Social Sciences & Sustainability
Turn Curiosity into Social Impact
Are you curious about how the world works and how you can make it better? The BA in Social Sciences at University of Galway gives you the tools to understand complex societal issues and drive meaningful change. Explore diverse disciplines, gain real-world experience and become a future leader in shaping society.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | National University of Ireland | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
4 Years
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements:
Leaving Certificate: Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 to include Irish, English, another language, and three other subjects recognised for entry purposes.
Additional Requirements:
Garda/Police Vetting
Leaving Certificate General Entry Requirements
To enter an undergraduate degree, you must meet the minimum matriculation requirements of the National University of Ireland (NUI). These vary depending on your school-leaving exams.
Minimum Entry Requirements for Leaving Cert Students
To matriculate at University of Galway, Leaving Certificate students must present six subjects, including a minimum of Grade H5 in two subjects and at least Grade O6/H7 in four others. Results may be combined across different years for matriculation purposes (except for Medicine). This concession does not apply to the calculation of points for admission.
Acceptable Subjects
All current Leaving Certificate subjects are accepted for matriculation, with some exceptions as listed here:
• Gaeilge – Bonnleibhéal (Foundation Level Irish) is not accepted for matriculation.
• Mathematics – Foundation Level is accepted for matriculation purposes only, but not for any course that requires Mathematics as a specific subject requirement. Neither will a score be awarded for a grade in this subject.
• Certain subject combinations are not permitted (e.g. Physics with Chemistry (joint) cannot be combined with either Physics or Chemistry). For full details check universityofgalway.ie/undergradadmissions/ school-leavers/leavingcert/
• Recognised lab science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Agricultural Science, and Physics & Chemistry. Computer Science is accepted for Engineering and Science. Technology, Engineering, DCG, or Construction Studies may also be accepted for Engineering.
Irish Language Requirement
Irish is required for most applicants presenting the Irish Leaving Certificate. Exemptions may apply (e.g. born outside the Republic of Ireland).
Third Language Requirement
A third language is required for: Arts, Commerce, Law, Medicine, Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Podiatric Medicine, and Biotechnology courses.
Applying for Exemptions
Some students will be eligible for an exemption from the Irish language requirement (e.g. born outside of the Republic of Ireland, or may be exempt from the Irish language or the third language requirements due to specific learning difficulties affecting language acquisition). Students apply to the National University of Ireland for an exemption.
Mathematics Requirement – Engineering Maths Qualifying Exam
This exam is for students who achieve sufficient CAO entry points and meet all other entry requirements but who do not meet the H4 grade in Mathematics in the Leaving Cert for admission to certain engineering courses. This alternative maths exams takes place in August each year after the release of the Leaving Cert results. Details and application information are available at universityofgalway.ie/scienceengineering/ engineering.
English Language Requirement
If English is not your first language or you haven’t studied through the medium of English during the two most recent years of your study, you must attain an advanced level in English in your final school exam or must present one of the recognised English language qualifications (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL).
Language Requirement for Non-EU Applicants with Leaving Certificate
Students from outside the EU whose first language is not English must present a language other than English for matriculation. If their first language is not available in the Leaving Certificate, an equivalent exam (e.g. GCE/GCSE) may be accepted. Results may be combined across systems for matriculation.
Bonus Points
Bonus points are awarded for Higher Level Maths (25 points for H6 or above). These are only counted if Maths is among the six best subjects used for points calculation.
For Medicine applicants, the maximum adjusted score is 565.
Minimum Age
Applicants must normally be at least 17 years old by 15 January following entry (e.g. born on or before 15 Jan 2010 for 2026 entry). Younger applicants must apply directly to the University President for special consideration.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Distinction: 66 points
Merit: 46 points
Pass: 28 points
Link Modules may be used for points but not for matriculation.
QQI FET Applicants General Information
Careers / Further progression
The BSc (Social Sciences) prepares you to become a Civic Leader and Changemaker across cultural, social, environmental, and economic fields. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, applied research and real-world experience, this degree equips you with sought-after skills in critical thinking, social responsibility, teamwork, communication and innovation. Graduates are well placed to pursue careers that contribute to the development of communities, influence public policy, shape sustainable futures and lead in diverse organisational settings. As global challenges become more complex, there is growing demand for graduates who can think across disciplines and drive meaningful change in society.
Here are just a few potential career pathways:
Environmental & Social Studies:
Teacher/Lecturer/Education Roles
Ecologist
Environmental Policy Specialist
Renewable Energies Industries
Geographer
Politics, Society & Identity:
Local, National, European or Global Politics
NGO and Global Activism Roles
Immigration, Customs, and Border Services
Local Government Careers
Public Administration
Culture, Creativity & Entrepreneurship:
Human Resources Management
Business and Industry Roles
Strategic Innovation
Marketing Executive
Creative Arts Professional
Communities, Engagement & Development:
Community Development
Community Education
Social Worker
Social Researcher
Rural Development
Further information
September 2026
Mature Student Entry
Aged 23+ by 1 Jan on year of entry Apply based on life experience and/or previous educational experience.
