BACHELOR OF SOCIAL SCIENCE

Explore how societies meet human needs with the BSocSc – the only Maynooth University degree that lets you study social policy. You'll study it equally alongside sociology, philosophy, history, anthropology, geography or economics. It's also the basis for a master's in social work.

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Qualification
Bachelor Of Social Science Degree
CAO Points
326
CAO/MU Apply code
MH107
Award Type and NFQ level
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)
Study Mode
Full time
Closing Date
01 February 2027
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CAO Hub

Overview

Choose the Bachelor of Social Science degree (BSocSc) if you want to study Social Policy – the core subject of this degree. Social Policy is only available to study in the BSocSc degree, and it focuses on:

  • government and institutional policies concerned with human needs and welfare - in the broadest sense
  • how these needs are addressed
  • how human societies are organised
  • the social forces, institutions and ideologies that shape society
  • the factors that influence the wellbeing of individuals, families, communities, and countries
  • social class, gender and race

As a double major degree programme, along with Social Policy, you choose one of the following subjects: Sociology, Philosophy, History, Anthropology, Geography or Economics and you study both equally for all three years of the degree.

You will be introduced to the social professions, including:

  • social work
  • community work
  • youth work

By studying the BSocSc, clear pathways to postgraduate study in these areas are opened. Postgraduate opportunities in social policy are also available.

Students develop the ability to analyse contemporary social issues and policy responses in areas such as:

  • poverty and social exclusion
  • environmental justice
  • criminal justice
  • housing
  • migration
  • racism and anti-racism
  • child and family
  • ageing
  • gender
  • A key focus is on addressing inequality and promoting human rights.

Course structure

Duration: 3 years (BSocSc) or 4 years (BSocSc International)

The core subject is Social Policy - only available in the BSocSc degree.

First year

  • Social Policy
  • Sociology
  • Critical Skills for Social Sciences
  • 1 of the following subjects: Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History or Philosophy.

Second year and Final year

  • Continue with Social Policy and 1 of your first year subjects as a Double Major Bachelor of Social Science degree
  • Optional 10 credit Elective in second year

Students may apply to study overseas after second year (on Erasmus or Study Abroad) and graduate with a BA (International) after 4 years. See the International Studies website for details.

Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.

Year 1

SP1F30 - Social Policy

Credits: 30  |  Compulsory

Social Policy modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SP153

7.5

1

Y

SP154

7.5

2

Y

SP151

7.5

1

Y

SP152

7.5

2

Y

SO1F15 - Sociology

Credits: 15  |  Compulsory

Sociology modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SO156

7.5

2

Y

SO152

7.5

1

Y

AN1V30 - Anthropology

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Anthropology modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

AN169

7.5

2

Y

AN167

7.5

1

Y

AN170

7.5

2

N

AN171

7.5

1

N

EC1F15 - Economics

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Economics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EC103

7.5

2

Y

EC101

7.5

1

Y

GY1V30 - Geography

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Geography modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GY161

7.5

1

N

GY162

7.5

2

N

GY151

7.5

1

N

GY152

7.5

2

N

HY1V30 - History

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

History modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

HY124

7.5

2

N

HY132

7.5

2

N

HY126

7.5

2

N

HY121

7.5

1

Y

HY128

7.5

2

N

HY131

7.5

1

N

PH1F15 - Philosophy

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Philosophy modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

PH157

7.5

2

Y

PH156

7.5

1

Y

Year 2

SP2DM - Social Policy

Credits: 30  |  Compulsory

Social Policy modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SP211

5

1

Y

SP215

5

1

N

SP217

5

1

N

SP223

2.5

1

N

SP216

5

2

Y

SP221

2.5

2

N

SP212

5

2

Y

SP219

5

2

N

AN2DM - Anthropology

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Anthropology modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

AN213

5

2

N

AN242

5

2

N

AN243

5

1

N

AN219

5

2

N

AN204

5

1

N

AN215

5

1

N

AN216

5

2

N

AN218

5

1

N

AN217

5

1

Y

AN210

5

2

Y

KD217

5

1

N

AN240

5

2

N

EC2DM - Economics

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Economics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

