Key Info
Bachelor of Arts
This is a wide-ranging and flexible degree. In first year, students select four subjects from a total of sixteen on offer. You can find more information on the content of each of these subjects by following the links below. From second year onwards, students select two subjects to continue with for the remainder of their degree.
Bachelor of Arts students can study familiar subjects they like while also discovering new subjects. One of the many things which attracts students to our arts degree is the fact that they are not forced to commit to one subject or area from first year. Student have time to discover where their interests lie. From second year onwards, most students narrow down their subjects to two. Those interested in Sociology can choose to take it on its own from year two onwards.
Bachelor of Arts at UL stands out because it offers unique subject combinations, a built-in work placement (cooperative education) and a semester of study abroad at one of UL’s partner institutions. These elements are built into the programme to appeal to employers. They also help students to develop academically and socially and also to identify which career path they are most interested in.
You will know that studying arts at UL might be a good fit for you if -
- You want to choose from a wide range of subjects at an institution where you can benefit from real-world work experience and can live and study in another country;
- You wish to communicate your own ideas effectively and persuasively;
- You care about the world around you and want to understand the forces that shape people, society, culture, communication and the physical world.
- You want to develop skills that will enhance your career and, in the broadest sense, your contribution to society.
Studying an arts degree opens up a broad world of career possibilities. Some arts students choose their courses and subjects with a specific career path in mind, such as the public sector, teaching, communications, or politics. However, many successful graduates started their arts degree uncertain about their exact future career but passionate about the subjects. They used their studies as an opportunity to excel in a program they were interested in while discovering their career path along the way.
Subjects on offer through this degree are:
Learn more about our courses and upcoming events
Read about our students' experiences:
Amy Croffey: English and Digital Culture and Communications
What you will study
Pathways within Bachelor of Arts
In year 1, you choose four subjects from the groups below, selecting no more than one subject in each group. You will study these subjects for the whole of your first year. When choosing your year 1 subjects, it is essential to have a least two subjects from two different year 2 subject groups as subjects within the same group cannot be studied together. It is important to bear in mind that places in Psychology are limited from year 2.
| Group 1 | Psychology OR German OR Geography |
|---|---|
| Group 2 | English |
| Group 3 | Digital Culture and Communications |
| Group 4 | Gaeilge OR Economics |
| Group 5 | French |
| Group 6 | Linguistics with TESOL† OR Mathematics |
| Group 7 | Sociology |
| Group 8 | Politics and International Relations |
| Group 9 | Public Administration and Leadership OR Spanish |
| Group 10 | History OR Music and Dance |
Notes
German and Spanish are available at both beginners and post leaving certificate level.
French is available at post leaving certificate level only.
Places in Psychology are not limited for first year, but there are only 30 places available for years 2-4. Those places are allocated on a competitive basis based on semester 1 grades.
After first year
Towards the end of first year, you will select two subjects to continue with and specialise in to degree level (years 2-4). Note – A limited number of subjects are available as Single Honours – this is where you will study one subject for the remainder of the degree. See the end of the table for subjects available as Single Honours. The table below displays the groups from years 2-4. Your selection is based on your year 1 subjects and you cannot choose two subjects from the same group. The table at the end of this section illustrates all the combinations available to degree level.
| Group 1 | Psychology^ OR German OR Geography |
|---|---|
| Group 2 | Politics and International Relations OR English |
| Group 3 | Digital Culture and Communications OR Gaeilge OR Economics |
| Group 4 | Public Administration and Leadership OR Spanish |
| Group 5 | Sociology~ OR Linguistics with TESOL† OR Mathematics |
| Group 6 | History OR French OR Music and Dance |
~ Subject available as Single Honours to degree level
^ Places on Psychology are limited after year 1
† Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Off-Campus programme
In semesters 4 and 5 (year 2 Spring and year 3 Autumn) you will participate in an off-campus programme. Semester 4 is dedicated to a period of cooperative education/work experience. Semester 5 is spent on study abroad in one of our many partner institutions across Europe, the Americas, and Australasia. UL's dedicated Coop and Careers Office will help you find you the work placement that best suits your course of study and your aspirations, while UL Global will find you a place at one of our partner institutions most suited to your course of study in a part of the world that appeals to your intellectual and cultural curiosity.
