Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Sociology and Politics

Course Summary

Sociology focuses on understanding and analysing how human societies work. It studies everyday social practices, as well as discussing questions around economic inequality, power, gender and race, for example.

Politics looks more at the decision-making process that groups or organisations make. These don’t necessarily have to be governmental. Politics can be found in most interactions, from schools to businesses and religious institutions.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

Taking a combination of Sociology and Politics, this degree gives students an insight into how social and political forces affect our everyday lives and what we can do to effect change. By equipping students with an in-depth knowledge of society and politics on a national and global scale, we encourage them to look beyond face-value assumptions and start questioning what is perceived as common sense in our world. 

By examining policy-making, government and community development, gender relations, religion and migration, students gain adaptable skills in critical thinking, writing and researching, allowing them to explore a rich and diverse range of employment opportunities.

YEAR 1

Modules in sociology, politics and research and writing skills are introduced. Students also get to choose from a range of elective modules. 

YEAR 2

Students study specific areas of both politics and sociology such as contemporary sociology, gender, sexuality and race, European politics, political theory, political and civic engagement and active citizenship. Students also complete a work placement in Year 2.

YEAR 3

The final year sees students hone in on their specialised areas of interest, completing a research project on a political or sociological topic of their choice.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for CAO courses at ATU Sligo are available for download below:

• Download Entry requirements for just Level 8 programmes
• Download Entry requirements for all programmes

Mathematics is not an entry requirement for this programme.

Career Opportunities

There is a wide variety of careers to choose from including as a representative for vulnerable people in society, public sector jobs, social policy, teaching, community development, and international and national governmental work.

This programme has reached the Teaching Council Registration Curricular Subject Requirements to apply to undertake a Professional Master of Education (PME) to become a post-primary teacher in Civic, Social & Political Education (CSPE) and the Leaving Certificate subject Politics and Society.

Graduates have numerous options for further study also across ATU and other higher education institutions in Ireland and abroad.

Further Study

Graduates may apply to the taught MA in Social Care and Social Justice or a Level 9 Masters by Research in ATU Sligo.

This programme has reached the Teaching Council Registration Curricular Subject Requirements to apply to undertake a Professional Master of Education (PME) to become a post-primary teacher in Civic, Social & Political Education (CSPE) and the Leaving Certificate subject Politics and Society

A large number of graduates will apply to progress to the Professional Masters of Education, Masters in Social Justice, Masters in Politics and Masters in Equality Studies.

Postgraduate options at ATU Sligo

Testimonials

Watch below as Leonie Mc Donagh explains why she chose to study Sociology and Politics in ATU Sligo.

Watch below as Lude Rozema tells us about studying Sociology and Politics in ATU Sligo as an Erasmus student.

Did you know?

This programme includes a work placement in Year 2. In the past, students have gone to a variety of destinations including the European Parliament in Brussels.

In Year 3, students complete a research project on a political or sociological topic of their choice. 

One module in the final year will be delivered online, allowing students more flexibility in their study.

Students get to choose from a range of elective modules throughout their studies.

Each year we welcome a number of students from countries all over the world. This diversity opens up wonderful debate and opinions on a variety of social and political topics.

The skills students gain on this programme are highly sought after by employers. Head of Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, Dr. Breda Mc Taggart, explains this in more detail below.

Alumni

"There were two aspects of the degree which stood out the most. Firstly, the lecturers. Their interaction with the students, their willingness to create a fun learning environment. The second was the politics placement in Year 2. This was a unique opportunity to step into the middle of the political world in which we had been studying. I took it upon myself to make the most of this opportunity and ended up completing my placement at the European Parliament in Brussels.

I cannot state highly enough that the opportunity to be proactive is huge when studying this degree. It is not just about sitting in a lecture hall and taking in information. If there is willingness to do more then the opportunity is there. I ran a mental health campaign which gained nationwide media attention and gave me the opportunity to speak on national radio. I also ran a political event to encourage the student body to vote in the upcoming elections.

Since graduating, I have moved to the United States. I currently work as a Program Director in the City of Flint Mayor’s Office in Michigan. I support the Chief Resilience Officer with efforts related to the development and implementation of Flint ReCAST, a $5million Federal Grant."

Séamus Bannon, BA (Hons) in Sociology and Politics graduate and Program Director in Michigan, USA

Watch below as Séamus talks about Sociology and Politics whilst he was studying in ATU Sligo.

Course Format

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Semester 5

Semester 6