the effects of globalisation? How has secularisation impacted upon modern Ireland? Such questions have been asked over the past decades in the social and human sciences. In the stream of modules on key themes in social science such questions will be asked with an emphasis on epistemology: how we know what we know within in the social sciences.
While streams of learning such as training in research methodologies are more clearly focused on placing graduates in advantageous positions vis-à-vis employment opportunities and further postgraduate programmes, other streams, such as the inclusion of modules on key themes in social science, are focused on personal development and producing graduates with a well-rounded understanding of contemporary society in diverse, historical and comparative lights.
Programme Structure The programme is divided into three levels and students take the programme in its entirety. In Level 1 students undertake introductory subjects that are designed to develop knowledge and understanding of core disciplines to provide a learning platform for more advanced study. In addition, students also take the 'Social Sciences Learning Lab', a year long module which introduces the academic conventions of higher education. The learning lab is a learner centered module which develops academic awareness, communication skills, research skills and encourages learner participation. In Level 2 students take subjects that build on the level 1 foundation and further develop student knowledge and understanding. In Level 3 students take subjects intended to develop understanding of applied areas and key subjects. Furthermore, students also undertake a research project under the guidance of a supervisor. Programme Duration The duration of the degree on a part-time basis is typically four years. Normally students will attend classes two evenings per week from 6.15pm-9.30pm. Advice and confirmation of module selection will be made available to students before course commencement. Teaching & Assessment The BA (Hons) in Social Science is taught mainly through lectures and tutorials, with learners taking responsibility for a significant amount of study outside scheduled class contact times. Assessment takes a variety of forms, including essays, reports, learning journals and presentations, individual and group assignments and formal examinations. The majority of subjects are assessed through a combination of coursework and examination. Career Opportunities Learners graduating with a BA (Hons) in Social Science will, depending on final year grades, be eligible for postgraduate training in social science related areas in Ireland and abroad, such as social work, addiction studies, sociology, anthropology, criminology, research methodology, etc. The knowledge base and skill set acquired during their years of study will also equip learners for postgraduate work across a variety of other fields. Those learners who wish to seek work directly upon graduation will be ideally placed to gain employment commercially, in the fast expanding niche of social research in established institutions, or on funded research projects. Nongovernmental organisations, the communications industry and the emerging information sector have also shown high levels of demand for graduates trained in social scientific research methods. Programme Content | Level 1 |
- Introduction to Social Science
- Research Methods in the Social Sciences
- Social Science Learning Lab
- Psychology for Social Science
- Crime & Society
- Social Policy – Historical and Cultural Perspectives I/Social Policy – Historical and Cultural Perspectives II
| | Level 2 |
- Exploring Social Thought
- Social Care: Theory and Practice
- Data Analysis: Technology & Social Research
- Counselling Theory and Group Facilitation Skills
- Exploring Economic Issues/Exploring Political Issues
| | Level 3 | - Conceptualising Work & Family
- Globalisation & Identity
- Critical Concepts in Social Science
- Social Science Research Project
- Social Policy – Contemporary Implementation/Social Policy – Poverty and Social Inclusion
|
Learner protection for this programme is provided in accordance with Section 43 of the Qualifications (Education and Training )
|