Prospective Students

Understanding the Course:

Discover how culture and society shape our world

Understanding Contemporary Culture and Society

Understanding Contemporary Culture and Society Contemporary society is constantly changing and is made up of many complex relationships. Interculturalism, globalisation, migration, mass media, multilingualism and accelerated technological change continue to define this world we live in. In fact, they are what shape the intricate complexities and relationships that exist all around us.

This degree explores the factors that are influencing us now and is concerned with understanding and analysing our modern world. It has the scope and flexibility of a broad-based liberal arts degree, but offers a considerable scope for specialisation in later years.

About You:

This course is designed for people who are interested in understanding how contemporary societies function. It explores the relationship between individuals and broader society and engages with multiple factors - such as the media, migration, multiculturalism, literature, globalisation, politics and law - which are constantly shaping our world. It also examines relations between diverse societies and cultural groups at a global level.

If you are interested in a broad interdisciplinary education where you can study more than one area in depth, then this degree gives is for you. It is an ideal introduction to what makes our world tick. The broad range of subject areas on offer will satisfy your curiosity and interests, while also allowing you to acquire an in-depth understanding of your chosen specialist areas.

Course Structure:

The course will give you an excellent understanding of the issues that shape the culture and society you live in through core modules each year. Each year you study set core modules and select additional options from the three strands of the programme. In Year One you can choose modules from each of the three strands and in Years Two and Three you choose two of the three strands in which to specialise:

Intercultural Core Modules

• A study of the cultural, ethnic and religious diversity that has become a part of the globalising world order.

Language and Literature Strand

• The study of languages and literature in their cultural contexts.

Contemporary Politics and Law Strand

• The rules and norms that structure the contemporary public sphere. The politics, history, culture of a particular country or multinational region.

Media and Society Strand

• The complex role that media play in how we view contemporary social and communication issues.

Year Abroad

There are up to twelve places available for students wishing to spend an additional year studying through English at a university abroad. This year is taken after completing Year Two of the programme. At present, we have students in Europe, the USA and Australia.

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)

• it provides choice with guidance
• you can design your degree to suit your developing interests
• you have the possibility of specialising in your final year
• it prepares you for engagement with the world of work
• it lays the foundation for further study

International Students

Non-native English speakers may be eligible to apply to the International Foundation Certificate (IFC) course, which will help you to achieve the English language requirements necessary for entry to this course as well as preparing you for adjustment to university learning in the Irish context.

Career Prospects:

A Future Career

On completion of this degree you will have acquired an in-depth understanding of your two specialist areas, together with the transferable skills of the well-rounded Humanities and Social Sciences graduate, including oral and written communication, critical thinking and analysis, teamwork and research techniques. You will be prepared to make an effective contribution to society in your future career.

This unique degree gives you career opportunities in national and international institutions, the public service, international advisory bodies, EU bodies, and other careers in international affairs, policy evaluation or research. As a graduate of this course you will also be eligible to apply for postgraduate degrees in Humanities and Social Sciences including masters programmes in areas such as Intercultural Studies, Political and Public Communication, International Relations, Globalisation, Journalism, Communications, and Media Studies.

Entry Requirements:

Transfer Applications
Applications are welcomed from students who have studied at level 6, level 7 in relevant areas. Such students may be exempt from certain modules.

International Applications
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

How to Apply and Closing Dates

EU School Leavers/FETAC Level 5
Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May

EU Mature Applicants
Apply through the CAO by 1st February

EU Transfer Applicants
Apply directly to DCU by the 1st July

All Non-EU Candidates
Candidates should apply directly to DCU. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis up to the 1st July. All non-EU candidates are advised to apply early as places are limited.

Make an Application
Candidates required to apply through the CAO can apply online at www.cao.ie
Candidates required to apply directly to DCU can download, print and complete a direct application form by clicking here

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