Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
On this page
- Early Irish
- TSM English and Film Studies
- TSM Italian and Sociology
- TSM History and Classics
- TSM History of Art and Architecture
- TSM Sociology and Geography
- TSM French and Spanish
- Business and Law
- Law
- BESS
- TSM Economics and Sociology
- Philosophy, Political Science, Economics and Sociology
- Clinical Speech and Language
- Psychology
- Sociology and Social Policy
- Drama and Theatre Studies
Early Irish
Early Irish traces the linguistic development of the language from when it began to now. With a mix of grammar classes and saga classes, the material is always interesting. The classes are small, as is the department. This is fantastic as the subject can be quite difficult, however it means that you will always have help. They have a library that students are welcome to use to read and study.
Ailbhe McNeela
TSM English and Film Studies
I have quite a severe hearing difficulty and have found that some things were well taken care of and others not. I studied Film & English.
Most lecturers were willing to give copies of notes although I initially encountered a diffidence with one or two people in the English dept. The fact that I was unable to hear to the same extent as others students meant I missed out on quite a lot, so the notes were vital. As a down side not all lecturers had notes so in that case I just had to shift as best I could.
In the Film Department I was unable to attend the weekly group screenings of the set films, and had to watch on my own with headphones, but DG in the Dept was terrific in facilitating that.
The biggest problems this year have been around hearing my fellow students rather than lecturers. I'm in seminars all year, so I got very bold in September and made a point of announcing my disability and asking if people would oblige by speaking up, but after a while they forget. You can only ask so many times before you feel that you're bordering on rudeness. It's not the case I know but it feels like it & is very frustrating. A hearing difficulty is an invisible disability and that is both an advantage and a challenge.
I am in the process of being assessed for a hearing aid and am hoping that it will make the situation better.
Film studies is inacessible to anyone who is wheelchair bound as it is housed on the second floor of an old building on Pearse St.
TSM Italian and Sociology
I am studying Italian and Sociology as part of an Arts degree and I am a student with a Visual Impairment. I think the course is great and I am really enjoying it.
I find one great advantage to studying a language, such as Italian, is that my Italian lectures are held in smaller classrooms where it is easier for me to see the whiteboard as it is a huge lecture theatre. I also find the lecturers to be very helpful. They provide notes and exams in a bigger text size so it is easier for me to read them and so that I am not at a disadvantage. Lecture notes (for sociology) are also available online which is a great help otherwise I would not be able to read the notes at all.
The main barrier I come across is not being able to see presentations or lecture notes that are projected in the larger lecture theaters. I find that no matter how close I sit to the front I can still find it difficult to see the notes properly. Thankfully I have a laptop so I can view the notes on that but I am aware that not many students can have access to a laptop of their own, and this is an area that I would highlight as possibly being problematic for students with disabilities.
I think a potential student should know that this course is very enjoyable and any problems or issues they have are easily overcome. They should also know that the Disability Service in TCD is fantastic and they have a wide range of great facilities and services in order to help students with disabilities. The disability officers are very approachable and very helpful and they have helped to make my time in TCD very enjoyable as I know that the supports are there if I need them and that no problem is too big.
Aoife Doherty
TSM History and Classics
TSM History
TSM history is very interesting course and there is a wide range of choice within the subject. For example: you could combine a module of recent Irish history with say, early Dark Age Germany or the discovery of America. It’s a broad, varied and thoroughly enjoyable course. There is also a lot of contact in History between students and lecturers or TAs [teaching assistance]. This means that if any difficulty is experienced while writing or researching an essay or, indeed, coming up to exam time, it can quickly be resolved.
One of the aspects that would affect me personally, as a person with dyslexia, was the amount of reading necessary for the course. Ten book references are required for an average essay. This does not mean that you have to read ten books cover to cover but that you must be aware of the arguments of ten authors. If you give yourself ample time to prepare, then there is no problem. It is also very helpful to note that there is a facility in Trinity for students with learning difficulties to have their essays corrected for spelling and grammar before it is submitted.
TSM Classical Civilization
TSM Classical Civilization is a hugely interesting course where, because of the smaller number of students, there is a very special and happy relationship between students and lecturers. You may find that your name is known by everyone pretty quickly, which can be a very welcoming thing. The course is very well laid out and, although there is no choice as to with subjects can be pursued, it is still quite broad. The course explores everything from art in the Cycladic Islands and the Etruscan villages [very early Greece and Rome respectively] all the way to the campaigns of Alexander and the fall of the Greek and roman empires.
