School of Communications

Understanding the Course:

This new degree offers a critical perspective on areas central to contemporary society, including law, politics and the media. In a dynamic learning environment you will develop your problem solving and analytical skills while also acquiring intellectual flexibility, an ability to express yourself confidently and a foreign language if you so choose.

About You:

If you have a wide range of interests and want to know more about the world around you, then this degree looks at a multitude of areas, including current affairs, the workings of government, communications and the media, law and culture. If you also wish to achieve a high level of competence in Irish or a foreign language, then this can be an integral part of your degree.

Why should I choose DCU?

Having established a record of excellence in undergraduate education the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science is now offering a BA Arts (Joint Honours) degree, which draws on existing DCU strengths and offers you an exceptional choice from a unique range of subjects.

Course Structure:

The following subjects are offered in the BA Arts (Joint Honours):

• Law: you will learn about constitutional and criminal law, about property and European law and the law of evidence.
• Politics: you will learn about the Irish, European and American political systems, international relations and the politics of the United Nations.
• Irish: you will learn about Irish culture and tradition as well as developing your practical language skills.
• Media Studies: you will learn about communication theory, the history of the media, film theory and press and public relations.
• European Languages (French, German, Spanish): you will acquire proficiency in your chosen language as well as learning about film, literary traditions and intercultural business communication.
• Asian Languages (Japanese, Chinese): you will acquire proficiency in your chosen language as well as learning about culture, literature and visual arts.

The following combinations of subjects are available through the BA Arts (Joint Honours) Degree, with both subjects being studied for three or four years depending on whether you opt to take a year abroad.

• Choose from a large and exciting range of subjects and pick the combination that matches your interests.
• Open up a variety of career options.
• Achieve a high degree of competence in a foreign language, or Irish.
• Acquire the transferable skills that will enhance your employability.
• Be part of an innovative and enterprising University.

Career Prospects:

This degree will open doors to a variety of careers and also prepare you for study at postgraduate level. The flexibility and adaptability of the BA Arts (Joint Honours) Degree will give you an expansive skill set, much valued by the private and public sectors. Employment opportunities will present themselves in media, communications, public relations, research, and European and international organisations. Routes into teaching and the legal profession are also possible.

Future Careers

• Teacher
• Public Relations Professional
• Advertising Executive
• Non-Governmental Aide
• Public Servant
• Research Consultant

Entry Requirements:

Leaving Certificate In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply:

• Law: No additional requirements
• Politics: No additional requirements
• Irish: OA2 or HC3 Irish
• Media Studies: HC3 English
• French: HC3 French
• German: No additional requirements
• Spanish: No additional requirements
• Japanese: No additional requirements
• Chinese: No additional requirements

GCE: In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply:

• Law: No additional requirements
• Politics: No additional requirements
• Irish: GCE A Level C or GCE AS Level B or GCSE A in Irish
• Media Studies: GCE A Level C English
• French: GCE A Level C French
• German: No additional requirements
• Spanish: No additional requirements
• Japanese: No additional requirements
• Chinese: No additional requirements

FETAC Level 5: No Entry Path

Transfer Applications: No Entry Path

How to Apply and Closing Dates

EU School Leavers: Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May

Mature Applicants: Apply through the CAO by 1st February Non-EU applicants:

Non-EU applicants: apply directly to the Unviersity by 1st July

Making an Application

Candidates required to apply through the CAO can apply online at http://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