Bachelor in Sociology & Social Policy
New! Download the Course Brochure 2012/13
Introduction
The degree in Sociology and Social Policy combines the study of social theory, social policy and social research. The aim of the programme is to give students a thorough training in the systematic study of society and its social problems. Sociology and Social Policy are closely inter-related and have in common a questioning of everyday perspectives and explanations. They also share a range of particular research methods.
For whom is the B.A. in Sociology & Social Policy designed?
This degree is managed jointly by the School of Social Work & Social Policy and School of Social Sciences & Philosophy. It combines academic and vocational elements. It is particularly relevant to those wishing to pursue a career in management, planning and evaluation within the social services field, as well as to those with a general interest in society and social policy.
Two groups of students are admitted within an annual quota of approximately 28 places:
- CAO: approximately 20 school leavers; who reach the required points needed for entry
- Mature Students Scheme: approximately 8 mature applicants selected by interview.
Course Structure and Content
Over the four years, students take courses in general social science disciplines, such as economics and political science, and specialist courses in areas such as family, gender, crime, poverty and inequality. The first two years are more general and foundational in nature, while the latter two years are more focused on specialist courses in sociology and social policy.
Jump to:Junior Freshman Module Options 2011-2012 | |
|---|---|
Compulsory modules (Each module is worth 10 ECTS) |
|
SS1765 |
Introduction to Social Policy: Social Policy Concepts / Irish Welfare State.(PDF 59KB) |
| SO1310 | Introduction to Sociology http://www.tcd.ie/sociology/undergrad/SO1310.php |
| PO1600 | Introduction to Political Science https://www.tcd.ie/Political_Science/undergraduate/po1600.php |
Students must take either EC1010 or EC1040 |
|
| EC1010 OR EC1040 | Introduction to Economic Policy or Introduction to Economics |
Optional Modules |
|
| LA1240 | Introduction to Law https://www.tcd.ie/Law/local/ |
| SS1730 | Introduction to Psychology (PDF 148KB) |
| EC1030 | Mathematics and Statistics http://www.tcd.ie/Economics/undergraduate/ug1030.php |
| RU1061 | Introduction to Central, East European and Russian Area Studies |
| FR1040 | French language https://www.tcd.ie/bess/current/languages/jffrench.php |
| GR1004 | German language https://www.tcd.ie/bess/current/languages/jfgerman.php |
| PL1500 | Polish language https://www.tcd.ie/bess/current/languages/jfpolish.php |
| RU1500 | Russian language https://www.tcd.ie/bess/current/languages/jfrussian.php |
Students must take 6 modules
Each module is 10ECTS
*Students must take the four compulsory modules
**Students must take two of the optional modules
Year 2
Students must choose modules equivalent to 60 ECTS credits.
Compulsory modules (Each module is worth 10 ECTS) |
|
SO2310 |
Introduction to Social Research http://www.tcd.ie/sociology/undergrad/SO2310.php |
| SS2767 | Irish social policy 1 (PDF 34KB) |
SS2785 |
Irish Social Policy 2 (PDF 29KB) |
Students must take either EC2020 or EC2030 (10 credits) |
|
| EC2020 OR EC2030 | The Economy of Ireland http://www.tcd.ie/Economics/undergraduate/ug2020.php
|
Students must take either SO2330 or SO2342 (10 credits) |
|
| SO2330 OR SO2342 |
European Societies http://www.tcd.ie/sociology/undergrad/SO2330.php |
Students must take one of the following modules |
|
| FR2040 | French 2 - (10 ECTS) For students who have completed JF Level only |