Classical civilization, because of its rather intimate layout is very helpful understanding to students with learning difficulties. Rather usefully bibliographies in this course are not as long as they might be in other arts subjects and there is more of a focus on primary sources then on secondary reading. It is also very helpful to note that there is a facility in Trinity for students with learning difficulties to have their essays corrected for spelling and grammar before it is submitted.
TSM History of Art and Architecture
I'm a 2nd year student doing history and history of art and architecture (TSM). I think the course is great and find it really interesting, however from a learning difficulty point of view the reading and writing workload is quite heavy, especially for History as you have weekly tutorials for each topic you take which have required reading and/ or writing prep work. Extensive reading is also required for essays for which at least 5 sources are required.
However the services provided by the Trinity's Disability Service, such as free photocopying cards, extended book loans, extra exam time and one to one sessions for essay writing and organisation techniques, help you to manage quite well.
Sinead SF student
This is a wonderful course. The department is small and so from day one you belong to the community. Facilities such as our own slide library and access to printing, computer and photocopying services for only HAA students means you don't have to wait in huge queues. The first year of the course gives a broad overview of history of art and architecture. The second and third years are mixed, which is quite challenging, but prepares you for fourth year. In these years you look at specific subjects in depth. In fourth year, you also look at specific subjects but in greater detail. You are required to write a thesis as well as taking exams in order to obtain your degree.
Ailbhe McNeela
TSM Sociology and Geography
Sociology and geography complement each other very well, with a lot of the subjects overlapping and being relevant to the other. I am not so keen on physical geography, yet this only takes up a small proportion of the course and there is part of this that i still really enjoy. One you register with the disability office there is plenty of support available if needed. One thing I would advise is going using the academic support material available on line, such as the outlines of a structure of an essay. If you use this at the start of the term it make things like writing essays so much easier.
TSM French and Spanish
I am studying French and Spanish TSM as a Junior Freshman and I am really enjoying it. I would say that first year French is of a higher level than Spanish and that is definitely the one that, for me, requires more work. However I do think that they are a really good mix to do together. I love that you do not simply study the language, but the culture as a whole (including history, literature etc). The work load has not been too heavy but I did find the term essays a bit of a challenge. If, like me, you take longer than others to complete work it is possible to get an extension with a medical certificate. However I have learnt that, if possible, it is best to avoid that as otherwise your work load tends to build up.
As a general note I would advise those that will be using a mobility scooter to get soft wheels if possible as the cobbles can be bumpy!!
Kellie Maher
Business and Law
Hi. My name is Michael Mullan and I am currently a first year student in Law and Business in Trinity. I entered the course through the use of the DARE programme. I was a couple of points short in the LC, but through the DARE programme I got a place. Taking part in the DARE programme was one of the best decisions I ever made. It allows for those with disabilities to get beyond the restrictions of the disability and perform to our full potential.
On receiving my offer in Law and Business, I was contacted by my disability officer in Trinity. He put all my worries at ease explaining the transition from secondary school to college. We also discussed all the services available to those people with disabilities at Trinity. The disability officer is always at hand throughout the year in college, ready to help with any problem, whether it be the adaption to college life, issues regarding disabilities or whatever.
The services provided are brilliant and make life so much easier. Not only are you put in contact with a disability officer but also an occupational therapist if so required. We're also entitled to us the respiratory/resting room in the gym free of charge. but perhaps the most useful service is the disability library. Its a library/study area reserved for those with disabilities. There is always space there at a desk or at a computer. The computers also have added software that other computers in college don't have, such as programmes to help with essay writing, Microsoft Office, and programmes to help those who have hearing or sight difficulties. There is also a printer available.
As regards to the course itself, it is a great course to do. When I was filling out my CAO i wasn't too sure whether i wanted to do straight Law or not. But not only does it allow for leeway in that regard, it allows you to have a good understanding of the business and law world no matter what field you go into. Law is extremely interesting, but requires a bit of work and reading. While Business doesn't require as much work. There are essays in both the Business (e.g. earlier in the year we did one on the soft drinks industry) and Law modules (e.g. i just finished one on juries in Ireland) which are good, because you can see how you're doing and also get some marks before the final exam. The Business modules I do in first year are: introduction to organisation and management, introduction to economic policy, and then there is a choice between maths and a language. I chose French, which is a much higher standard than in the LC. In Law we do the Irish Legal System and Torts before Christmas, and Contract after Christmas. Torts is really interesting, the lecturer Neville Cox is very entertaining, as are the cases. The Irish Legal System is more basic, but is a good introduction to Law in general. As part of the Irish Legal System there is a seminar class called Legal Skills which helps in introducing the methods of research and how to write a law essay. When I reach 3rd and 4th year I can specialise in the areas i want to choose. Next year I can give up French is i want to. One of the best things about the course is the timetable. I have every Friday off, and this semester (after Christmas) I have only one lecture on a Thursday.
