About BA (hons) Social Science in Dublin Business School

Whether your interest is in progressing towards a career in the field of social care, professional social research or policy analysis, or whether you are interested in a broad-based undergraduate education, the BA (Hons) in Social Science is the degree for you. Social Science is the interdisciplinary study of human society. It draws upon disciplines such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, and applied social studies such as social policy analysis and social work. The hallmark of the BA (Hons) in Social Science is to provide the intellectual rigour of the older disciplines and to emphasise the practical aspects of social science research.

Aims and Objectives

From social policy and aging to language and crime, learners will be challenged to think in a rigorous and scientific way about social processes, institutions and policies. From the first to the final year of the programme there is a consistent emphasis on training learners to carry out their own research and to critically challenge the world around them.

Career Opportunities

The social science research methods components of this programme will also equip learners with the skills for work in a variety of research contexts, for example on funded research projects. Non-governmental  organisation, the communications industry and the emerging information sector have also shown high levels of demand for graduates trained in social scientific research methods.

Employment opportunites for social science students include

• Disability Support Officer
• Special Needs Assistant
• Adult Education Tutor
• Social Work
• Migrant Support
• Community and Welfare Support
• Youth Work
• Research Assistant

Graduates of this programme are also eligible to apply for various Postgraduate programmes at DBS.

Leaving Certificate

Under the new Common Points Scale for Leaving Certificate 2019, applicants must obtain a minimum of 2H5’s and 4 O6/H7, including a language. Some degree programmes will also require a minimum of O6/H7 in Maths. Please see individual course entry requirements for further details. 

Using the old pre 2017 grading scheme, applicants must have obtained a minimum of grade C3 in two higher-level subjects and grade D3 in four ordinary level subjects, including a language. The Maths requirement for some degree programmes is a minimum of a D3 grade.  Individual course details will outline specific entry requirements. Please ensure to check the exact details for the course of your choice.

A-Levels/GCSE

Applicants must obtain a minimum of four GCSE passes at grade C to include Maths and English plus two A-level passes at grade C or higher.

BTEC

Students applying for any QQI (formerly HETAC) honours/ordinary degree or higher certificate must have obtained a minimum of a BTEC National Diploma in a cognate area.

FETAC Applicants

Minimum entry requirements for graduates of FETAC Level 5 awards is a full FETAC award which includes a Distinction grade in at least three modules. A full FETAC award normally consists of eight modules. A record of achievement does not meet minimum entry standards. Further details can be obtained from the Admissions Office. 

Mature Applicants

If you are over 23 years of age on the 1st of January on the year of admission and do not meet the minimum entry requirements, you may apply as a Mature Student. Mature students should apply directly to the Admissions Office at Dublin Business School. Mature students are assessed on the basis of age, work experience, general education standard, motivation and commitment to the programme for which they are applying. Please forward documentation such as any relevant transcripts, a CV or any other related documentation to the Admissions Office. Proof of age such as a copy of driver’s licence or passport must also be submitted.

English Language Requirement

For EU or Non EU applicants whose first language is not English an additional requirement is to have achieved a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent to qualify for admission to the Honours Degrees (level 8 programmes).

Dublin Business School Highlights