Psychology and Social Science

Whether your interest is in progressing towards a career in the field of social care, professional social research or policy analysis, or whether you are interested in a broad-based undergraduate education, the BA (Hons) in Social Science is the degree for you. 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. The hallmark of the BA (Hons) in Social Science 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.

Aims and Objectives

Programme Structure

This is a 3 year programme. 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 platform for more advanced study.

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.

Transfer Learners

Learners holding relevant qualifications at Level 7 may qualify for entry to the final year of this degree. Currently DBS’s BA Social Studies programme offers one such pathway for progression.

Teaching and 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.

Further Career and Study Options

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.

Learner protection for this programme is provided in accordance with Section 43 of the Qualifications (Education and Training ) Act 1999.