BA in Sociology and Social Policy – TR083
School of Social Sciences and Philosophy, School of Social Work and
Social Policy
Judy O’Shea
Director of Sociology and Social Policy
05/12/15
BACHELOR OF SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL POLICY
(TR083)
4 Year Degree Course
Award:
 BA Sociology and Social Policy
 Points 455 in 2015
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
WHY STUDY SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL POLICY?
 Curious about social and economic policy issues around the world?

Searching for a course that demands both academic and vocational qualities?

Interested in understanding society, its social problems and have a desire to
make a difference?
 Then Sociology and Social Policy is the degree for you.
 It’s a unique programme which combines the study of social theory, social
policy and social research.
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
SOME TOPICS COVERED ON COURSE
 What are the causes of poverty and how many people live in poverty
in Ireland?
 Is Ireland an unequal society?
 Why are people homeless?
 Is there state discrimination against ethnic minorities in Ireland?
 What is the relationship between crime and social policy?
 Why do we not have free health services in Ireland?
 Does politics matter – do political parties have different approaches
to social policy?
 Can social movements change society?
 How do we care for our ageing population?
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
STUDYING SOCIOLOGY
The sociology modules introduce students to the theories that explain
social behaviour and relationships.
Key themes focus on the family, work, European societies and
globalisation, conflict, migration and racism, social movements, social
theories and social research
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
STUDYING SOCIAL POLICY
Social policy modules will enable students to answer some of the
following very topical questions:
 What are social policies and why do we need them?
 Who makes social policy and who benefits from social policy?
 who provides and who pays for social policies?
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
WHO TAKES THIS COURSE?
 School Leavers
 Mature Students
 International students
 Visiting students
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
SCHOOLS WITHIN TRINITY
BA Sociology and Social Policy provided by:
 School of Social Work and Social Policy
in conjunction with
School of Social Sciences and Philosophy
 Political Science
 Economics
 Sociology
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
YEAR 1 MODULES
 Introduction to Social Policy
 Introduction to Sociology
 Introduction to Political Science
 Introduction to Economics or Introduction to Economic Policy
Two out of following:
 Law
 Maths / Statistics
 Introduction to Psychology
 A language module- French/ German/ Russian / Polish
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
YEAR 2 MODULES
 Irish Social Policy (health, housing, children, crime)
 Two from Social Research, European Societies, Gender and Family, or Power,
State and Social Movements
 Economy of Ireland OR Economics of Public Policy
Two other modules:
 Sociology / Political Science / Law
 Broad Curriculum Option
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
YEAR THREE MODULES
 Two from Researching Society, Social Theory, Globalisation and
Development, or Race, Ethnicity and Identity
 Social Inequality
 Comparative Welfare States
 Crime and Social Policy / Families and Social Policy
Two additional modules from Sociology/ Economics / Political Science
ERASMUS STUDY ABROAD OPTION
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
YEAR FOUR MODULES
 Poverty, Inequality and Redistribution
 Sociology and Social Policy dissertation
 Social Policy and Ageing
 One other module from Sociology and Social Policy modules
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
Career Options with Sociology & Social Policy
Directly related:
Related:
 Voluntary Sector/NGO’s e.g. Policy
Adviser
 Marketing/PR/Advertising
 Aid/Development
 Youth work
 Social Care Work; Social Work
 Community Work e.g. Community
Development Officer
 Public Sector e.g. Civil Service, State
Agencies and Bodies
 Human Resources
 Primary Teaching
 European Administration
 Journalism/Media
 Management/Management
Consultancy
Opportunities open to all disciplines:
 Social Research e.g. ESRI, Geary Institute e.g. IT, Accountancy, Medicine…
 Market Research – client or agency side
 Research/Academia
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
EMPLOYERS
 Health Service Executive
 NGO’s
 Department of Social Protection
 St Vincent de Paul
 Ballymun Regeneration
 Barnardos
 Focus Ireland
 Migrant Rights Centre
 Simon Community
 Focus Ireland
 Rehab Centre
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
Sociology & Social Policy
Destinations – Further study
Institutions:
Further study:
 DIT Aungier St

Addiction studies
 Dun Laoghaire VEC

Diploma in Law
 TCD

Graduate Entry Medicine

 University College Dublin
Master in Social Work/Social Work

Higher Diploma in Psychology

MSc in Applied Social Research

MSc Global Health

MSc Human Resource Management

MSc in International Politics

Tutor Training Course
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
 UCD Smurfit
 Other Irish Institutions
POST-GRADUATE STUDY WITHIN TRINITY
 MSc in Applied Social Research
 Masters in Social Work
 M Phil / PhD in Social Policy or Sociology
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
HOW TO APPLY
COURSE Code: TR083
School Leavers
 Apply through CAO
 Deadline Feb 1st
Mature Students (23 +)
 Apply through CAO
And Trinity Admissions Office
 Deadline Feb 1st
 Selection by interview
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
FURTHER INFORMATION
BSS / Sociology & Social Policy Stand in the Exam Hall, Front Square:
 Leaflets
 Talk to staff/students at the Stand
Visit TCD website - www.tcd.ie
Visit Course website: http://www.socialworksocialpolicy.tcd.ie/undergraduate/ba-sociology.php
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
Thank You