FN205

5

1

N

EC206

5

2

Y

GY221

5

2

N

AC210

5

1

N

FN212

5

2

N

EC229

5

1

N

EC216

5

2

N

EC230

5

1

N

EC202A

5

2

Y

EC201

5

1

Y

EC205

5

1

Y

EC211

5

2

N

EC214

5

2

N

EC222

5

1

N

GY2DM - Geography

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Geography modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GY217

5

2

N

GY263

5

2

Y

GY213

5

1

N

GY221

5

2

N

GY262

5

1

Y

GY205

5

2

N

GY214

5

2

N

GY212

5

1

N

GY227

5

2

N

GY234

5

1

N

GY222

5

1

N

HY2DM - History

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

History modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

HY2022

5

2

N

HY2010

5

1

N

HY2004

5

1

N

HY2008

5

2

N

GC234

5

2

N

HY2030

5

1

N

CN211

5

2

N

HY2014

5

2

N

HY2005

5

2

N

HY293

5

1

N

HY212

5

1

Y

HY294

5

2

N

HY2025

5

1

N

HY276

5

1

N

SG254

5

2

N

GC217

5

1

N

HY292

5

1

N

HY205

5

2

Y

HY218

5

1

N

HY219

5

2

N

HY272

5

2

N

HY277

5

1

N

HY2027

5

1

N

HY2009

5

1

N

HY224

5

2

N

HY291

5

2

N

HY2006

5

2

N

SG257

5

1

N

HY2028

5

2

N

HY2026

5

1

N

PH2DM - Philosophy

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Philosophy modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

PH263

5

2

N

PH221

5

2

Y

PH206

5

1

Y

GC230

5

1

Y

PH204

5

2

Y

PH202

5

2

N

PH215B

5

1

N

PH216

5

1

N

PH261

5

1

N

SO2DM - Sociology

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Sociology modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SO227

5

1

N

PO205

5

2

N

SO223A

5

2

N

SO202

5

1

Y

SO222

5

1

N

SO214

5

1

N

PO313

5

2

N

SO225

5

2

Y

SO215A

5

1

N

SO201A

5

1

Y

SO210

5

2

N

PO304

5

1

N

SO330

5

2

N

SO203

5

2

Y

AC2EL - Accounting In Society

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Accounting In Society modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

AC210

5

1

N

AC211

5

2

N

GC2MEL - Ancient Mythology - Epic And Tragic Tales

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Ancient Mythology - Epic And Tragic Tales modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GC231

5

1

N

GC232

5

2

N

AN2EL - Anti-Racism

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Anti-Racism modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

AN215

5

1

N

AN216

5

2

N

CN2BEL - Beginning Chinese

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Beginning Chinese modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

CN261

5

2

N

CN260

5

1

N

FR2BEL - Beginning French

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Beginning French modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

FR260

5

1

N

FR261

5

2

N

GN2BEL - Beginning German

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Beginning German modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GN260

5

1

N

GN261

5

2

N

SPA2BEL - Beginning Spanish

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Beginning Spanish modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SPA260

5

1

N

SPA261

5

2

N

CAT2EL - Catalan Language And Culture

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Catalan Language And Culture modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SPA225

5

2

N

SPA215

5

1

N

PHY2EL - Climate Change And Sustainable Energy

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Climate Change And Sustainable Energy modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

PHY260

5

1

N

PHY261

5

2

N

CN2CEL - Continuing Chinese

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Continuing Chinese modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

CN281

5

1

N

CN282

5

2

N

FR2CEL - Continuing French

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Continuing French modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

FR281

5

1

N

FR282

5

2

N

GN2CEL - Continuing German

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Continuing German modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GN281

5

1

N

GN282

5

2

N

NG2CEL - Continuing Nua-Ghaeilge

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Continuing Nua-Ghaeilge modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

NG211

5

2

N

NG201

5

1

N

SPA2CEL - Continuing Spanish

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Continuing Spanish modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SPA281

