Social Sciences & Cultural Innovation

Mature applicants are those aged 23 years, or above, on 1 January in the year of entry. All candidates (presenting with EU/Non EU qualifications) applying on the grounds of mature years should apply ONLY through the CAO by 1 February.

For many DCU courses, mature application assessment is based on the CAO application and in some instances, an assessment and/or interview. ‘Other’ experience, apart from performance in examinations, may be taken into consideration - this may be work experience, further studies, or other such experience deemed to be relevant to the application. Interviews will take place in April either in person or remotely.

For more information, please contact the Mature Student Officer, orla.stafford@dcu.ie or dcu.ie/mature-students
For general and admission enquiries, please visit dcu.ie/registry/ug-admissions

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Entry 2024

Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20 January 2024 at 5pm

Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1 February 2024 at 5pm

Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1 May 2024 at 5pm

Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2024 at 5pm

Exceptional online late application (see page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee €60 Closing Date: 22 July 2024 at 5pm

Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.

LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2024. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2024, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2024 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €60 applies.

Exceptional Late Applications (Exception to the timetable)
The exceptional closing date of 22 July at 5pm applies only to applicants who are registered as an undergraduate student on 1 May 2024 in any year in any one of the participating HEIs (subject to the exclusions listed below). In order to avail of the Exceptional Late Application facility you must have entered the HEI through the CAO system. This is an exceptional late closing date and all steps must be completed by 5pm on 22 July. No changes may be made after this date.

If you did not enter your current course through the CAO system, you must first contact the Admissions Office of the HEI to which you wish to apply and they will inform you if you may submit an application direct to the institution.

Exclusions:
You may submit a late application only for entry to courses other than your existing course. If you wish to repeat the year in the same course you must arrange this within your HEI.

Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Marino Institute of Education, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick and Maynooth University have special procedures in place in the case of current or previous students who wish to apply for entry to another course in the same HEI. Such applicants must contact their Admissions Office to determine the application procedure. However, if you are a student in another HEI and you wish to apply to any of these five HEIs, you should apply through CAO.

Refer to page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook on how to make an Exceptional Late Application.

Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:

General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices

Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course

Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants

Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR

Why DCU?
− Unique modules from the Social Sciences relating to Sociology, Media, Politics and Innovation

− Flexibility and focus, specialising as you progress through the course

− Innovative modules focused on developing key transferable skills for 21st century work and life

− 12 month paid work placement (INTRA) in Year 3

− Focus on applying knowledge in creative and effective ways

About You
Are you are interested in exploring how culture, media and politics shape our world and identity, curious about what drives innovation and future trends, stimulated by learning how to design creative approaches to social issues? Are you keen to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities that enable you to carve out your own career path, then this is the course for you.

Understanding: Social Sciences and Cultural Innovation
The BA in Social Sciences and Cultural Innovation brings an applied focus to the Social Sciences, in particular the disciplines of Sociology, Media and Politics, as well as newer areas such as Social Entrepreneurship and Cultural Innovation.

The course also prioritises skills such as Creativity, Leadership, Ethical and Critical Thinking, Digital Literacy, Intercultural Communication, and Future Thinking. Furthermore, you have the possibility of studying abroad for 1 year or undertake a 12 month paid work placement (INTRA) where you can gain valuable experience. At its core, the BA in Social Sciences and Cultural Innovation aims to help you develop the knowledge, skills and abilities needed for your personal and career development, and empowers you to pursue your goals with passion, professionalism and purpose.

Course Structure
The course is structured around 3 specific pillars, comprising both core and optional modules, relating to the study of Culture, Media and Politics.

(i) Self, Society and Innovation:
Explore the meaning and power of culture; study key social identities such as gender, nationality, ethnicity and social class; examine the drivers and impacts of globalisation and mass migration; identify local, national and global challenges; and develop creative strategies to address these.

(ii) Media, Messaging and the Digital World:
Examine the hugely influential role played by media and technology in society; analyse advertising and other media outputs; study the history of journalism and how it is evolving; explore the challenges and opportunities facing traditional and new media in the 21st century, including the ever-increasing role of social media and digital platforms.

(iii) Politics, Power and Internationalisation:
Learn about national and international political systems; reflect on the concept of power in personal, political and economic relations; consider how various innovations influence how citizens engage with politics; examine political ideologies and conflicts from around the world; explore diverse approaches to international security and political terrorism.

In each year of the course you will take modules from all 3 pillars, with the choice of options increasing annually. In the final year you choose to specialise in 1 pillar, while continuing to study the other 2 and you will also have the opportunity to do in-depth research on a particular topic of interest. Throughout the course you will do a variety of modules focusing on essential transferable skills, and from the outset your career development is given attention.

With unique modules covering topics ranging from applied ethics to social psychology, multiculturalism to social innovation, and journalism to creative thinking, the BA in Social Sciences and Cultural Innovation is designed to help you stand out, rather than simply fit in, whatever your choice of career may be.

After Year 3, you can opt for a year of study in one of our overseas partner universities, or apply for a 12 month paid work placement (INTRA). Availing of this option makes it a 4 year course, and adds significant value to the student experience at multiple levels.

Year Abroad
Our international partner universities are either based in an English-speaking country or are European universities where modules are delivered through English. Currently, we have partnerships in Australia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Lithuania and Malta. For more information, please visit dcu.ie/placement/study-overseas

INTRA
The 12 month work placement will give you a unique opportunity to enhance your CV, increase your employability and apply your knowledge and skills in the real world. This option is competitive and subject to the availability of placements. For more information, please visit dcu.ie/intra

Internship: Yes.

What Will I Study?
The following list includes core and optional modules:

Core Modules
Year 1
Introduction to Communication Studies | Analysing Visual Media Tests | Cultural Studies | Power, Self and Society | Contemporary Cultural Debates | Interculturalism in Practice | Introduction to Modern Ireland | Introduction to Politics | Introduction to International Relations and Security | The Irish Political System

Year 2
Social Psychology | Journalism History | Ireland, Sex and Text | Global Cultures | Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship | The Making of Contemporary Europe | Political Ideologies

Optional Modules
Theorising Social Media in Everyday Life | Social Class in the Media | Intelligence National Security | Changemakers: Service Learning | Analysing Advertising | Crime, Policing and the Media | Women Feminism and the Creative Cultural Industries | Introduction to Gender Studies | Perspectives on the Networked Society

Year 3
Optional Study Abroad / INTRA

Final Year
Creativity and the Emerging Future | Issues in Multiculturalism | Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa | Communication Culture and the Environment | Dissertation

Optional Modules
Media Law | Television Drama | Press and Public Relations | Perspectives on Chinese Culture | The Politics of Migration in Europe | Science, Technology and Society | Climate Change and the Media | Sexualities, Languages and Society | Languages of Business and Media Across Cultures | Conflict Resolution in Northern Ireland | Nationalism and Populism in the 21st Century | Representing Otherness | Anglo-Irish Literature: The Novel and the Short Story | Languages of Business and Media Across Cultures | Post Soviet Politics | Politics of South Asia | Issues in American Politics | Contemporary Politics of the Middle East and North Africa | Uaneen Award: DCU’s Leadership and Engagement Module

Optional modules are chosen subject to timetabling constraints.

Additional Information
The degree also provides a strong foundation for further study.

Contact Details
Tel: +353 (0) 1 700 5197
E: martin.toal@dcu.ie
E: studenthelp@dcu.ie
Visit Us Online dcu.ie/DC238

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