°Ù»¨ÊÓƵ

The Bachelor of Social Science degree (BSocSc) studies how human societies are organised, the social forces, institutions and ideologies that shape society, and the factors that influence the wellbeing of individuals, families, communities, and countries.

You will learn to analyse contemporary social problems, issues and policy responses, related to poverty and social exclusion, drugs, criminal justice, housing, migration, ethnicity, disability ageing and gender. A key focus is on how to address inequality and promote rights and entitlements to services for all. You will also learn about social professions such as social work, community work and youth work, and may pursue postgraduate opportunities in these fields at Maynooth as a postgraduate.

The degree is organised as a double major programme with the core subject of Social Policy and one of the following subjects: Sociology, Philosophy, History, Anthropology, Geography or Economics. The core subject of Social Policy focuses on government and institutional policies concerned with human needs and welfare in the broadest sense, and how these needs are addressed.

Why choose this degree

• Social Policy is available to study only in the Bachelor of Social Science degree.
• This subject is the basis for careers in policy research and policy analysis.
• This degree is prescribed as the basis for undertaking a Master’s in Social Work.
• The scope of the course includes key topics like class, gender, religion, race, ethnicity, sexuality, disability and ageing, It also covers policy issues such as poverty, child and family policy, housing, criminal justice and drugs.

Course Structure

A year of study is 60 credits.

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 & THIRD YEAR

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

Options after graduation

• Graduates pursue careers in policy analysis, social research and social professions (social work, community work and youth work).
• Our graduates are also found in management and public administration, the NGO sector, journalism, the media and social research.
• Graduates can take the National Qualification in Social Work at master’s level

Postgraduate study options also include the MSocSc Social Science (Rights and Social Policy), MSocSc (Community and Youth Work) and MSocSc (Social Work).