Social Studies BA
Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
Bachelor in Social Studies (B.S.S.)
Trinity College Dublin
Social Work & Social Policy
Program Overview: Bachelor in Social Studies at Trinity College Dublin
The Bachelor in Social Studies (B.S.S.) at Trinity College Dublin is a four-year, full-time honours degree that uniquely combines a rigorous social science education with professional training in social work. Approved by CORU, Ireland's social work registration body, this program is one of only two undergraduate programs in Ireland that qualifies graduates to practice as professional social workers.
Social work education has been taught at Trinity since 1934, making this Ireland's oldest and most internationally recognised social work program. The degree is designed as a progressive pyramid structure, introducing broad social science foundations in the first year and gradually increasing the focus on specialised social work modules and practice placements through to the final year.
Practice placements are integral to the program and account for approximately 30% of your total course time, amounting to 220 placement days across all four years. You will gain hands-on experience in diverse social service settings including child and family welfare teams, hospital social work departments, probation services, and community development projects, all under the supervision of experienced practitioners.
Key Program Highlights
- One of only two undergraduate programs in Ireland qualifying graduates for professional social work registration with CORU
- 220 days of supervised practice placements across four years in diverse social service agencies
- Ireland's oldest social work program, established in 1934 with a strong international reputation
- Small class sizes ensuring close staff-student relationships and individual tutorial support from year three onwards
Curriculum & Modules
The B.S.S. curriculum is structured as a progressive pyramid, introducing a broad range of social science disciplines in the first year and increasing the ratio of social work to social science modules as you advance. Teaching methods and assessment are varied, including lectures, seminars, practice workshops, and supervised fieldwork placements that grow longer each year.
Introduction to Social Work and Social Sciences
Year 1 CoreFoundational modules covering introductions to Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Social Policy Concepts, Economic Policy, and Politics and Irish Society, providing a broad social science base for professional development.
Social Work Theory and Practice
Year 2 CoreDevelops core social work competencies through modules in Social Work Theory and Practice, Introduction to Family Law, Psychology for Social Workers, Introduction to Social Research, and Social Work and Human Rights.
Child Protection, Law and Criminology
Year 3 CoreAdvanced study of Child Protection and Disability, Law for Social Workers, Criminology, Global Social Policy and Comparative Welfare States, and Family and Child Care Studies alongside continued practice development.
Advanced Social Work Practice
Year 4 CoreSpecialist final-year modules including Social Work and Mental Health, Groupwork, Perspectives on Social Work, The Professional in Context, and Social Work and Equality Issues, preparing you for professional registration.
Fieldwork Practice Placements
Years 1-4Supervised placements in a different social service agency each year, totalling 220 days across the program. Placements in years one and two occur during summer vacation, while years three and four placements run during the first semester.
Social Policy and Health Policy
Year 2-3 CoreExamines key themes in social and health policy including Understanding Health Policy, Poverty Welfare and Justice, Inclusive Disability, and Global Social Policy to build your analytical and policy evaluation skills.
Elective Options
Admission Requirements
Entry to the Bachelor in Social Studies is competitive, with a limited annual intake of approximately 30 places. The program welcomes both school-leavers and mature students with relevant practice experience. All applicants must demonstrate strong academic ability and a genuine motivation for social work as a profession.
Academic Requirements
- Secondary EducationCompleted secondary-level qualification such as Leaving Certificate, A-Levels, International Baccalaureate, or equivalent international qualification
- Academic StandardStrong academic results meeting Trinity's entry point requirements for the year of application; contact Uni4Edu for current data
- Health ScreeningAll entrants must pass Trinity's mandatory health screening requirements prior to enrollment
- Garda VettingSuccessful completion of Garda Vetting (police background check) is required for all new students due to the professional nature of the program
- Mature StudentsMature applicants (aged 23+) with relevant practice experience may apply for designated mature student places and are selected by interview
English Language Requirements
- IELTS AcademicMinimum overall score of 6.5 with no section below 6.0 (Band B)
- TOEFL iBTMinimum overall score of 90 with at least 21 in each section
- Duolingo English TestMinimum score of 120 with no section below 100
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
Trinity College Dublin offers a range of scholarships and financial support options for both domestic and international students. Prospective students of the Bachelor in Social Studies are encouraged to explore the funding opportunities below and contact Uni4Edu for personalised guidance on eligibility and applications.
Trinity Entrance Exhibition Award
A prestigious merit-based award for incoming undergraduate students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement in their secondary school examinations. This award recognises excellence and supports students throughout their studies at Trinity.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Bachelor in Social Studies are eligible to apply for registration as professional social workers with CORU, Ireland's Health and Social Care Professionals Council. The qualification is also recognised internationally, allowing graduates to pursue social work careers in the UK and many other countries. Beyond social work, the strong social science foundation opens pathways into policy, research, media, and NGO work.
Potential Career Roles
Typical Employers
Rankings & Recognition
Trinity College Dublin is Ireland's leading university and one of the most prestigious institutions in Europe, founded in 1592. It is the only Irish member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and consistently ranks among the top universities globally across multiple ranking systems.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences & Management | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Top 100 |
| Sociology | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Top 150 |
| Social Policy & Administration | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Top 100 |
| International University | THE World University Rankings | #35 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
Similar Programmes
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Global Studies (BA)
University Of Arizona, Tucson, United States
Earliest Intake
May 2026
Gross Tuition
39958 $
Master's & Postgraduate
12 months
European Studies
University of Düsseldorf (Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf), Düsseldorf, Germany
Earliest Intake
May 2025
Gross Tuition
660 €
Master's & Postgraduate
24 months
European Studies in Investor Relations and Financial Communication
Cattolica University, Milan, Italy
Earliest Intake
December 2025
Gross Tuition
6000 €
Master's & Postgraduate
24 months
Iranian Studies MA
Freie University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Earliest Intake
June 2026
Gross Tuition
720 €
Master's & Postgraduate
24 months
Semitic Studies MA
Freie University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Earliest Intake
June 2026
Gross Tuition
720 €
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
