BESS - Business, Economics and Social Studies (TR081)
What is BESS?
The BESS programme offers students a broad-based education in business, economics, political science and sociology in the first year. After this students can adjust their module options to reflect their academic strengths, interests and emerging career aspirations. This unique aspect of the programme gives students the time to engage with all four areas and then the opportunity to specialise to a high level solely in sociology (single honour) or to combine with the study of business, economics or political science (joint honours).
Course Structure
BESS offers a high level of flexibility in two very important ways: from the second year onwards students are allowed to (a) choose the specific degree they wish to take and, (b) choose individual modules within their chosen degree path.
Students choosing to specialise in Sociology take three Sociology modules in each of second and third years, along with three other optional modules chosen from the other subjects taught in BESS. In fourth year, students take four modules, including for most students an independent dissertation, which you research and write yourself under the supervision of one of the lecturers in Sociology.
You can find out more about the course structure by visiting the BESS website.
Is it for me?
BESS introduces you to a broad range of disciplines that will help you make sense of the complex world in which we live today. The course will appeal to students who are excited about the challenges of understanding the way societies are organised, create wealth and are governed.
BESS graduates are highly sought after by employers and many former students are now leaders in the fields of business, government, technology, the media and academia.
What are the entry requirements?
In 2019 minimum CAO entry points were 518* with 236 places being available in the programme. Please note the special entry requirements of Leaving Certificate - O4/H6 Mathematics or GCSE - Grade B Mathematics. Please visit the Study at Trinity website for additional details regarding admissions requirements.