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2023-24 ORIENTATION PRESENTATION

BESS is the only university degree in Ireland where students can combine the study of business, economics, political science and sociology. It is a uniquely flexible programme offering students 10 different degree options across these four disciplines.

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 in either one (single honor) or two (joint honors) chosen subjects or disciplines.

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. The Junior Sophister (third) year contributes 30% towards the overall Moderatorship degree, with the Senior Sophister (fourth) year contributing 70% towards the overall Moderatorship degree.

You can find out more about the course structure by visiting the course structure page.

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.
To see what the BESS Class of 2022 are doing, visit here.

What are the entry requirements?

In 2023 minimum CAO entry points were 554* 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.