Bachelor of Arts

Designed to give students the freedom to explore a wide range of subjects, shape your degree around your own interests and career aspirations.

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Qualification
Bachelor Of Science Degree
CAO Points
380
CAO/MU Apply code
MH601
Award Type and NFQ level
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)
Study Mode
Full time
Closing Date
01 July 2025
Jump to
CAO Hub

Overview

The Maynooth Bachelor of Arts Degree - MH101 - Application closes on July 1st 2026.

MH101 students enjoy a wide and flexible Bachelor of Arts degree, which includes over 30 subjects, allowing for personalised and interdisciplinary study paths.

  • 32 MH101 subjects are timetabled in 6 groups and you can choose 2, 3 or 4 subjects in 1st year - maximum 1 subject per group.
  • Choose MH101 on your CAO application. Choose your MH101 subjects (2, 3 or 4) when you register in MU in September 2026. You will have up to four weeks to change your mind on your subjects.
  • Leaving Certificate applicants are required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English, 3rd language.
  • Most BA subjects require no prior knowledge. Some BA subjects require specific Leaving Certificate grades. These extra requirements are not checked by the CAO but are checked by the University when it comes to subject registration in September.
  • Flexible second year pathways and lots of choice are also part of what makes the MH101 degree so appealing to our applicants.
  • Erasmus/Study Abroad option after 2nd year.

View the Course Structure for MH101 subject details and links to more information about the subject groups/pathways after 1st year.

View How to Apply for details about specific BA subject requirements.

Update to information not included in the video: Nua-Ghaeilge is now available as a 30 credit option in 1st year.

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How it works

Choose your first year mix (60 credits)

Pick 2–4 subjects from six timetable groups, with a maximum of one subject per group. Some subjects have a 30-credit option or a beginners’ route.

Shape your pathway in year 2

Decide whether to keep studying two subjects (Double Major), focus on one (Single Major), or balance both (Major/Minor).

Progress to specialist degrees or study abroad

Your subject choices can lead to named degrees, professional routes, or an Erasmus or international year abroad.

Learn flexibly, supported by experts

Enjoy a flexible timetable, small-group teaching, and guidance from the Programme Advisory Office as you build your own degree.

In pictures

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Course structure

Duration: 4 years

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.

After Graduation

As an arts graduate you will have versatility on your side. Some seek graduate employment and others opt for postgraduate specialisation.

Over the course of your three or four year degree you are given the opportunity to gain valuable skills including the hugely important ability to think critically and analytically. Our Arts students are encouraged to become flexible thinkers who are ready for the challenges of the modern workplace in the years following graduation.

Some of the areas in which Maynooth BA graduates develop their careers include:

  • Human resources & training
  • Finance
  • Psychology
  • Law
  • Marketing & advertising
  • Business
  • Publishing & information
  • Librarianship
  • Teaching primary & second level
  • Social policy
  • Leisure
  • Travel & tourism
  • Media & communications
  • Translation
  • Arts & culture
  • Management consultancy
  • Computing & IT
  • Civil service
  • Medicine (graduate entry programmes)
  • Economics
  • Public relations
  • Political lobbying

Hear fromour students

From first lectures to final year milestones, our students talk about their journeys, the friends they’ve made, and the moments that shaped their time at Maynooth University.

My English degree gave me the ability to analyse, write, and think creatively.
Headshot of person smiling

“From the first day, I felt part of a community that really values creativity. There’s always someone around to share ideas or offer feedback.”

Emily Walsh, English Graduate

Studying English at Maynooth inspired me to become a teacher.
Headshot of person smiling

“Studying English at Maynooth University gave me the confidence to express my ideas and think independently.”

James O’Neill, English Graduate

Entry Requirements

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

No

N/A

N/A

Mathematics

Yes

O4

H7

Science

No

N/A

N/A

* This course requires 3 additional subjects.

Visit the International Office website for details.

Mature Applicants

Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time/flexible degrees the mature age is 21.

Click here to be taken to our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on that 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 2025. Applications for alternative examination accommodation cannot be considered after this deadline.

For further information on the supporting documentation required, as well as examination and other supports visit the Access Office website.

Mature applicant deadline: 01 February 2024

Leaving Certificate Applicants

Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 and 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English and O3/H7 Mathematics. MH601 Round 1 Points 2024: 380

Transfer option available into this degree from the Bachelor of Arts Degree MH101 - subject to meeting requirements.

HEAR and DARE

DARE: The Disability Access Route to Education is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.

HEAR: The Higher Education Access Route is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

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

The Maynooth Education

Click here for details about optional Critical Skills courses, Electives and degree pathways.

How to apply

Minimum requirements

Leaving Certificate applicants are required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English, 3rd language.

  • Choose MH101 on your CAO application.

  • Choose your BA subjects (2, 3 or 4) when you register in September 2026. You will have up to four weeks to change your mind on your subjects.

Most BA subjects require no prior knowledge. Some BA subjects require specific Leaving Certificate grades. These extra requirements are not checked by the CAO but are checked by the University when it comes to subject registration in September. 

Got a question about this course?

MU Admissions and Student Recruitment Office, First floor, Humanity House

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