BA (Hons) Social Science - Full-time

Overview
Course Content
Structure
Career Opportunities
Fees
Next Steps

BA (Hons) Social Care

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Science is a dynamic, interdisciplinary programme grounded in six key knowledge pillars: Social Policy, Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, Research, and Professional Skills and Social Innovation. This unique combination empowers learners to understand society from multiple perspectives—psychological, sociological, political, and criminological—while developing the research skills essential for real-world impact.

The programme's strength lies in its variety, catering to learners with clear career paths and those exploring options. It integrates the study of contemporary social issues, examining how policy decisions shape communities, the influence of human behaviour on societal structures, and the operation of justice systems within broader social contexts. Criminology modules offer a critical examination of crime and justice, while psychology modules explore the motivations behind individual and group behaviour. Research modules unify the programme, teaching learners to gather, analyse, and present evidence effectively.

Ideal for curious and analytical individuals passionate about making a difference, the degree prepares learners for diverse careers in service, community development, education, and research. It equips them with the knowledge, adaptability, and critical thinking skills to contribute to a complex and changing world.

Objectives

The programme objectives are as follows:

Provide learners with the opportunity to develop, deepen and expand their theoretical knowledge of society.
Develop in learners a critical awareness of the contribution of social science to understanding human behaviour and experience.
Enable learners to engage in advanced theoretical debates relevant to the understanding of contemporary issues in society.
Establish an understanding of social science as an applied discipline in a diverse range of fields.
Facilitate in learners a critical understanding of the main domains of empirical study in social science.
Provide learners with the skills necessary to engage in research in multidisciplinary social science arenas.
Equip learners with the knowledge skills and competencies required to progress in a wide range of career options in social science through further study and career development.

Delivery

This programme is delivered through both online and face-to-face modes of delivery.

Minimum Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Science programme, applicants must meet the following minimum entry requirements:

Leaving Certificate: Applicants must apply through the CAO system and achieve 2 H5s + 4 O6/H7s, including Mathematics and English or another language. Pre-2017 grading scheme requires a minimum of grade C3 in 2 higher level subjects and a minimum of grade D3 in 4 Ordinary Level subjects (to include Maths, English and a language).
FETAC Award: A full FETAC award at Level 5 on the NFQ, including a Distinction grade in at least three modules.
Mature Learners: Applicants who are 23 years of age by January 1st of the year of admission and do not meet the minimum entry requirements will be assessed based on age, work experience, general education standard, motivation, and commitment to the programme.

The programme also has specific requirements for:

Language Proficiency: Evidence of English language proficiency is required. If English is not the applicant's first language, they must have a minimum score of B2+ in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, or have undertaken a previous degree taught in English.
Mathematical Proficiency: A minimum grade of O6/H7 in Maths is required.

All applicants, including EU and non-EU, apply directly to the Admissions Office, with non-EU applicants residing outside Ireland/EU applying to the International Admissions Office.

Student Testimonial

"DBS is famous with foreigners living in Dublin and well talked about, so I decided to give it a try. DBS is an outstanding college that makes sure their students get the best education and pass their exams so it is highly reccomendable.

I want to say thank you DBS and all the lecturers and staff that made it possible for me to achieve my dream and finally become a graduate. I am more confident now than ever before.

I'm planning to get a masters degree and my DBS degree will see me through. DBS has been of major help because, it boosted my confidence and moral and made my career perfect."

Jerry Omojefe Tobi Oyibo
BA (Hons) in Social Science

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Academic Skills for Social Science

Culture and Popular Media

Foundations in Criminology

Introduction to Economic Sociology

Introduction to Psychology

Social Policy and Social Justice

The Sociological Imagination

Introduction to Social Research

Critical Thinking Skills

Global Challenges

Contemporary Criminology

Politics in the Modern World

Technology and Society

Advanced Social Research

Understanding Contemporary Inequalities

Campaigning, Advocacy and Social Innovation

Families, Intimacies and Personal Life

Environment and Society

Migration, Nation and State

Contemporary Social Policy in Ireland

Applied Criminology

Interpersonal and Group Communication

Social Science Research Project

Teaching and Assessment

The programme employs a variety of teaching and learning modes, including lectures, workshops, tutorials, and online delivery, to cater to diverse learning needs and preferences.

There is a mix of face-to-face and online delivery, with a gradual increase in online components as students progress through the programme.

The programme incorporates formative and summative assessments to support learning and evaluate student achievement.

The teaching and learning strategy is informed by DBS's overall teaching and learning strategy, which emphasises a learner-centred approach, integration of educators, learners, and industry experts, and increased flexibility in the learning environment.

The assessment strategy is designed to measure the achievement of module learning outcomes and programme learning outcomes, while also promoting the development of practical and contemporary skills.

A variety of assessment methods are used, including essays, presentations, debates, reports, portfolios, case studies, and exams, to provide a comprehensive evaluation of student learning.

