An Arts degree is a great idea for those who would like to try out a few different subject areas and keep their options open through a broad subject choice.
There are a wide variety of subjects you can take around Ireland in an Arts degree that can suit your interest and help you figure out the right path for you.
What is Arts?
An Arts degree is a qualification that is quite broad and offers you the opportunity to study two subjects to degree level. There is a wide variety of subjects to choose from. Examples of subjects are listed below.
What third level courses are available?
Universities and colleges in Ireland offer Arts courses in the following subject areas:
- Child, Youth and Family: Policy and Practice
- Children Studies
- Digital Arts and Technology
- Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies
- English and Creative Writing
- Film and Digital Media
- Global Languages
- History
- Joint Honours – Media Studies
- Joint Honours – Politics
- Joint Honours – Law
- Business
- Geography
- Anthropology
- Accounting
- Music
- English
The list of subjects continues with over 200 courses available. There are a large number of options so be sure to research what suits you.
Studying Arts in college
Arts courses range from 3-4 years depending on the exact course and the university you’re studying at. In joint honours courses you will study three subjects in your 1st year and continue on with two subjects for the rest of your degree.
In first year, you will gain an introduction to all the subjects you have chosen and have the opportunity to learn which subjects you enjoy and will continue on with. In some cases, like in NUIG, in your second year of a BA Joint Honours you can apply for a BA International which is the four year version of the course. This means, if you are studying a language you can add a year on to your degree in order to have the opportunity to study abroad.
Most 4 year courses in language will provide opportunities to study abroad. As your course goes on you will look at your chosen subjects more in depth and gain a strong foundation in the subjects. You will gain experience of the areas you’ve chosen which will help you to decide what exact career path you would like to take from that point.
Those who study an arts degree in humanities or social sciences will generally continue on their studies.
Career Options
A lot of people who study an arts degree learn the area that they are most interested in and continue on to postgraduate study to specialise in their chosen area. Others go straight into work following on from their undergraduate degree.
There is also the option to continue on in a research role, normally after a postgraduate degree, students gain experience in the area and get into research or eventually into teaching or lecturing roles in colleges and universities.
Skills helpful when studying an arts degree include excellent communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, research skills, ability to work well with others, time management skills and organisation skills.
Related Jobs
- Teaching
- Marketing
- Finance
- Journalist
- Writer
- Human Resources
- Drama & Theatre
- Economics
- Accountant
Further Study
Visit postgrad.ie for more information.
FAQ
Different courses and different colleges will have different entry requirements. It’s always safest to check with the individual higher education institution which is available on their websites. As a general rule Leaving Cert students should have a minimum of six subjects which should include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.
Points for Arts courses range from 121 points to 408 points with the highest points needed in 2020 were for Arts (Music) in NUI Galway. The majority of course points fall in the 300-400 bracket. Be sure to research your course of interest to be aware of what is required.
Where can I study?
For other courses in the area you would like to explore, you can do so here.
Did you know?
- The Irish language has the oldest literary tradition in Western Europe.
- The submarine was invented in Ireland by John Phillip Holland
- There are 2.7 females for every male on education and teaching courses in Ireland
- There are 6.6 males for every female on engineering and construction courses in Ireland
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