School of Law & Government

Understanding the Course:

Understanding the political, legal and economic institutions that shape the current global environment.

The BA in Economics, Politics and Law (EPL) provides an intellectually challenging course that explores various issues and methods of analysis in the disciplines of economics, politics and law. You can see them every day in Irish society. The course will give you a deep and thorough understanding of the political, legal and economic institutions that shape the current global environment. More specifically, you will gain a profound awareness of how these three disciplines are bound together in the exploration of concepts of common interest.

About You:

Are you interested in Economics, Politics, Law? Would you like to know more about the political, legal and economic institutions that shape our world? By studying on the EPL degree course you will learn how these disciplines interact and help to shape the local and global contexts in which we live.

The general entry requirements for admission to the university apply.

Course Structure:

In each of the first two years of the course there is an equal weighting of economics, politics and law. In Year 3, you can specialise in one subject, or continue to study a combination of subjects.

In addition to subject-specific modules a compulsory interdisciplinary module is taken in each year. In Year 1 this module provides core learning skills by way of interdisciplinary content. In Years 2 and 3 the modules will enhance your knowledge of research methods and dissertation skills, including interdisciplinary learning.

EPL is normally a three year course. However, you can also elect to spend an extra year abroad in one of our partner universities - in the US, France, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Denmark and Sweden. You then complete the final year of your course in DCU.

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

Why DCU?

• This exciting degree will give you a strong foundation in all three disciplines: economics, politics and law, and will prepare you to work in a number of fields associated with those disciplines.
• Not only will you gain knowledge of economics, politics and law, you will also develop a whole range of multidisciplinary skills which are in high demand by employers today, e.g. oral and written communication skills, critical thinking and analysis, teamwork and research techniques.
• In first year, there is a dedicated research skills and methods module that will equip you with a variety of study skills to maximise your learning potential at university.
• There is an opportunity to spend a year studying abroad as part of this degree. Our current study-abroad partner institutions are located in Paris, Gothenburg, Budapest, Prague, Istanbul, and Arizona.
• DCU is a leading centre for expertise in Governance, Economics, and Law and Society in Ireland, so you will benefit from the skills and experience of a dedicated, supportive and highly qualified academic team from both the School of Law and Government and the DCU Business School.

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.

What Our Students Say

"This is an exceptionally interesting course, teaching you about how the world really works. There are unique modules taught nowhere else in Ireland and the lecturers have very innovative ways of teaching. But it's not all about the course. DCU is the best University in the country with exceptionally active societies that actually reward students for getting involved. You get marks for extra-curricular work. And there's a society for everyone. If I could change one thing I would make my time in DCU longer." John Sheridan EPL 2

"In a globalising world, transferable interdisciplinary skills are going to keep you ahead of the game. This is exactly what the BA in Economics, Politics & Law offers. This extremely interesting course broadens your mind and provides the necessary tools to analyse major issues affecting our world today, from an economic, political and legal perspective simultaneously. Whether you go straight into work or on to further study after this degree, you will have the increasingly important interdisciplinary skills that other graduates will not. You will be backed up in your studies by an approachable team of lecturers and a huge range of other student supports within the vibrant university that is DCU." John Biggins, 2008 graduate

"This course views all dimensions of the professional world from an analytical and logical perspective. The variety of unique modules taught means the student can select their area of interest and develop this. The lecturers are energetic, friendly and approachable, and always willing to lend a hand when needed. Due to its versatility, this course is ideal for a student who is interested in any or all of these three core disciplines. Personally this course has broadened my perspective on how the world really works. I am delighted to have chosen to study this course in DCU." Patricia McMenamin, 2008 graduate

Career Prospects:

Graduates from the BA in Economics, Politics and Law will be ideally suited for work in a variety of areas. Some graduates may choose to work in the public service, private industry or international and European institutions, while others may choose a career in law (graduates will be eligible for entry to the Law Society of Ireland as trainee solicitors, on successful completion of the relevant entrance exams and all subjects required for the entrance exams are covered), tax/financial services, journalism, policy-evaluation or research.

This course is also suitable for those who ultimately wish to pursue a career in teaching as it is recognised by the Teaching Council for the purposes of CPSE.

As this is a multidisciplinary degree, graduates will also be well-equipped to pursue not only a Masters degree or Ph.D. in economics, politics or law (depending on the subjects they have chosen) but also postgraduate degrees in a variety of other related areas, e.g. international relations, business and journalism.

Entry Requirements:

Leaving Certificate
There are no additional entry requirements for this programme apart from the general entry requirements for admission to the university.

Mathematics Requirements

As notified in 2011 Mathematics at Leaving Certificate Ordianry Alternative or Foundation Level will no longer be accepted for admission purposes into the University for this course.
Please note that the entry requirements for this programme as given in the hard copy of our 2013 Undergraduate Prospectus are incorrect. They should reflect the information given above.

GCE A Level
There are no additional entry requirements for this programme apart from the general entry requirements for admission to the university.

FETAC Level 5
Students must present one of the following four awards.

BBSXX Business Studies
BBSAX Business Studies - Administration
BBSIT International Trade
BMXXX Marketing

Students of the above FETAC Level 5 courses must achieve distinctions in 5 modules. If you don't meet the University's general entry requirements in Mathematics, one of the 5 distinctions must be in modules B20029 Statistics or C20129 Mathematics.

Transfer Applications
Applications are welcomed from students who have studied at level 6, level 7 and level 8 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

Full list of degrees >

Fee information