Final Year Project
In your final year, you will complete a Final Year Project in the subject(s) of your choosing. This is a unique opportunity to complete an extended piece of research and analysis in your chosen topic, designed with guidance and direction from an academic supervisor in your chosen subject. The Final Year Project will develop your research and analytical skills with a view to employment or further study.
Subject combinations
The table below shows the full list of subject combinations you can choose from for your degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the first year, you select a total of four subjects from the groups (1-10), selecting no more than one subject from each group.
When choosing your year 1 subjects, it is essential to have at least two subjects from the different year 2 subject groups bearing in mind places in Psychology are limited from year 2.
You will be given information on all subjects prior to your enrolment with University. You will then choose your 4 subjects prior to beginning your first Semester.
There are 2 options available:
Joint Honours – You continue with 2 subjects from year 2 to 4. This subject combination is available for all subjects but please refer to the subject combination table to see which subject combinations are possible.
Single Honours – You will continue with 1 subject from year 2 to 4. Single Honours is available in only in Sociology
You will select the subjects that you will continue with to degree level during weeks 6 and 7 of the second (spring) Semester of Year 1
Update the text to - Single Honours means that you specialise in 1 subject. This means you will study four modules in that one subject each semester. Sociology is the only subject which offers this option. All other subjects are only available in combination with other subjects.
Joint Honours means that you will specialise in 2 subjects. This means you will study your 2 chosen subjects in equal amounts: 2 modules per subject each semester.
No. You pick the subjects to continue based on your selection in year 1.
Broadening modules allow you take a module which is not a core component of your subject choice. For example, you could choose to study a module on Violence in Society, Contemporary Moral Issues or Beginners Japanese.
Skills modules are provided in this programme to give you the skills you will need for University. For example, you will take a module on Preparation for Academic Success in your first semester of year 1.
Yes. This is a compulsory element of the programme. The UL Global office will assist you with your study placement.
Yes. This is a compulsory element of the programme. The Cooperative Education and Careers Division will assist you with your work placement.
Subject combinations
Key
- ^ : Places in Psychology may be limited after Year 1
- † : TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
- ~ : Subject available as Single Honours to degree level
Digital Culture and Communications
- Available with: English, French, Geography, German, History, Linguistics with TESOL†, Music and Dance, Politics and International Relations, Psychology^, Public Administration and Leadership, Sociology~, Spanish
- Not available with: Economics, Gaeilge, Mathematics
Economics
- Available with: Digital Culture and Communications, English, French, Geography, German, History, Linguistics with TESOL†, Music and Dance, Politics and International Relations, Psychology^, Spanish
- Not available with: Gaeilge, Mathematics, Public Administration and Leadership, Sociology~
- Only available in the first year with: Geography
English
- Available with: Digital Culture and Communications, Economics, French, Gaeilge, Geography, German, History, Linguistics with TESOL†, Mathematics, Music and Dance, Politics and International Relations, Psychology^, Public Administration and Leadership, Sociology~, Spanish
French
- Available with: Digital Culture and Communications, Economics, English, Geography, History, Linguistics with TESOL†, Music and Dance, Politics and International Relations, Psychology^, Sociology~, Spanish
- Not available with: Gaeilge, Mathematics, Public Administration and Leadership
- Only available in the first year with: German
Gaeilge
- Available with: English, French, Geography, German, History, Music and Dance, Politics and International Relations, Sociology~, Spanish
- Not available with: Digital Culture and Communications, Economics, Mathematics, Psychology^, Public Administration and Leadership
- Only available in the first year with: English
Geography
- Available with: Digital Culture and Communications, Economics, English, French, Gaeilge, German, History, Linguistics with TESOL†, Mathematics, Music and Dance, Politics and International Relations, Psychology^, Public Administration and Leadership, Sociology~, Spanish
- Only available in the first year with: Economics