The timetable gives plenty of time to keep on top of the work and to be involved in extra-curricular activities. I play Gaelic football with Trinity freshers, but there is definitely something to suit everyone, from debating to chess to American football and lots more. Every student also has access to the gym.
Overall I would highly recommend Law and Business to anyone thinking of entering either the law or business world. Trinity itself is in a great location being in the city centre. The services provided to everyone, and particularly those with disabilities are immense.
I would strongly advise using the DARE programme. It is worth attempting to get as much help as you can. Not only does it help hugely when trying to get into college, it also helps when you get there. It doesn't take much effort, only just filling in the form online and getting a report filled in by a teacher and a consultant. I just want to emphasise again how beneficial my application through DARE has been to me. It has allowed me to get the course I want and helped me perform to the my best of my ability. Again i repeat, apply to the DARE programme and trust me you will not regret it! Good luck in the LC. Michael.
Law
When I was filling in my CAO, I really struggled to choose a course. I had loved sciences in school but was also drawn to English, philosophy, politics and pretty much any arts course. When I met some of the lecturers, who were remarkably inspirational, I settled on Law without really knowing what I was getting into, but it’s a decision I’ve never regretted and is one that I’m thankful I made. I genuinely think Law is one of the most fascinating courses you can take as an undergraduate.
My expectation was that law involved just learning out of a rule book, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Irish law is based on precedent, so when a new case comes up lawyers and judges look back at previous similar cases to see how the earlier courts resolved the issue. In this way law is just a load of stories and the skill is in arguing why the court should or shouldn’t take the conclusion from a previous story and apply it to the new case. These stories are usually pretty interesting, especially in subjects like defamation (libel law) because it’s often entertaining and sometimes shocking to hear what people often say and do to each other.
The crux of your study of law is learning how to argue convincingly, think critically and analyse yourself and other people’s statements because there are rarely right or wrong answers in law, rather there are just varying degrees of convincingness.
Those kind of skills are what makes law such a versatile degree; being able to present a position, argue for why it’s better than your opponents, critically analyse, comprehend and compare ideas and propositions are talents that are invaluable in almost any field. The law course doesn’t push you into being a lawyer and there are many people in my class who have no intention of being a solicitor or a barrister but instead plan on moving into politics, journalism, English or business. The reason they chose law is because it is a well-respected degree that allows you to defer any decisions about what you want to do with your life for another 4 years, but also gives you important skills and an interesting education.
However, if lawyering is your calling, then taking law is an obvious choice. Although a law degree is not necessary in order to qualify as a solicitor or a barrister it does make the process quicker and more interesting. The law school in Trinity also gives you access to a many lecturers who are practitioners as well, whose advice could be of great benefit.
Another benefit to Law in Trinity is the comparatively low class hours, which leaves plenty of time for college societies, sports teams and just enjoying being an undergrad. The Law School also has connections with many Universities around the world and your third year can be spent studying abroad in a huge variety of places. I’ve taken the opportunity to study in America for a full year and it’s certainly one of the major highlights of the course.
There are some difficulties with law, such as the large amount of reading that has to be done. This is however certainly not unique to law, pretty much any arts course at university level will cover a lot of material, and, as a supplement to lecturers, there are small classes with teachers who are very good at helping you cut down the workload and explaining things that you may be having difficulties with. At times it can also be quite technical, which can be tough. Thankfully though the variety of subject choices means that you can choose some of the more political and philosophical, rather than mechanical, subjects such as constitutional law or jurisprudence.
Finally, Law is a challenging course but it also seems to be one of the most enjoyable in the college. The Law Society is one of the largest and most active societies and as a result students in the Law School tend to have a fantastic 4 years.
BESS
I am a fourth year student in BESS and I am studying business and economics. One of the great things about the course, which is probably evident form the prospectus, is that there is a lot of choice in this course. When I enter this course I planned on taking business and sociology as I had an interest in psychology as well as business however I learnt in first year when you only choose one subject(law or a language, I chose law and would recommend this as it provides you with more options in further years) and must do , business, economics, maths and statistic, political science and sociology that I was much more draw to economics than sociology and so I pursued that. However the choice between a joint or single degree can be postponed until at least the end of second year or third, giving you plenty of time to decide. The subjects themselves (business, economics, politics and sociology) also cover a wide variety of areas and specialities.
