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Courses
Courses

Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.

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University Life
University Life

Each year more than 4,000 choose University of Galway as their University of choice. Find out what life at University of Galway is all about here.

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About University of Galway
About University of Galway

Since 1845, University of Galway has been sharing the highest quality teaching and research with Ireland and the world. Find out what makes our University so special – from our distinguished history to the latest news and campus developments.

About University of Galway
Colleges & Schools
Colleges & Schools

University of Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top quality teaching across a range of key areas of expertise.

Colleges and Schools
Research & Innovation
Research & Innovation

University of Galway’s vibrant research community take on some of the most pressing challenges of our times.

Overview
Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at University of Galway

We explore and facilitate commercial opportunities for the research community at University of Galway, as well as facilitating industry partnership.

Overview
Alumni & Friends
Alumni & Friends

There are 128,000 University of Galway alumni worldwide. Stay connected to your alumni community! Join our social networks and update your details online.

Overview
Community Engagement
Community Engagement

At University of Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.

Real Learning

Final Year

In the final year of the BA, students select modules from a suite of ‘semi-core’ and ‘specialist elective’ modules that span the disciplines of Political Science and Sociology.

What is the difference between a ‘semi-core’ module and a ‘specialist elective module’?

The semi-core modules are taught in lecture theatres to large groups of students. These modules offer students an in-depth understanding of society and politics in both the Irish and international contexts. Students are encouraged to critically engage with and explore a range of themes, topics, issues and questions by attending weekly lectures and studying the learning materials provided by the lecturers.

Elective modules are typically taught to small groups of students, enabling students to acquire specialist knowledge in a specific subject area, as well as providing the opportunity for a more active and participatory approach to learning than is possible in the large-group lecture modules.

Please take the time to read the Year Handbook carefully before registering your modules. The Handbook includes a timetable for both semesters, as well as a short description for all final year modules.

Programme structure

Semi-core modules are paired, and students select one from each pair. Specialist elective modules are available in semester 2 only.

If you are 3BA1, 4BA4, or BA Connect student taking Sociological and Political Studies as a subject, you are required to take three Semi-Core modules in semester 1. In semester 2 you should register two Semi-Core modules and one Specialist Elective module.

If you are a BA Government student, or on a Denominated BA programme (e.g. BSS1; 4BYF), you should contact your Programme Director who will advise you on ‘required’ and ‘optional’ modules in Soc & Pol.

Programme Handbook and Timetable