German
- Available with: Digital Culture and Communications, Economics, English, French, Geography, History, Linguistics with TESOL†, Music and Dance, Politics and International Relations, Psychology^, Sociology~, Spanish
- Not available with: Gaeilge, Mathematics, Public Administration and Leadership
History
- Available with: Digital Culture and Communications, Economics, English, French, Gaeilge, Geography, German, Linguistics with TESOL†, Mathematics, Music and Dance, Politics and International Relations, Psychology^, Public Administration and Leadership, Sociology~, Spanish
Linguistics with TESOL†
- Available with: Digital Culture and Communications, Economics, English, French, Geography, German, History, Mathematics, Music and Dance, Politics and International Relations, Psychology^, Sociology~, Spanish
- Not available with: Gaeilge, Public Administration and Leadership
Mathematics
- Available with: English, Geography, History, Linguistics with TESOL†, Politics and International Relations, Psychology^, Sociology~, Spanish
- Not available with: Digital Culture and Communications, Economics, French, Gaeilge, German, Music and Dance, Public Administration and Leadership
Music and Dance
- Available with: Digital Culture and Communications, Economics, English, French, Gaeilge, Geography, German, History, Linguistics with TESOL†, Politics and International Relations, Psychology^, Sociology~, Spanish
- Not available with: Mathematics, Public Administration and Leadership
Politics and International Relations
- Available with: Digital Culture and Communications, Economics, English, French, Gaeilge, Geography, German, History, Linguistics with TESOL†, Mathematics, Music and Dance, Psychology^, Public Administration and Leadership, Sociology~, Spanish
Psychology^
- Available with: Digital Culture and Communications, Economics, English, French, Geography, German, History, Linguistics with TESOL†, Mathematics, Music and Dance, Politics and International Relations, Sociology~, Spanish
- Not available with: Gaeilge, Public Administration and Leadership
Public Administration and Leadership
- Available with: Digital Culture and Communications, English, Geography, History, Music and Dance, Politics and International Relations, Sociology~, Spanish
- Not available with: Economics, French, Gaeilge, German, Linguistics with TESOL†, Mathematics, Psychology^
Sociology~
- Available with: Digital Culture and Communications, English, French, Gaeilge, Geography, German, History, Linguistics with TESOL†, Mathematics, Music and Dance, Politics and International Relations, Psychology^, Public Administration and Leadership, Spanish
- Not available with: Economics
Spanish
- Available with: Digital Culture and Communications, Economics, English, French, Gaeilge, Geography, German, History, Linguistics with TESOL†, Mathematics, Music and Dance, Politics and International Relations, Psychology^, Sociology~
- Not available with: Public Administration and Leadership
Entry requirements
| CAO points history |
316
|
|---|---|
| Minimum grades |
Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary level) grades or Four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English. Note: Grade F6 in Foundation Mathematics also satisfies the minimum entry requirements. Foundation mathematics is not reckonable for scoring purposes. |
| Subject requirements |
In addition, students wishing to study a Language must hold a minimum H4 grade in that language, with the exception of beginners German or beginners Spanish where a H4 grade in a language other than English is required. Specialist requirement in Mathematics for those studying Economics or Mathematics. For certain subjects, additional special qualifications specific to individual subjects or disciplines may be determined by the respective departments in accordance with Academic Council regulations. |
| Additional considerations |
Mature StudentsApplications are especially welcome from Mature Students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February. Application information for mature student applicants (PDF) QQI EntryCertain QQI Awards are acceptable in fulfilling admission requirements for this programme. Visit the UL Undergraduate Admissions QQI site for a full list of modules. |
| Non-EU Entry Requirements |
|
How to apply
| Where are you applying from? | How to Apply |
|---|---|
| Ireland | Irish students must apply to UL via the CAO. |
| The UK | Students who have completed their A-Levels can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website. |
| The EU | EU Students can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website. |
| Non-EU country | If you are outside of the EU, you can apply for this degree here. |
Fees and funding
Student course fees are broken into three components - Student contribution, Student Levy and Tuition Fees.
