Year One

• Introduction to the Study of the Social Sciences
• Introduction to Sociology & Political Science
• Practicing Sociology & Politics
• Introduction to Economic Policy
• Principles of Human and Physical Geography
• Geography in Practice
• Digital Citizenship
• Digital Skills for the Social Sciences

Year Two
In addition to further developing their critical understanding of key areas of the Social Sciences, students will focus on problem-centred learning and will undertake research method courses aimed at understanding social scientific research and how it contributes to tackling current societal challenges, and learn how to use social scientific technology tools such as GIS. Year Two also involves a significant European fieldtrip in Semester Two.

Year Three
Students undertake a significant work-based semester-long internship: students may avail of a wide range of existing placement opportunities or seek their own tailored to their preferred career or further educational pathways. Students will also undertake the Professional Skills and Pathways module to prepare them for this work internship and their future careers, and several additional modules such as a Government fieldtrip; The Live Arts Event; Policymaking, lobbying, and Advocacy; and Development & Change.

Year Four
Students will select modules within their preferred career pathway. In addition, students are paired with an experienced academic supervisor to design and develop an independent research project, with a strong focus on publishing their completed work. The four indicative study pathways offered in this final year are:

• Environmental Social Studies
• Culture, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
• Politics, Society and Identity
• Communities, Engagement and Development.

Curriculum Information

• Build expertise in research methods, data analysis and policy evaluation - skills that are in demand across sectors.
• Learn through fieldwork, civic engagement and live case studies connected to real social issues.
• Develop practical expertise in designing, conducting and sharing research and then apply it during your placement in Year 3.
• Choose from a wide range of disciplines and tailor your studies to your interests and career goals.

The BSc (Social Sciences) prepares you to become a Civic Leader and Changemaker across cultural, social, environmental, and economic fields. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, applied research and real-world experience, this degree equips you with sought-after skills in critical thinking, social responsibility, teamwork, communication and innovation. Graduates are well placed to pursue careers that contribute to the development of communities, influence public policy, shape sustainable futures and lead in diverse organisational settings. As global challenges become more complex, there is growing demand for graduates who can think across disciplines and drive meaningful change in society.

Here are just a few potential career pathways:

Environmental & Social Studies

• Teacher/Lecturer/Education Roles
• Ecologist
• Environmental Policy Specialist
• Renewable Energies Industries
• Geographer

Politics, Society & Identity

• Local, National, European or Global Politics
• NGO and Global Activism Roles
• Immigration, Customs, and Border Services
• Local Government Careers
• Public Administration

Culture, Creativity & Entrepreneurship

• Human Resources Management
• Business and Industry Roles
• Strategic Innovation
• Marketing Executive
• Creative Arts Professional

Communities, Engagement & Development

• Community Development
• Community Education
• Social Worker
• Social Researcher
• Rural Development

The BSc (Social Sciences) offers exciting opportunities for you to study or work abroad as part of your degree, helping to broaden your academic, cultural and professional horizons.

You can undertake an international study exchange or work placement with a university, civil society organisation or small-to-medium enterprise (SME) in Year 3 as part of their integrated internship experience. These placements can be based in EU or non-EU countries and are available through our Erasmus programme and other international partnerships. While study abroad is optional, students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity.

In Year 2, all students also take part in a European fieldtrip, a central and distinctive element of the programme, which introduces students to the international landscape of social policy and civic engagement.

Funding is available through the Erasmus+ scheme, which can help offset travel and living costs during the exchange period.

You will have the opportunity to participate in a semester-long national, European or international work internship/placement, which takes place in Year Three.

This internship will provide practical experience and links with programme partners, organisations, industry and businesses, and will serve to enhance your overall employability on graduation.

Year Four will focus on building upon this work experience and knowledge, preparing you for future career choices or further study opportunities in your chosen career. Placement opportunities are competitive, programme-specific and subject to change depending on availability.

Work placements include community, industry and on-campus opportunities. 

• Dr Michael Hynes: Michael Hynes - University of Galway
• Ms Judith O’Connell: Judith O'Connell - University of Galway
• Prof Frances Fahy: Frances Fahy - University of Galway
• Kathy Reilly: Kathy Reilly – University of Galway

Prof Ulf Strohmayer: Ulf Strohmayer- University of Galway

Assessments include continuous assessments, essays and MCQs. 

The BSc (Social Sciences) is grounded in the research excellence of the University of Galway’s Social Sciences Research Centre (SSRC). Students benefit from teaching informed by cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research that addresses real-world social challenges, from sustainability and inequality to civic engagement and public policy.

The SSRC is home to leading scholars and internationally recognised research projects, ensuring that students are exposed to the latest thinking, methodologies and innovations in the field of social sciences

BASS Programme Director:
Dr Judith O’Connell
Room 319, 2nd Floor, Áras Moyola
School of Political Science & Sociology
Email: judith.oconnell@universityofgalway.ie
Phone: +353 91 49 5104

First Year Sociology and Political Science Co-ordinator:
Mr Gerry Fitzpatrick
Room 327, 2nd Floor, Áras Moyola
School of Political Science & Sociology
Email: gerard.fitzpatrick@universityofgalway.ie
Phone: +353 (0)91 49 3077

First Year Geography Coordinator:
Dr Eugene Farrell
Room 101A, Arts Science Building
School Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies
Email: 1BAGegraphy@universityofgalway.ie
Phone: +353 (0)91 49

Sociology and Political Science Administrator:
Ms Stephanie Quinn
Room 308, 2nd Floor, Áras Moyola
School of Political Science & Sociology
Email: stephanie.quinn@universityofgalway.ie
Phone: +353 (0)91 49 2290

Geography Administrator:
Ms Christina Costello
Room 101, Arts Science Building
School Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies
Email: christina.costello@universityofgalway.ie
Phone: +353 (0)91 49 5908

Q: I’m not used to writing academic essays: how or where can I get help?
A: Students will receive direction and help through in-class tasks, assignments, and essay structure advice from their module/seminar tutors/teachers and fellow students. Many small seminars are designed to develop a student’s academic writing and guidelines are provided in relevant discipline handbooks. Further help is available to all students in the form of the Academic Writing Centre (contact the library directly or email writingcentre@universityofgalway.ie).

Q: Are there other types of support for students?
A: Students are entitled to draw on the network of support services across the University (please see www.universityofgalway.ie/student_services/ for further information). The Disability Support Service (see www.universityofgalway.ie/disability/) promotes inclusive practices throughout the campus community and is committed to the provision of an equitable learning environment that will enable students to become independent learners and highly skilled graduates. The university also has a team of qualified and experienced counsellors, psychologists and psychotherapists and information about the Counselling Service is available at http://www.universityofgalway.ie/counsellors/.

Leaving Certificate: Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 to include Irish, English, another language, and three other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

A Level Grades: CCC or equivalent combination

The following information will appear on all UG course pages in the ‘Entry Requirements’ section. You do not need to edit.

Alternative Pathways

The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links:

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places
• Mature Students
• Access and Foundation programmes
• HEAR Scheme
• DARE Scheme

Other Qualifications

If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:

• A Level students
• International Baccalaureate students
• EU students

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.

Admissions Office

Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.

Mature Applicants
Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants

Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements.

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €3,000 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to non-EU fees.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.

Fieldtrips
There are some travel costs attached to participating in mandatory field trips. The approximate cost is currently  €500 in second year. The School endeavours to cover costs as much as possible and keep the contributions from students as low as possible.

Application Process
Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1^st October each year for each the following September.  

Further Information
Please visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.

School of Political Science and Sociology: School of Political Science and Sociology - University of Galway

School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies: School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies - University of Galway