Arts and Humanities

Mathematics is one of the purest forms of thought and its relevance to our everyday lives is fundamental. While its origins dates back to ancient Greece, mathematics continues to underpin key areas of human endeavour and industry, from engineering to construction, economics to software development and space travel.  For many, the appeal of mathematics – and what makes it unique – is its basis in proof. Unlike those working in any other discipline, mathematicians are able to make statements with absolute certainty.

Take one of our flexible, modular part-time evening degrees in Local Studies or Community Studies at your own pace. The interdisciplinary nature of the BA in Local Studies combines the expertise of Ireland’s leading History Department for the study of local history, with one of the foremost Geography Departments in the country. In addition, the Centre for Irish Cultural Heritage and the Department of Ancient Classics provide the platform for a deeper understanding of the social forces that helped to shape both people and place.

At Maynooth, law is presented as an exciting, diverse subject, and with our global focus, you will be equipped with all of the qualities required of the 21st century legal graduate. You will develop problem-solving, advocacy and legal writing skills but your studies at Maynooth will take you far beyond traditional legal education; you will study law as it interacts with politics, business, psychological studies, economics, sociology and more.

With module options ranging from the general to the niche, the Department’s programme offers something for everyone with an interest in the past. We provide students with a solid grounding in the practice of history and boast expertise in a wide range of specialist topics such as the history of emotions, heretics tried by the Spanish Inquisition and the Vikings in Ireland and Scandinavia.

As a student of German, you will have a twin focus on language and culture. Through language classes and with supporting material such as film, television and outings to cultural events, you will become a fluent speaker and writer of German. If you’re a beginner, you can take intensive language classes.

What distinguishes French at Maynooth is a strong tradition of teaching the French language, literature and culture, with much teaching taking place through the medium of French. Our programmes cover periods from old French to the present day, and a span of French-speaking regions around the globe.

French opens a world of exciting opportunities. While gaining a thorough grounding in the language, you will also acquire a familiarity with the vibrant cultures and diverse histories associated with this world language.

Beginning with words on a page, English is a world-facing subject: it takes you across historical periods, cultures, locations and genres, from poetry and drama to the novel, film, and creative writing too. As a student of English, you will learn about:

• Different literary forms.

• The conditions that shape writing, from history and geography to questions of gender, race, and class. 

• How literary texts enable us to understand our own complex world.

• Different approaches to and theories of literature. 

Community Work is the development and empowerment of communities, through the active participation of people in addressing issues that affect them collectively; Youth Work is defined in Irish legislation and policy as a process of personal and social development based on voluntary participation and principles of equality and inclusiveness.

A wide range of subjects including Chinese culture, politics and history are covered in this course and the programme is designed for absolute beginners so you don’t need any prior knowledge of Chinese to study Chinese Studies.

 The Department of Psychology at Maynooth University makes an internationally distinctive and vibrant contribution to research and practice through four intersecting themes: 

• Rehabilitation, Disability & Health Psychology 
• Mental Health, Community & Positive Psychology  
• Neuroscience, Behaviour & Cognition  
• Organisations, Systems and Policy