A number of illustrative examples of fees for this course based on the current fee levels have been set out in the tables below.
An explanation of the components, how to determine status and the criteria involved is provided below the examples as is a list of possible scholarships and funding available.
EU Students with Free fees status in receipt of a SUSI grant
| HEA pays | Tuition Fees | €2,558 |
| SUSI pays | Student contribution | €3,000 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €100 |
| €5,658 |
EU Students with Free fees status not in receipt of a grant
| HEA pays | Tuition Fees | €2,558 |
| Student pays | Student contribution | €3,000 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €100 |
| €5,658 |
Students with EU fee status not in receipt of a grant
| Student pays | Tuition Fees | €2,558 |
| Student pays | Student contribution | €3,000 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €100 |
| €5,658 |
Non-EU Students
| Student pays | Tuition Fees | €16,300 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €100 |
| €16,400 |
Student course fees are comprised of the following components:
Student Contribution
Annual charge set by the government for all full-time third level students. All students are liable unless they have been approved for a grant by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). Please refer to https://www.studentfinance.ie to determine your eligibility for a grant and for instructions on how to apply. The current student contribution is set at €3000.
Student Levy
All students are liable to pay the Student Levy of €100. Please note the Student Levy is not covered by the SUSI Grant.
Tuition Fees
These are based on Residency, Citizenship, Course requirements.
Review the three groups of criteria to determine your fee status as follows
-
Residency
- You must have been living in an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland for at least 3 of the 5 years before starting your course
-
Citizenship
- You must be a citizen of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland or have official refugee status
-
Course Requirements
(all must be met)
- You must be a first time full-time undergraduate (Exceptions are provided for students who hold a Level 6 or Level 7 qualification and are progressing to a Level 8 course in the same general area of study).
- You must be undertaking a full-time undergraduate course of at least 2 year’s duration
- You cannot be undertaking a repeat year of study at the same level unless evidence of exceptional circumstances eg serious illness is provided (in which case this condition may be waived)
Depending on how you meet these criteria your status will be one of the following -
- Free Fee Status: You satisfy all three categories (1, 2 and 3) and therefore are eligible for the Higher Education Authority’s Free Fees scheme.
- EU Fee Status: You satisfy both the citizenship and residency criteria but fail to satisfy the course requirements and are liable to EU fees.
- Non EU Fee Status: You do not meet either the citizenship or residency criteria and are therefore liable to Non EU fees.
More information about fees can be found on the Finance website
These scholarships are available for this course
| Title | Award | Scholarships Available |
|---|---|---|
| Johnson and Johnson WiSTEM2D Programme |
These scholarships are available for all courses
| Title | Award | Scholarships Available |
|---|---|---|
| All Ireland Scholarships - sponsored by J.P. McManus | €6,750 | 125 |
| Brad Duffy Access Scholarship | €5,000 for one year | 1 |
| Bursary for my Future Scholarship | €2,750 one off payment | 4 |
| Cooperative Education Award | 1 medal per faculty | |
| Elaine Fagan Scholarship | €1,500 | |
| Financial Aid Fund | ||
| Hegarty Family Access Scholarships | €5,000 for one year | 2 |
| Higher Education Grants & VEC Grants | ||
| Paddy Dooley Rowing Scholarship | €2,500 | |
| Plassey Campus Centre Scholarship Programme | ||
| Provincial GAA Bursaries Scheme | €750 | |
| Stuart Mangan Scholarship | ||
| The Michael Hillery and Jacinta O’Brien Athletics Scholarship | Various benefits equating to over €7,000 in value | |
| UL Sports Scholarships | Varies depending on level of Scholarship | Multiple |
Your future career
Employability skills from this degree
- Understanding, assessing and evaluating issues
- Organising and working to deadlines
- Reading text to pick out the essential points
- Absorbing and retaining large amounts of information
- Writing well in a variety of formats
- Conveying meaning precisely
- Conducting research and evaluating sources, leading and participating in discussions, working independently
- Developing opinions, proposing ideas and theories
- Debating and persuading
- Drawing conclusions from statistical research objectively
- Confidence in formulating opinions
- Critical thinking and creativity
Follow-on Study
Many Arts graduates undertake postgraduate courses in order to specialise in a particular subject or area. Information related to the career prospects associated with individual disciplines can be found on the specific subject pages.
