Exploring what has shaped our societies, understanding of how people communicate and learning how to argue for change: these are vital stalks of arts and humanities. In addition to gaining subject expertise through world-leading faculty, our students learn to think independently, act creatively and adapt effectively to new situations and challenges, enabling them to enjoy fulfilling careers. The critical analysis which lies at the heart of the disciplines enables our graduates to enjoy successful careers across a broad range of industries, including the arts, culture, public sector, business, innovation and the media.
UCD Arts & Humanities is Ireland’s leading centre for research, creative practice and innovation. We offer a first-class education in a broad spectrum of disciplines as well as the chance to pursue your interests and develop your profile in a wide range of co- and extra-curricular activities. We are ranked 39 for English Literature & Language and in the top 100 for History and Performing Arts in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023.
Our courses provide opportunities for study abroad, internships, research and project work and our unrivalled choice of subjects can be studied in three distinct BA degrees: BA Humanities (DN530), BA Modern Languages (DN541) and BA Joint Honours (two subjects, DN520).
Our students gain in-depth subject knowledge in their chosen areas. In addition, they acquire a wealth of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers, including: research, critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, creativity, communication and writing. We offer students the opportunity to develop their career ambitions through a range of focused employability modules, alumni mentoring, career events and other initiatives.
UCD is ranked number one for graduate employability in Ireland. We are committed to helping our students navigate the rapidly evolving job market and empowering them to find their future. Our graduates play a vital role in intellectual, cultural and business life in Ireland, and work in senior roles across a broad spectrum of industries including: journalism, culture, public sector, law, communications and innovation.
To support our commitment to the dynamic creative and cultural sectors, where many of our graduates work, UCD Arts and Humanities joined forces with NCAD, IADT and a range of industry partners to set up the Creative Futures Academy, a €10m HEA-funded project.
This new Academy offers UCD students the chance to work with and learn from a broad range of leading academics, practising artists, and creative industry professionals. The Creative Futures Academy is dedicated to developing career opportunities for graduates who want to make their mark in this rapidly-evolving sector. www.creativefuturesacademy.ie
WE OFFER THREE DISTINCT ROUTES TO STUDY FOR A DEGREE IN ARTS AND HUMANITIES SUBJECTS.
This long established, three-year course gives students the freedom to choose from an unrivalled range of 26 subjects and build their own bespoke degree. Students applying through the CAO select DN520 and choose two subjects. Overall, there are 420 places in DN520. The average number of students taking each subject is shown on the relevant course page.
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Students can add a third subject or choose from a wide range of elective modules at the start of first year during registration. At the end of first year, students commit to their two Joint Honours subjects and study these subjects to BA degree level. Popular combinations include: Film Studies and French, Music and Irish, Art History and History, and History and Greek & Roman Civilisation.
This four-year, innovative, multi-subject degree offers 14 distinct courses. Students applying through the CAO pick DN530 and choose one course. Students learn within a carefully structured framework of related subjects. The BA Humanities has the added benefit of offering different ways to diversify your skills and broaden your horizons.
In third year, students can apply for an internship, study abroad or continue deepening their knowledge by taking UCD modules or undertaking a research project. Overall, there are 280 places in DN530. The average number of students taking each option is shown on the relevant course page.
This four-year degree is designed for students who wish to study at least two languages: French, German, Italian, Spanish or Portuguese. Students applying through the CAO select DN541 and choose two languages. A third language may be added on registration. Students will develop an advanced linguistic ability and a sophisticated level of cultural competence, enabling them to communicate fluently in a broad range of professional and social contexts. In third year, all BA Modern Languages students spend a full year abroad studying at one of our partner universities. This course is ideal for students who enjoy modern languages and want to live and work effectively in a multilingual environment.
