In Year One, you'll select three subjects from a range of 23 subjects, grouped into 7 subject areas. When considering what subjects to pick, start with what interests you. Perhaps you might choose a subject you love studying at school, a subject that aligns with your future career goals or maybe one you’ve never tried before. Take some time to explore your options by clicking on the subject links below. While you can only select one subject per subject group, the structure of the course offers a multitude of different subject combinations.

In Year Two, you will continue with two of these three subjects. There are a small number of subjects that have specific progression requirements from Year 1 to Year 2. These are:

• Psychology Progression: Students who complete Psychology in First Year may progress to either the BSc (Psychology) programme (15 places available) or continue with Psychological Studies (100 places). Selection is based on academic merit from first-year results, requiring a minimum average of 40% in each subject.
• Law Progression: Entry to Second Year Law is limited to 130 students and is also based on academic performance in First Year, with students needing to pass the First Arts exam outright (average of 40% or higher in each subject).
• Mathematics Progression: To continue Mathematical Studies, students must achieve 45% in Mathematics in First Year. For Mathematics (honours), students need at least 60% and a pass in module MA186, ideally having studied higher-level Leaving Cert Mathematics.

If you studying a European language you will spend Year 3 studying abroad. If you are studying Gaeilge, your Year 3 will consist of one semester in the Gaeltacht, and one on a work placement in the Irish language sector. You will return in Year 4 to study your two subjects and gain your degree.

If you are not studying a language subject, you will progress to final year in Year 3 with your two subjects. There are some very limited opportunities to study abroad at a partner university that teaches in English that are highly competitive for students not taking a language. However if you know that you want to study abroad but do not wish to study a language subject, explore the BA (Global Experience) that has a study abroad year for all students in Year 3.

Subjects on offer in the BA(Joint-Honours)

Course Duration

• 3 years if you’re studying two non-language subjects.
• 4 years if you’re studying French, Spanish, Italian, or German, with a study abroad year in a country where the language is spoken.
  • If you're taking two languages, you’ll typically spend an academic year abroad in one country and complete a summer placement in the other.
  • If you're studying Gaeilge, you’ll spend your third year off-campus: one semester in the Gaeltacht, and one on a work placement in the Irish language sector.
  • Finally, if you are studying Gaeilge with another European language you will split third year between study abroad and a semester in the Gaelteacht.

Curriculum Information

• The flexibility to shape your own degree from 23 different subjects.
• Unique subject combinations across the Humanities, Social Sciences and Creative Arts.
• The opportunity of a full academic year of study abroad if you are studying a language subject.

Pathways to Psychology, Law and other professional qualifications. 

Our BA (Joint-Honours) opens doors to many different career paths and postgraduate opportunities. This degree not only deepens your knowledge in your chosen subjects but also equips you with valuable skills like critical thinking, communication, creativity, and adaptability. Graduates go on to careers in fields such as:

• Education
• Creative Arts and Media
• Journalism and Broadcasting
• Finance and Marketing
• Public Relations and Human Resources
• Psychology, Law, and more

This degree offers you the flexibility to shape your own academic path while preparing for a successful career or further study.

Here are some examples of our graduates, what they studied, and where their degree has taken them:

• Camin Killeen studied Law, Geography and Mathematical Studies as first year subjects. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Mathematical Studies. 
• Camin then went on to take a Higher Diploma in Business and is currently employed by Deloitte as an Audit Associate. He is currently studying for the Chartered Accountants Ireland exams.
• Katelyn Hynes studied Mathematical Studies, Irish and Léann na Cumarsáide as first-year subjects. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Irish and Mathematical Studies.Katelyn went on to complete an MA in Professional Practice in Media and undertook work placements with RTÉ and TG4. She plans to build a career in media and communications.
• Sophie Duggan studied Law, Economics, and Sociology and Political Studies as first-year subjects. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Economics.
  Sophie completed an internship with KPMG and then pursued an MA in Health Economics. She now works with Roche Pharmaceuticals.
• Nathan O'Rourke studied Psychology, Sociology and Political Studies, and Economics as first-year subjects. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology and Political Studies. Nathan completed a Higher Diploma in Psychology Conversion and then an MSc in Clinical Neuroscience. He is currently working as an Assistant Psychologist in London and applying for a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
• Nicola Coughlan studied English and Ancient Classics to degree level. After graduation, Nicola trained at the Oxford School of Drama and the Birmingham School of Acting in England. She was an active member of the University’s DramSoc, which she credits with helping her find her creative voice. She has gone on to have leading roles in Bridgerton and Derry Girls.
• Mary Byrne studied French, Léann an Aistriúcháin, and Gaeilge as first-year subjects. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in French and Léann an Aistriúcháin.
  Mary spent her third year abroad on Erasmus as an English-language teaching assistant in Savoie Mont Blanc, France. After graduation, she taught English at Université de Bretagne Sud in Lorient. She now works as an Irish-language Editor at the Publications Office of the EU in Luxembourg.
• Brendan Winter studied German, History, and Archaeology as first-year subjects. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Archaeology. Brendan secured a graduate position with a cultural heritage consultancy and is currently working on the Limerick to Foynes bypass project.

