Mathematics is the language for the logical study of the structure of our world. It has developed from counting, calculating and measurement through the use of abstraction and logical reasoning.

As part of an Arts degree, this subject is one of three subjects you choose in first year. In second and third year you continue with two of the subjects taken in First Arts. It may be possible to take an extra year studying abroad.

Mathematics is an extensive and diverse subject and is a powerful tool with many applications, which are much sought after by a wide range of employers.  Studying Mathematics will equip you with the ability to think logically, to construct coherent arguments, to understand abstract ideas and concepts and to solve practical problems. The Mathematics programme on the Bachelor of Arts in UL has been designed with the aim of programme graduates satisfying the Teaching Council requirements. It includes modules in Algebra, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics, Geometry and Differential Equations. The modules are taught through lectures, tutorials (small group teaching) and labs.

The mathematics programme includes several modules in the main branches of pure mathematics: Analysis (calculus in one and in several variables), Algebra (elementary number theory, linear algebra and abstract algebra) and Geometry. Relevant applications of mathematical theory are included in course modules and there are complete modules on computational mathematics and on statistics.

You will gain a firm grounding in the key areas of mathematics, while developing the ability to invent, criticise and perfect mathematics for yourself. You will learn to think rigorously about questions and to solve problems – invaluable skills that can be transferred to any area of life and any job you hold in future

The programme in Media and Communication Studies gives you a solid foundation in theory and in hands-on, production practice so that you are equipped to follow these graduates into the media industry in Ireland and beyond.

The programme is designed to present a broad, integrated approach to the study and practice of media and communication systems both old and new. Students develop a critical understanding of the nature of the Media. We look at the development, structure and organisation of Irish and global media institutions, including the music industry, new media, radio, television and film.

Media & Cultural Studies provides you with a critical lens through which to examine the roles of film, TV, audio, social media platforms and interactive media in shaping your lived experiences as well as developing your understanding of these important industries. You will learn how to research and analyse media cultures, genres and technologies, to critique the role of media in popular culture, society and politics and how media and cultural businesses work.

This degree explores history, archaeology, languages, literature as well as all aspects of Medieval Celtic Studies. The diverse range of topics encompasses heroic literature and pre-historic archaeology, Otherworld tales and mythology, and gender and sexuality in medieval Celtic societies. The links between Ireland and the wider Celtic world are explored through literature and archaeology. 

Modern Irish Culture Studies at University of Galway is designed for any student with a strong interest in modern and contemporary Irish culture, particularly those whose preferred subjects at Leaving Certificate level include Irish, History, English or Music.

Offered by the Centre for Irish Studies, a designated centre for excellence at University of Galway, Modern Irish Culture Studies (Literature and Music) explore Irish identities and key aspects of the Irish experience through the study of literature and music in their historical and contemporary settings.

The course offers a wide variety of choice from performance, to computer programming, ancient traditions to contemporary experience, from high art to heavy metal. Performance, composition, music history (musicology) and the music of other cultures (ethnomusicology) are just a selection of different aspects of music you will study in the Music programme. Students participate in ensembles such as the Chamber Choir, Maynooth University Orchestra and Traditional Music Ensemble.

The music programme at MIC explores the history and language of music and is designed to enable students to develop technical, analytical, critical, performing, aural and creative skills.

The Music Department has purpose-built music lecture rooms, practice rooms, a music technology studio and a comprehensive library. Performing ensembles include the MIC Choral Society, the University of Limerick Orchestra and Irish traditional music groups.

Our Arts-Music (Honours) degree allows you to combine the study of two subjects – Music and an Arts subject of your choice from the many Arts options on offer in UCC. Studying music at UCC allows you to explore both the theory and practice of music. Not only will you come away with a comprehensive understanding of the role that music plays in society you will have the opportunity to create music, through solo and ensemble performances.

The Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick has become a world leader in the study of these phenomena, situating music and dance in the centre of a number of critical approaches and disciplines in the study of culture and society. This subject is designed to develop your academic and vocational skills. The main thrust of this subject in this context is the academic study of various music and dance practices. You will also engage in vocational studies directly relevant to music and dance. For example, you will have the opportunity to record CDs and videos, use digital media, write business plans, plan tours and organise performances. You will also engage in specific academic studies in traditional music and dance, popular music and dance, histories of western music and dance, ethnomusicology, ethnochoreology, music and dance education and music and dance psychology. You will also have the opportunity to engage with the wider cultural, social and historical context of this island through a number of modules in Irish cultural studies.

Studying Music Technology is opportunity to combine Music Technology with Music, Computer Science and a wide range of other disciplines. You gain hands-on experience of the practical skills involved in music technology while learning about essential concepts.

Philosophy at Maynooth Philosophy explores approaches to questions both historically and systematically. Thinking philosophically requires knowledge of what those who have come before us have thought; but it also requires the ability to evaluate these positions critically. 

Philosophy is concerned with central questions concerning the nature of morality, society, politics, art, religion and science. It asks quetions about the nature of reality, the limits of knowledge, and ethics. The aim of course in philosophy is to allow students to develop the ability to reason lucidly, express views clearly and support claims coherently. You are introduced to the ideas of the ancient and modern philosophers who have helped to shape western culture.

As part of an Arts degree, this subject is one of three subjects you choose in first year. In second and third year you continue with two of the subjects taken in First Arts. It may be possible to take an extra year studying abroad.

Philosophy at UCC has particular strengths in moral and political philosophy, as well as in philosophy of mind, body and action.

Its greatest strength, however, is its commitment to pluralism and interdisciplinarity, which combines these fields with research and teaching in Aesthetics; Comparative Continental European and Asian Philosophy;  Philosophy of Science;  Philosophy of Economics; and Metaphysics and Epistemology.  

Our undergraduate programme consists of a broad, flexible and accessible introduction to Philosophy. Our department provides a supportive and friendly environment for students, with a distinctive range of modules and extracurricular activities.

Our programme is structured to provide students with the skills necessary to appreciate more fully the central concerns of human existence and to develop abilities in problem-solving, reflective communication, writing and critical thinking. 

In this course you will explore Irish and international politics, including a focus on Europe, and Latin America. You will also have an opportunity to carry out research into political life, developing analytical, communication and presentation skills.

Politics is built around three pillars with contributions from the Department of Government, the School of History, and the Department of Philosophy.

Over the course of the degree, you can participate in field trips to Irish and international political institutions, contribute to national policy analysis by making submissions to policy reviews, publish your work in the student online journal Government and Politics Review and attend and speak at a wide range of conferences organised by staff across the course. 

As well as gaining a thorough understanding of Irish and EU politics, students in this degree will learn about the wider international system, and will have the opportunity to study the politics of different regions of the world. The deeper philosophical questions about how societies and governments should be organised are also addressed. In the final year, students have the opportunity to specialise in areas of politics that they are particularly interested in.

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) makes available to you a wide range of Humanities and Social Science subjects in a course that is comparable to Arts degrees nationally and worldwide.

Students of the course are encouraged to see the world anew through the study of subjects such as English Literature, Sociology, Irish and other Modern European Languages, Religious Studies, Psychology and others and, over a three year period, not only to develop expertise in two subjects areas but to develop a questioning and creative approach to the modern world.

NB The individual subject option is not required on CAO application - it is chosen at college registration

Portuguese at UCC allows you to study the language and culture of Portugal and of the Portuguese-speaking world (Lusofonia) through literature, art, theatre, film, music, history and media.

Psychological Studies in is a flexible degree option, ideal if you would like to learn about human behaviour in combination with another subject in the BA Arts Double Major pathway. This degree will help you develop key transferable skills and learn to think psychologically about the world around you.