BSocSc (Hons) - CK102

Overview

The BSocSc (Hons) is a three-year, full-time honours degree programme during which students are provided with a broad grounding in Social Policy, Sociology, Psychology, Economics and Philosophy. The First Year offers a foundation in the Social Sciences. The Second and Third Years of the degree emphasise applied learning and include preparation of a research proposal in the Second Year and a social research dissertation in the Third Year.

The degree does not provide a professional qualification in any one of the areas covered. Students wishing to become Social Workers or Youth and Community Workers will have to undertake further professional training at Postgraduate level, for example the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree or the Postgraduate Diploma in Youth Work. Students wishing to be eligible for postgraduate studies in Sociology must have taken at least 45 credits of Sociology overall in the Second and Third Years, including SC2014 Classical Social Theory, SC2015 Critical Social Theory, SC3001 Contemporary Social Theory and SC3055 Research Project 2 (or equivalent i.e. SS3031 Social Research Report).

First Year - Social Science

In First Year Social Science, students study prescribed modules to the value of 60 credits in the five designated subject areas of Social Policy, Applied Psychology, Economics, Philosophy and Sociology.

Notes regarding Second Year and Third Year Social Science elective modules:

If optional SS coded modules do not reach the minimum registration quota there is no guarantee that they will be offered. 

Students may not select modules which involve a timetable clash.

Students may not select the same electives in year 2 and year 3.  

Second Year - Social Science

Students may not register for Second Year Social Science until they have passed the First University Examination in Social Science. In order to be admitted to the Second University Examination in Social Science, a student must have satisfactorily attended, for at least a full academic year, prescribed modules to the value of 60 credits in the programme.

UCC Diploma in Social Studies progression pathway

Students who have passed the Diploma in Social Studies from 2020 onwards may register for Second Social Science. Students who wish to progress to Second Social Science should notify the School of Applied Social Studies in writing of their intention to do so by the first Friday of July at the end of their second year of studying the Diploma in Social Studies. Upon successful completion of the Diploma in Social Studies, students who have notified their intention to progress, may register for Second Social Science.

BSocSc (Hons) (International) Pathway 

The BSocSc (Hons) (International) Pathway is a four-year programme which enables students to study abroad for a year in an approved University outside Ireland.

Third Year - Social Science

Only students who have passed the Second University Examination in Social Science and satisfied all other requirements specified for the Second Year, will be permitted to register for Third Social Science. In order to be admitted to the BSocSc (Hons) Degree Examination, a student must have satisfactorily attended, for at least a full academic year, prescribed modules to the value of 60 credits in all of the themes of his/her programme.

Option to transfer to Bachelor of Social Work Year 2

From 2025 onwards, students who have passed the first year of the BSocSc (CK102) may apply to register for the second year of the Bachelor of Social Work (CK115). Upon successful completion of the first year of the BSocSc, including the prerequisite module – SS1012 (Social Practice and the Social Professions) - students who have notified their intention to transfer, will be eligible to apply for the second year of the BSW. The allocation of a place on the second year of the BSW will be subject to a selection process. Please note that there is a limit of 10 places available. Students who wish to transfer to the second year of the BSW must notify the School of Applied Social Studies in writing of their intention to do so by the first Friday of July at the end of their first year of studying the BSocSc. Students who do not transfer to the BSW may continue on the BSocSc.

Programme Requirements

For information about modules, module choice, options and credit weightings, please go to Programme Requirements