5

1

N

SPA282

5

2

N

PD2DEL - Eden Entrepreneurship Design And Innovation

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Eden Entrepreneurship Design And Innovation modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

PD217A

5

1

N

PD218A

5

2

N

MD2EL - Film And Screen Studies

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Film And Screen Studies modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MD240

5

1

N

MD216

5

2

N

MU226

5

2

N

SPA223

5

2

N

SK2EL - Foundations In Science Writing And Communication

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Foundations In Science Writing And Communication modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SK252

5

2

N

SK251

5

1

N

GN2GEL - Gender And Sexuality In Society And Culture

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Gender And Sexuality In Society And Culture modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

IS201

5

1

N

IS202

5

2

N

TH2GEL - Good And Evil

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Good And Evil modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

TH251

5

1

N

TH252

5

2

N

EN2BEL - Great Books

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Great Books modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EN280

5

1

N

EN281

5

2

N

EC2EL - Influential Ideas In Economics

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Influential Ideas In Economics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EC216

5

2

N

EC222

5

1

N

PH2LEL - Introduction To Philosophy In The Digital Age

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Introduction To Philosophy In The Digital Age modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

PH221

5

2

N

PH215B

5

1

N

TESL2EL - Introduction To Teaching English Language

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Introduction To Teaching English Language modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

TESL201

5

1

N

TESL202

5

2

N

NG2IEL - Irish Cultural Heritage

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Irish Cultural Heritage modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

ID001

5

1

N

ID001X

5

2

N

ID013X

5

2

N

ID013

5

1

N

POR2EL - Portuguese Language And Culture

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Portuguese Language And Culture modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SPA216

5

1

N

SPA226

5

2

N

KD2AEL - Prioritising People And Planet

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Prioritising People And Planet modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

AN261

5

2

N

KD212

5

1

N

PD2SEL - Service Innovation

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Service Innovation modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

PD201

5

2

N

PD264

5

1

N

EX2EX - Skills For Success:professional Development

Credits: 5  |  Not compulsory

Skills For Success:professional Development modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EX202

5

2

N

EX201

5

1

N

MN2EQEL - The Growth And Development Of The Irish Equine Industry

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

The Growth And Development Of The Irish Equine Industry modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MN232

5

2

N

MN230

5

1

N

SG2EL - Wondrous People And Places: An Introduction To Celtic Literature

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Wondrous People And Places: An Introduction To Celtic Literature modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SG228

5

2

N

SG256

5

1

N

Year 3

SP3DM - Social Policy

Credits: 30  |  Compulsory

Social Policy modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SP309

2.5

2

N

SP223

2.5

1

N

SP310

5

2

N

SP318

2.5

1

N

SP313

5

1

N

SP305

2.5

2

N

SP304

5

2

N

SP301

10

Year-Long

Y

AN3DM - Anthropology

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Anthropology modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

AN358

5

2

N

AN363

5

2

N

AN351

5

1

N

AN359

5

1

N

AN353

5

1

N

AN346

5

2

N

AN362

5

1

N

AN361

5

2

Y

AN348

5

1

Y

AN307

5

1

N

AN318

10

2

N

AN342

5

1

N

AN340

5

2

N

EC3DM - Economics

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Economics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EC302

5

2

Y

EC301

5

1

Y

EC305

5

2

N

EC334

5

2

N

FN205

5

1

N

FN206

5

2

N

EC306

5

1

Y

EC319A

5

1

N

EC327

5

2

N

EC311

5

2

N

EC317

5

1

N

EC399

5

Year-Long

N

GY321

5

1

N

EC333

5

2

N

EC318

5

2

N

FN305

5

1

N

FN316

5

2

N

GY3DM - Geography

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Geography modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GY305

