Qualification : BACHELOR OF SOCIAL SCIENCE DEGREE
Award Type and NFQ level : UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)
CAO/MU Apply code : MH107
CAO Points : 318
Closing Date : 01 July 2025
Degree Overview
>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. The scope of the course includes key topics like class, gender, religion and race.
>Students 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. Students also learn about social professions such as social work, community work and youth work, and may pursue postgraduate opportunities in these fields at Maynooth after their undergraduate degree.
>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 (only available to study in this degree) focuses on government and institutional policies concerned with human needs and welfare in the broadest sense, and how these needs are addressed.
Duration: 3 years or 4 years (with Erasmus/study abroad option)
The core subject is Social Policy - only available in the BSocSc degree.
1st year
- Social Policy
- Sociology
- Critical Skills for Social Sciences
- 1 of the following subjects: Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History or Philosophy. Subject Groups.
2nd & 3rd year
- Continue with Social Policy and 1 of your 1st 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 2nd year (on Erasmus or Study Abroad) and graduate with a BA (International) after 4 years. See the International Studies website for details.
Academic
Academic
Academic
| Subject | Required | Ordinary Level Grade | Higher Level Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish | Yes | O6 | H7 |
| English | Yes | O6 | H7 |
| Language | Yes | O6 | H7 |
| Math | No | N/A | N/A |
| Science | No | N/A | N/A |
International & EU/EFTA Entry Requirements
Mature Students
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.
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.
01 February 2025
Additional Information
Leaving Certificate Applicants
Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English, 3rd language. MH107 Round 1 Points 2024: 318
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.
APPLY TO THE CAO - WWW.CAO.IE
The application process depends on the type of applicant you are. Click here for all information about how to apply.
Categories of applicant:
- School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
- Mature students (23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University/part-time degrees the mature age is 21)
- EU/EFTA/UK students
- International students (outside the EU)
- QQI (Further Education) students
- Transferring students
- Deferring students