| GR2004 | German 2 - (10 ECTS) For students who have completed JF Level only |
PL2500 |
Polish 2 - (10 ECTS) For students who have completed JF Level only |
| RU2500 | Russian 2 - (10 ECTS) For students who have completed JF Level only |
| PO2610 | History of Political Thought - (10 ECTS) http://www.tcd.ie/Political_Science/undergraduate/po2610.php |
| PO2640 | International Relations - (10 ECTS) http://www.tcd.ie/Political_Science/undergraduate/po2640.php |
PO2650 |
Comparative Politics - (10 ECTS) http://www.tcd.ie/Political_Science/undergraduate/po2650.php |
| SO2330 | European Societies http://www.tcd.ie/sociology/undergrad/currentundergradcourses.php |
| SO2342 | Gender, Culture and Society - (10 ECTS) http://www.tcd.ie/sociology/undergrad/SO2342.php |
| SS2139 | Introduction to Irish Family Law -(5 ECTS) (PDF 28KB) |
| BC | Broad Curriculum http://www.tcd.ie/Broad_Curriculum/ |
Year 3
Compulsory modules (Each module is worth 10 ECTS) |
|
SO3201 |
Social Theory and Social Inequality http://www.tcd.ie/sociology/undergrad/SO3201.php |
SO3240 |
Researching Society http://www.tcd.ie/sociology/undergrad/SO3240.php |
SS3380 |
Comparative Welfare States (PDF 32KB) |
Students must take either
SS3390
or SS3400 |
|
| SS3390 OR SS3400 |
Crime and Social Policy (PDF 29KB) OR Families and Family Policy (PDF 30KB) |
Optional Modules |
|
EC3040 |
Economics of Less Developed Countries http://www.tcd.ie/Economics/undergraduate/ug3040.php |
EC3060 |
Economics of Policy Issues http://www.tcd.ie/Economics/undergraduate/ug30601.php |
SO3230 |
Globalisation and Development http://www.tcd.ie/sociology/undergrad/SO3230.php |
SO3250 |
Race, Ethnicity and Identity http://www.tcd.ie/sociology/undergrad/SO3250.php |
PO3630 |
Irish Politics http://www.tcd.ie/Political_Science/undergraduate/po3630.php |
PO3650 |
Government and Politics of USA http://www.tcd.ie/Political_Science/undergraduate/po3650.php |
PO3670 |
Democracy and Development http://www.tcd.ie/Political_Science/undergraduate/po3670.php |
| PO3680 | European Union Politics http://www.tcd.ie/Political_Science/undergraduate/po3680.php |
LA3435 |
Public Interest Law (Must have LA1240) |
LA3439 |
Public International Law (Must have LA1240) |
Students may choose to study abroad under the Erasmus Programme in the third year.
Year 4
Compulsory modules (Each module is worth 15 ECTS) |
|
SS4722 |
Poverty, Inequality and Redistribution PDF (22 KB) |
SO4200 |
Sociology Dissertation http://www.tcd.ie/sociology/undergrad/SO4200.php |
Optional Modules |
|
SO4230 |
Economic Sociology of Europe http://www.tcd.ie/sociology/undergrad/SO4230.php |
SO4253 |
Conflict Studies http://www.tcd.ie/sociology/undergrad/SO4253.php |
SO4291 |
Popular Culture and Digital Lives https://www.tcd.ie/sociology/undergrad/SO4291.php |
SO4293 |
|
SS4820 |
Ageing and Dementia (PDF 70KB) |
Teaching and assessment
Teaching takes place in lectures, seminars, and project groups. Assessment methods vary according to subject and course; both examination and continuous assessment are used.
Admission
-
School leavers identify BA (Sociology & Social Policy) - TR 083) on their CAO application form.
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Mature Student applicants apply to the Admissions Office, Trinity College,by the end of January and also apply through the CAO.
Further Information
For further information please contact:
School of Social Work and Social Policy
Course Coordinator - Ms Judy O'Shea
Executive Officer - Ms Siobhan O'Brien
Tel: +353-1-896 2001 / 3708
Email: obriens6@tcd.ie or
School of Social Science and Philosophy
Tel: +353-1-896 1871
Email: socsec@tcd.ie
Course Office - Sociology and Social Policy
Tel: +353-1-896-1840