5

1

N

GY313

5

1

N

GY347

5

1

N

GY314

5

1

N

GY312

5

2

N

GY304B

5

2

N

GY321

5

1

N

GY310B

5

2

Y

GY399A

5

1

N

GY399B

5

2

N

GY315

5

2

N

GY326

5

2

N

GY369

5

1

N

GY367

5

2

N

GY330

5

2

N

GY322

5

1

N

HY3DM - History

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

History modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

HY3029

5

2

N

GC316

5

1

N

GC313

5

2

N

HY3041

5

1

N

HY313

5

2

N

HY3007

5

1

N

HY3022

5

2

N

HY319

5

2

Y

HY318

5

1

Y

HY301

10

Year-Long

N

HY314

5

1

N

HY3024

5

2

N

HY3034

5

1

N

HY3035

5

1

N

HY393

5

2

N

HY3023

5

1

N

HY3037

5

2

N

HY3014

5

2

N

HY3018

5

1

N

HY3021

5

1

N

HY352

5

2

N

HY384

5

1

N

HY395

5

2

N

HY3038

5

1

N

SG357

5

2

N

HY387

5

2

N

HY3036

5

1

N

HY3032

5

2

N

PH3DM - Philosophy

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Philosophy modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

PH263

5

2

N

PH361

5

1

N

PH316A

5

Year-Long

N

PH360

5

1

N

PH362

5

2

Y

PH331A

5

2

N

MD340

5

2

N

PH313A

5

2

Y

PH356

5

1

Y

PH354

5

1

Y

PH330

5

2

N

SO3DM - Sociology

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Sociology modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SO345

5

2

N

PO312

5

1

N

PO315

5

2

N

SO320A

5

2

N

SO319

5

2

N

SO343

5

2

N

SO338

5

1

N

SO301A

5

1

Y

SO209

5

2

N

SO348

5

1

N

SO312

5

2

N

SO303A

10

Year-Long

Y

SO315

5

1

N

SO324

5

1

N

SO3UD

5

1

N

After Graduation

Graduates can take the National Qualification in Social Work at master’s level (for more information visit www.coru.ie). This degree is prescribed as the basis for undertaking a master’s in social work.

Social policy is the basis for careers in policy research and policy analysis.

Graduates pursue careers in policy analysis, social research and social professions (social work, community work and youth work), the civil service and the charitable sector.

Our graduates are also found in management and public administration, the non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector, journalism, the media and social research.

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate Applicants

Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English, third language.

DARE

Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is an alternative entry route to third level education for school-leavers whose disability affected their second level education.

HEAR

The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a pathway to third level education for school-leavers from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Contact the Access Office for more information on these access routes.

This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.

Entry requirements table

Subject

Required

Ordinary Level Grade

Higher Level Grade

Irish

Yes

O6

H7

English

Yes

O6

H7

Language

Yes

O6

H7

Mathematics

No

N/A

N/A

Science

No

N/A

N/A

* This course requires 3 additional subjects.

  1. EU / EFTA Applicants - Further information can be found by navigating to our EU/EFTA applicant information page.
  2. International Applicants - International (Non-EU) applicants for undergraduate programmes submit their application online via our online application portal. Applications open on 14th October 2026 and close on 1st July 2027. For further information, please navigate to our International applicant page.

Mature applicant information

Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1 January in the year of entry.

For part-time degrees the mature age is 21.

Visit our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on this page outlines application steps for this degree.

Mature applicants who have a disability

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia) and require support for any required written exercise/interview/online video audition which may form part of your application assessment, you must complete an online request form and submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2027. Applications for alternative examination accommodation cannot be considered after this deadline.

Visit the Access Office for more information on available supports and required documentation.

Mature applicant deadline: 01 February 2027

How to apply

Apply online to the CAO (Central Applications Office)

The application process depends on the type of applicant you are.

Categories of applicant:

  • School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
  • Mature students (23 years or older by 1 January in the year of entry/21 years if part-time)
  • EU/EFTA/UK students
  • International students (outside the EU)
  • QQI (Further Education) students
  • Transferring students
  • Deferring students

Learn more about undergraduate applications and access routes.

Got a question about this course?

Maynooth University Department of Applied Social Studies
www.maynoothuniversity.ie/applied-social-studies

Course Query

General Query

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