The wide choice of subject areas available in this degree will open possibilities for research-based or taught postgraduate programmes offering many pathways to interesting and challenging careers. Some examples include:
- MA in Applied Linguistics
- Diploma in Human Resource Management
- MA in Gender, Culture and Society
- LLM/MA in Law, Human Rights in Criminal Justice
- MA Business Management
- MA in Psychology
- MA in Sociology (Youth, Community and Social Regeneration)
- MA/PhD in Sociology
- MA in Technical Communication and E-Learning
- MSc in Economics and Policy Analysis
- MSc in Financial Services
- MSc in Project Management
- Professional Masters in Education
- MA in English
- MA Gaeilge
- MA in TESOL
- MA In Public Administration
Job titles for graduates with this degree
Some of our graduates also move directly into employment and take up a wide variety of roles. The following is a sample of the type of roles they progress to;
- Parliamentary Assistant
- Branch Official
- Business Development Executive
- English Teacher
- Insurance Broker
- Radio Editor
- Teacher (International School)
- Teaching Assistant
- Interpreter
- Procurement Administrator
- Journalist
- Compliance Officer
- Recruitment Consultant
- Clerical Officer
- Communications Executive
- Content Moderator
Student Profiles
Brady Day
I am a graduate of the Bachelor of Arts and majored in Public Administration and Leadership. I then went on to study for a MA in Development Studies. I picked the Bachelor of Arts because it is so broad; the variety of subjects is excellent. I would never have considered Public Administration and Leadership but during my first year, I very quickly realised that it was the subject I wanted to pursue so I kept it on.
It was easy to get to know lecturers, ask for their feedback on assignments or to look for their perspectives on different career routes. Discussions within classes really pushed and encouraged me and were a great way to develop rhetorical and debating skills.
Public Administration & Leadership gives you wide exposure to how the government works and is an ideal entry route to the civil service in general. I was lucky enough to win the Iveagh Fellowship last year. My goal is to work as a diplomat with the Department of Foreign Affairs, where I completed my co-op work placement. Getting that professional experience and having an international element to my degree with Erasmus attracted me to the course.
The Bachelor of Arts is a broad degree; you will have a wide range of options in terms of careers and further study. My advice is to think critically about what subjects you would like to pursue and do some research on which interest you the most before you start.
Rachel McLoughlin
I think that UL’s BA Arts course really is one-of-a-kind, offering the widest choice of subject combinations. This degree programme allows me to continue learning about subjects which interested me at second level, as well as picking up new subjects offered only at third level. You will study 4 subjects in first year and then specialize in either one or two subjects from second to fourth year. This appealed to me because you have the freedom to try new subjects but don’t have to commit to taking them to degree level if they don’t interest you after the first year.
Both Co-Op work experience and Erasmus/international exchange are also part of my course. With over 300 partner universities, UL gives students a wide choice in study abroad placement, giving me the invaluable opportunity to travel and experience the world of work. I can do this while still earning credits for my degree.
Coming from Mayo, the availability of student accommodation here also made choosing UL so easy. The on-campus student villages are within a 10 minute walk of the main campus which is a huge benefit, especially when you’re trying to find your way around in first year.
The various workshops and orientation events that take place during the First Seven Weeks program (which is unique to UL) also proved to be invaluable and helped me in settling in and understanding all of the changes that come with attending University.