Structure

The programme is organised into three stages, each building upon the previous one.
Stage 1 introduces core concepts and foundational knowledge in sociology, psychology, criminology, social policy, and research. It also emphasises the development of academic skills.
Stage 2 builds on this foundation with more advanced topics and contemporary issues in social science, such as global challenges, technology and society, and social inequalities. It also includes a focus on research skills and critical thinking.
The Award Stage integrates theoretical and applied knowledge, covering areas like social policy, applied criminology, and interpersonal communication. It culminates in a capstone Social Science Research Project.
The programme emphasises the interrelation of its core knowledge pillars through a carefully structured progression across the three stages.
The curriculum is designed to equip learners with skills and knowledge that are in demand by employers, including critical thinking, research, communication, and problem-solving.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Science programme can pursue a wide range of career opportunities in various sectors. The programme equips graduates with skills and knowledge relevant to roles in:

Social research
Community development
Policymaking
Community support
Mental health services
Criminal justice
Non-governmental and charity organisations

Specific job titles and roles may include:

Youth and Community Engagement Worker
Project Worker in homeless services
Family Support Worker
Key Worker & Arts Facilitator in social care settings

Graduates also find employment in areas such as:

Probation services
Health and social care provision (support roles)
Human resource management
Community activism and advocacy
Economic and social research

The degree also provides a foundation for further study at the postgraduate level, including master's programmes in social work, criminology, addiction studies, and related fields.

Fees

The fees for Full-time BA (Hons) in Social Science are €6,060 per annum for EU students.

International Fees

EU Fees

You can also contact our admissions team who will also be able to advise on the payment options available to you.

Fees quoted cover the annual cost of tuition, registration and examinations and are EU fees only.Non-EU students please refer to the International section of the website.Please note also that tax relief is available on fees for Irish income tax payers at the standard rate of 20% on all fees exceeding €3,000 and up to €7,000.

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration offered by Dublin Business School (DBS) are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) (b) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby in the event that DBS ceases to provide the programme, for any reason, after learners have started on that programme, Kaplan Inc., as guarantor, will refund the moneys most recently paid by or for the learner. More details are included in the terms and conditions of learner admission to DBS (https://www.dbs.ie/terms-and-conditions) and on programme handbooks provided at induction.

Next Steps

Before making an application please ensure you are aware of all our entry requirements.

School Leaver Applicants

Application for first year full-time programmes in the college is through the CAO System. The CAO system applies only to applications for first year admissions to undergraduate full-time day programmes described in the prospectus, which have a CAO Course code www.cao.ie.

Application forms and the CAO Handbook are both supplied by the Central Applications Office (CAO), Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway or from your Career Guidance Counsellor.

Standard Applicants - Evening Arts Degrees

Under the new Common Points Scale for Leaving Certificate, applicants must obtain a minimum of 2H5’s and 4 O6/H7, including a language. Some degree programmes will also require a minimum of O6/H7 in Maths. Please see individual course entry requirements for further details. Please forward the relevant documentation or any other second or third level qualifications (original & official English translation where issued in another language) to the Admissions Office. Proof of age such as a copy of driver’s licence or passport must also be submitted

Mature Applicants

If you are over 23 years of age on the 1st of January on the year of admission and do not meet the minimum entry requirements, you may apply as a Mature Student. Mature students should apply directly to the Admissions Office at Dublin Business School. Mature students are assessed on the basis of age, work experience, general education standard, motivation and commitment to the programme for which they are applying. Please forward documentation such as any relevant transcripts, a CV or any other related documentation to the Admissions Office. Proof of age such as a copy of driver’s licence or passport must also be submitted.

Transfer Students

Students holding a relevant Certificate, Diploma or other relevant third level qualification may qualify for entry to the second or third year of degree programme. Transfer applications to the second or third year full-time programmes are to be made directly to the college. Students should send copies of their examination transcripts and other relevant documentation along with their application form (available from the School / College) to the Admissions Office at Dublin Business School.

EU Citizens

A European (EU) Application is one made by a person:
(a) who is permanently a resident in one of the member states of the European Union and/or
(b) who will have received full-time second level education, for three of the five years immediately before the date of proposed admission, in member states.

Non-EU Applicants

Non - EU applicants should contact directly the International Admissions Office at Dublin Business School.

Application fee to CAO

Early applicants to CAO can benefit from a reduced fee of €30 for early online applications. There is a standard application fee of €45 made payable to CAO on submitting your CAO application form or online application to www.cao.ie before the normal closing date. Late applicants will be charged €90 for paper applications and €60 for online applications.

Categories:

Psychology & Social Science
International
Full-time Degrees/ Certificates
Full-Time
Arts
8

Course overview

Awarding Body:
Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)

Award: Honours Bachelor Degree
NFQ Level: Level 8
Award Title:
BA (Hons) Social Science
Award Type: Major
Duration: 3 Years
CAO Code: DB566
Next Intake: September 2026