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.

Psychology is a science that seeks to better understand people - their thoughts, emotions and actions. The core elements of this course include research, design, quantitative methods, lab sessions, research projects, biological causes of behaviour, child and family psychology, psychology of personality, and social psychology.

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.

Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour. Over the past century, Psychologists have examined the fascinating variety of human thought and activity and now a degree in Psychology opens up many opportunities to use this knowledge to address important social issues and improve the quality of people's lives. Psychology spans virtually all aspects of human life and allows us to seek answers to questions By defining and investigating these and other questions, psychologists aim to provide practical solutions to the many personal and social challenges that people face in their everyday lives. By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge and skills essential for a career in Psychology.  

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 any Arts degree nationally and worldwide.

Students on this programme are encouraged to see the world through the study of subjects such as English Literature, Sociology, Irish, French, Spanish, Law, Religious Studies, Psychology and Theatre Studies 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

Studying Public Administration and Leadership at UL will open up the world of politics, public administration and civil society in Ireland and internationally. In the Public Administration and Leadership programme you will study a range of subjects. As well as core, broader introductions to politics and public administration, in your first year you will be able to choose electives from other related disciplines, all of which are designed to generate an understanding of the complexity of public leadership. As you progress through second, third and fourth years you will encounter a range of more specific subjects, both core and electives, in the areas of public policy, international development, political economy, political theory, civic engagement, social justice, European politics, local government and many others. 

This course explores a wide variety of religious traditions, such as Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism and various forms of Christianity, and as well as offering students the unique opportunity to study indigenous religions, western esotericisim, new religious movements, Japanese religions, anthropology of religions, sexuality and Islam with specialists in these fields.

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

This is an interdisciplinary degree with emphasis on both political science and sociology. Students will study aspects of political life and behaviour and explore concepts such as freedom, democracy and equality. The study of Sociology explores topics like culture, identity and diversity. 

Students studying for an arts degree take three subjects in first year, and go forward with two subjects in second and third year. There is also the possibility of an international study year abroad. 

In this Sociology degree we seek to equip you with the necessary resources and skills – intellectual, methodological, communicative and active citizenship – to meet the challenges of our fast-changing contemporary society and to contribute productively to social transformation.

Sociology describes and explains social structures and processes. The Sociology programme at UL will enable you to develop critical and analytical skills to look more objectively at our societies. It directs attention to how the constituent parts of society fit together and change, and the consequences of that social change. By focusing on the external forces that affect values, attitudes and behaviors, it helps us better understand ourselves and the motivations of others around us. In addition to core modules you can choose electives to suit your own interests.

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

Sociology is concerned with identity and multiculturalism; sexuality and intimacy; media and popular culture; environment and sustainability; law and justice; crime and deviance; anthropology, civilisation and religion; art, culture and literature; health and well-being; politics and community; economy and society.  

You will  learn research methods and useful skills such as interviewing, surveys and questionnaires, onsite observation and ethnography, discourse analysis and archival research.

 As a student of Spanish, you will have a twin focus on language and culture. Through language classes and with supporting material such as film, literature and cultural events, you will aim to become a fluent speaker and writer of Spanish. If you’re a beginner, you can take intensive language classes.

Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Learning Spanish opens up access to many other countries, new markets and exciting cultures. Students study the Spanish language alongside the literatures and cultures of the Hispanic world.

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.

Spanish can be taken as part of the UL Arts Degree as a joint honours combination. Review the subjects you can study with Spanish by looking on the BA Arts course page. In this course will learn about Spanish and Latin American societies, cultures, and literatures, as well as improve your language skills at all levels and develop your intercultural awareness.