For students studying a European language, you’ll spend a full academic year in third year immersed in your chosen language, gaining real-world experience while studying abroad. This is your chance to boost your language skills, explore new cultures, and grow in confidence - all while living in another country!

• If you’re studying Gaeilge along with a European language, you’ll spend one semester in the Gaeltacht and the other on Erasmus, studying in a country where your second language is spoken.
• If you’re studying two European languages, you can choose from these options:
• Spend a full academic year on Erasmus in one country, plus at least 12 weeks in the other.
• Split the year between one semester in each country on Erasmus.

How Your Study Abroad Will Shape Your Future:

By the end of your year abroad, you’ll have:

• Learned to speak with confidence - improved your fluency in real-life situations.
• Gained a deeper understanding of different cultures and seen the world from a new perspective.
• Learned how to learn languages and become more independent in your studies.
• Gained life skills from navigating a new city to making international friends.
• Discovered more about yourself and how your own culture fits into the bigger picture.

This year is all about adventure, independence and setting yourself up for an exciting global career. Are you ready?

Students who have studied Psychological Studies as one of their two subjects to degree level can apply to the Higher Diploma Psychology (Conversion) Psychology. By combining the one year HDipPsych (Conversion) with the BA with Psychological Studies, students will have covered the course content equivalent to that of University of Galway’s BSc in Psychology programme.

The HDipPsychology (Conversion) in combination with course content covered by the University of Galway Psychological Studies degree is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). As such, the course satisfies the requirements specified by PSI for graduate status in Psychology. The programme thus qualifies graduates for entry to postgraduate professional programmes in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Students who have studied Law as one of their two subjects successfully to degree level can transfer into the final year of the accredited LLB programme . Upon graduation from the LLB programme students can pursue professional legal training as a solicitor (with the Law Society of Ireland) or as a barrister (with the King’s Inns). 

Each individual subject in the BA (Joint-Honours) will be assessed separately. Assessments vary from module to module, but you can expect to have a mix of essays and written assignments, in-class presentations and group assignments, as well as some written examinations.

At the beginning of each module, you will receive a module outline which will detail the learning outcomes, the assessment methods and even the recommended study hours so that you can be prepared for what to expect from each subject. 

Course queries:
artsundergrad@universityofgalway.ie 

College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies
T +353 91 493 958

Q: Are there any progression restrictions if I choose Psychology as one of my subjects?
A: Students of the BA (Joint-Honours) Programme who successfully complete Psychology at First Arts may proceed to Second Arts with the subject Psychological Studies and one other of the subjects completed at First Arts. Places are limited to 100 on academic merit in Psychology from the 1st Sittings in Semester 1 and 2 and you must have passed your other three academic subjects (40% or above) to be considered.

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/ H7 in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, another language and three other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

Additional Requirements  

To study Gaeilge as a subject, students will need a minimum grade H5 in the Leaving Certificate.

To study French as a subject, students will need a minimum grade H4 in the Leaving Certificate.

Alternative Pathways

The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links:

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places
• Mature Students
• Access and Foundation programmes
• HEAR Scheme
• DARE Scheme

Other Qualifications

If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:

• A Level students
• International Baccalaureate students
• EU students

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.

Admissions Office

Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.

Mature Applicants

Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.  

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants

Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements.

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €3,000 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to non-EU fees.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.

High-achieving undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for a range of prestigious scholarships that recognise academic excellence and support students in reaching their full potential. Click here for further Information.

International (Non-EU) Application Information

Application Process

Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1^st October each year for each the following September.  

Further Information

Please visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.

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