Social Sciences

Why UCD Social Sciences?

UCD leads the way with the broadest and most diverse Social Sciences courses in Ireland offering innovative education and research to address the critical social, political, cultural and economic concerns of our time. You will study with internationally renowned academics and capitalise on UCD’s impressive international subject rankings. You will develop the skills required to succeed in today’s rapid paced business and societal environment, including research, problem solving, analysis and communication. In addition, you will develop expertise in the research techniques employed by social scientists.

International Study Opportunities

With UCD Social Sciences, students can apply to study abroad in leading universities in the UK, US, Europe, Australia and Asia. In the four-year degree, study abroad opportunities are integrated into the third-year curriculum. Students who take Social Sciences subjects with a language minor will spend their third year abroad in a partner university. Study abroad is also available as an option in our three-year degrees. Students can opt to extend their degree by one year studying abroad and graduate with a BSc or BSocSc International degree.

Internship Programme

BSc Social Sciences students can apply for an optional paid internship placement over one trimester in their third year. Students gain relevant, real-world professional experience related to their field of study in a business, government agency or a non-profit organisation during their internship.

Career Opportunities

Social sciences graduates are valued by employers for their skills in research, leadership and communication. Graduates progress to work in government, NGOs, the media and businesses as economists, policymakers, environmentalists, activists, information managers, HR managers, entrepreneurs, journalists, statisticians, urban planners, archaeologists, librarians, secondary school teachers, social workers, researchers and many more professions across the public and private sectors.

There are five distinct degrees within Social Sciences at UCD:

• BSc Social Sciences (Four Years)
• BSc Economics (Three Years)
• BSc Psychology (Three Years)
• BSocSc Social Policy & Sociology (Three Years)
• BEd Education, Gaeilge &/or Modern Languages (Four Years)

BSc Social Sciences DN700

The four-year BSc Social Sciences degree is the largest undergraduate degree in UCD and provides students with a range of subject combinations. See pathway table below.

(opens in a new window)Click To View The Course Options & Combinations Table

BSc Economics – DN710

The three-year BSc in Economics is a Single-Major degree for students who are focused on studying only economics as a single subject. When you apply for this degree via the CAO, you choose DN710 BSc Economics.

BSc Psychology – DN720

The three-year BSc Psychology degree is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland. Students study Psychology in UCD as a single subject degree only. When you apply for this degree via the CAO, you choose DN720 BSc Psychology.

BSocSc Social Policy & Sociology – DN750

This three-year BSocSc Social Policy & Sociology degree is a Joint Major in Social Policy & Sociology. This degree was previously named the BSocSc in Social Sciences. Graduates often progress to further study to become social workers or work in public policy or human resources management. When you apply for this degree via the CAO, you choose DN750 BSocSc Social Policy & Sociology.

BEd Education with Gaeilge &/or Modern Languages – DN760

This new four-year teacher education degree, accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland, affords students the opportunity to study languages (French, Spanish, German, Italian, Gaeilge, Portuguese) while also engaging in foundational education modules to prepare for teaching in post-primary schools in Ireland.