✓ Apply via CAO by 1 Feb 2026
Email: maturestudents@universityofgalway.ie
More info: universityofgalway.ie/mature
Average Intake: 40
Entry 2026
Early online application (discounted): Fee €35 Closing Date: 20 January 2026 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €50 Closing Date: 1 February 2026 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: €65 Closing Date: 1 May 2026 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2026 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 2026. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2026, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2026 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €65 applies.
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 2026 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
Unique Features
Build expertise in research methods, data analysis and policy evaluation - skills that are in demand across sectors.
Learn through fieldwork, civic engagement and live case studies connected to real social issues.
Develop practical expertise in designing, conducting and sharing research and then apply it during your placement in Year 3.
Choose from a wide range of disciplines and tailor your studies to your interests and career goals.
Study Abroad
The BSc (Social Sciences) offers exciting opportunities for you to study or work abroad as part of your degree, helping to broaden your academic, cultural and professional horizons.
You can undertake an international study exchange or work placement with a university, civil society organisation or small-to-medium enterprise (SME) in Year 3 as part of their integrated internship experience. These placements can be based in EU or non-EU countries and are available through our Erasmus programme and other international partnerships. While study abroad is optional, students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity.
In Year 2, all students also take part in a European fieldtrip, a central and distinctive element of the programme, which introduces students to the international landscape of social policy and civic engagement.
Funding is available through the Erasmus+ scheme, which can help offset travel and living costs during the exchange period.
Work Placement
You will have the opportunity to participate in a semester-long national, European or international work internship/placement, which takes place in Year Three.
This internship will provide practical experience and links with programme partners, organisations, industry and businesses, and will serve to enhance your overall employability on graduation.
Year Four will focus on building upon this work experience and knowledge, preparing you for future career choices or further study opportunities in your chosen career. Placement opportunities are competitive, programme-specific and subject to change depending on availability.
Work placements include community, industry and on-campus opportunities.
Year One
Introduction to the Study of the Social Sciences
Introduction to Sociology & Political Science
Practicing Sociology & Politics
Introduction to Economic Policy
Principles of Human and Physical Geography
Geography in Practice
Digital Citizenship
Digital Skills for the Social Sciences
Year Two
In addition to further developing their critical understanding of key areas of the Social Sciences, students will focus on problem-centred learning and will undertake research method courses aimed at understanding social scientific research and how it contributes to tackling current societal challenges, and learn how to use social scientific technology tools such as GIS. Year Two also involves a significant European fieldtrip in Semester Two.
Year Three
Students undertake a significant work-based semester-long internship: students may avail of a wide range of existing placement opportunities or seek their own tailored to their preferred career or further educational pathways. Students will also undertake the Professional Skills and Pathways module to prepare them for this work internship and their future careers, and several additional modules such as a Government fieldtrip; The Live Arts Event; Policymaking, lobbying, and Advocacy; and Development & Change.
Year Four
Students will select modules within their preferred career pathway. In addition, students are paired with an experienced academic supervisor to design and develop an independent research project, with a strong focus on publishing their completed work. The four indicative study pathways offered in this final year are:
Environmental Social Studies
Culture, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
Politics, Society and Identity
Communities, Engagement and Development.
The BSc (Social Sciences) prepares you to become a Civic Leader and Changemaker across cultural, social, environmental, and economic fields. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, applied research and real-world experience, this degree equips you with sought-after skills in critical thinking, social responsibility, teamwork, communication and innovation. Graduates are well placed to pursue careers that contribute to the development of communities, influence public policy, shape sustainable futures and lead in diverse organisational settings. As global challenges become more complex, there is growing demand for graduates who can think across disciplines and drive meaningful change in society.
Here are just a few potential career pathways:
Environmental & Social Studies
Teacher/Lecturer/Education Roles
Ecologist
Environmental Policy Specialist
Renewable Energies Industries
Geographer
Politics, Society & Identity
Local, National, European or Global Politics
NGO and Global Activism Roles
Immigration, Customs, and Border Services
Local Government Careers
Public Administration
Culture, Creativity & Entrepreneurship
Human Resources Management
Business and Industry Roles
Strategic Innovation
Marketing Executive
Creative Arts Professional
Communities, Engagement & Development
Community Development
Community Education
Social Worker
Social Researcher
Rural Development
BASS Programme Director:
Dr Judith O’Connell
Room 319, 2nd Floor, Áras Moyola
School of Political Science & Sociology
Email: judith.oconnell@universityofgalway.ie
Phone: +353 91 49 5104
First Year Sociology and Political Science Co-ordinator:
Mr Gerry Fitzpatrick
Room 327, 2nd Floor, Áras Moyola
School of Political Science & Sociology
Email: gerard.fitzpatrick@universityofgalway.ie
Phone: +353 (0)91 49 3077
First Year Geography Coordinator:
Dr Eugene Farrell
Room 101A, Arts Science Building
School Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies
Email: 1BAGegraphy@universityofgalway.ie
Phone: +353 (0)91 49
Sociology and Political Science Administrator:
Ms Stephanie Quinn
Room 308, 2nd Floor, Áras Moyola
School of Political Science & Sociology
Email: stephanie.quinn@universityofgalway.ie
Phone: +353 (0)91 49 2290
Geography Administrator:
Ms Christina Costello
Room 101, Arts Science Building
School Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies
Email: christina.costello@universityofgalway.ie
Phone: +353 (0)91 49 5908