While usually found within arts and humanities in the bigger universities, social sciences include subjects like psychology, sociology, economics, cultural studies and public policy.

Each of the larger universities would be strong in these fields as they become increasingly important in shaping government policy on a variety of social issues. For example, NUI Galway’s BA in Public and Social Policy is well regarded given the university’s strong social policy research links at masters and PhD level.

But some smaller colleges – which may not have a big arts/humanities/social science department – may still have particular strengths in one social science area or another, such as Dublin Business School (DBS). While predominantly a business-focused institution, its BA in Psychology and BA in Social Science are both popular.

Waterford IT has launched a three-year BA in Social Science. Students can choose from a wide range of modules such as human resource management, personal and professional development; social care, psychology and crime, probation and youth work and law.