BACHELOR OF SOCIAL SCIENCE

Maynooth University

Ireland, Maynooth

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Maynooth University

Ireland , Maynooth

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

MH107

Campuses

MainSite

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines3-Feb-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 16,500 / year

Next Intake 3-Feb-2026

BACHELOR OF SOCIAL SCIENCE

About

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.

For more details on the course structure click here

Requirements

Entry Requirements

This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.

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

Visit the International Office website for details.

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.

Click here to be taken to our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on that page outlines application steps for this degree.

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.

For further information on the supporting documentation required, as well as examination and other supports visit the Access Office website.

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.

English Program Requirements

IELTS : 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band

Duolingo English Test (DET) : The minimum requirement will be a DET score of 120 - with at least 110 in each individual subscore.

Pearson Test of English : 63 with no less than 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section

TOEFL internet-based test : iBT: 90 with no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in all other sections

Career

After Graduation
>Social Policy is the basis for careers in policy research and policy analysis.
>Graduates pursue careers in policy analysis, social research and social professions (social work, community work and youth work).
>Our graduates are also found in management and public administration, the NGO sector, journalism, the media and social research.
>Graduates can take the National Qualification in Social Work at masters level (for more information visit www.coru.ie). This degree is prescribed as the basis for undertaking a Masters in Social Work.
>The Department offers a range of postgraduate study options.

Visit the Department website for more information about postgraduate options.