However the course is by no means an easy course, though it is possible to do very well, I have achieved a first class honours in most exams so far, so with work its possible to do very well.
I recommend to anyone who is a slow reader, like myself, to try and get “Texthelp” and get as much of their material onto a usb or a laptop as this program reading pieces to you will quicken up your study time. I also recommend making full use of the Disability Services, and if you are finding anything difficult get onto the them as they may be able to very easily make your life a hundred times easier. That was certainly my experience in first year when I was struggling. College is a big adjustment, so don’t expect to find things easy to begin with but like everything once you find your feet things become a lot easier.
Just some general advice would be that if you have the means I would recommend buying a laptop and learning how to use it before starting college, having a low weight laptop with a good battery life can be helpful and being efficient at typing is bonus. There are however a number of computer rooms in college and so not having a laptop is by no means the end of the world.
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I would advise any LC student with a disability to find out as much about the course that they want to do as possible. I didn't do that myself, but I was just one of the lucky few that found a course that I enjoy. Look into the different classes that are involved in each course as the name of the course can sometimes be misleading.
For example, I didn't realise that I had to take a class on statistics in my BESS course - which is REALLY hard by the way!! And the most important thing that I have learned from moving from secondary school to college is being able to handle change. The biggest shock when coming to college is learning how to deal with the change and making new friends. I found it really difficult to make new friends seeing as I'm quite shy, but when you begin college you just have to put yourself out there and go to a few nights out! The best and most important thing to remember is that it happens to everyone and that after a while you get used to it and the shock wears off!!!
TSM Economics and Sociology
Social Policy is about the Welfare State and discusses Ireland and various other countries states both past and present. The politics gives an introduction to Political science and Politics itself whilst not going too deep into any certain topic. This is a very practical course for those of you interested in the world around you and developing your knowledge of it whilst also giving you a very recognisable degree after your four years. The hours are good with around 18 a week including tutorials which are very beneficial as they go through the material covered in lectures, and help you to overcome any problems you may of had with certain material.
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I am studying Economics and Sociology under (TSM). The course itself is quite interesting, giving an introduction to the many aspects of Economics and Sociology. In first year you also get an introduction to Politics which is a very interesting addition to the course. In Economics you learn about the Irish Economy, basic principles of Economics, various laws of Economics and Maths and Statistics. I find the Sociology to be very interesting and it's studied under Social Policy concepts, Sociology and Politics. It's mainly a study on life itself and the reasons as to why people do various things, using Sociologists views to try and justify reasons for it.
Philosophy, Political Science, Economics and Sociology
My course (PPES) is really good - a wide range of subjects, so you don't get bored too quickly. Also, being so small (just 30 students this year), means everyone gets on, and there's normally someone to help you out. However, having four different subjects to juggle can be tricky, and there's quite a lot of essay writing. Classes are fairly scattered across campus, which could be difficult for students with mobility problems.
Clinical Speech and Language
I do Clinical Speech and Language Studies. When I started the course, it was a bit daunting, the subjects were so different from school. Now, however, I'm in fourth year and don't want to leave!
We used to be in a building that was falling down on Pearse Street with only one room with wheelchair access. Since January we have moved to South Leinster Street to a fab new premises, with great accessibility, so for anyone put off by that before, it's all good now! Placements are in various types of places though, community care clinics, hospitals and schools, and not all of them are easy to access. However, our department are great at finding placements that are best located for the students, so places can be arranged.
The department are also very good at helping if you ask for it. And Trinity in general will look to accommodate you in any way possible. The course itself can get a bit tough...although the job at the end makes it all worth it! Some subjects are harder than others, and some require almost learning a new language, such as physiology, anatomy and phonetics. There is a lot of writing essays and projects involved, and presenting. If you prefer not to present you probably can get away with letting your friends in your group do it! However, everyone on the course is so friendly and the fact that it is a small class (around 35 students) this can help.
Good luck!! Anna
Psychology
I am a SS psychology student. My difficulties are mainly physical as I have a mild form of cerebral palsy. Psychology lectures take place in Aras an Pharsaigh which is accessible and has a lift. The school office is also in this building. Lectures also take place in the Arts block which is accessible but harder to get around. There are far more steps and stairs. There is a lift but it can be very slow.
One good thing about Psychology is that all the lecture slides/notes are put up online after the lectures take place. This is a great help and means that you are not under pressure to take notes in class.
The lecture hours for Psychology are quite light compared with other courses. A lot of your time is spent studying/researching independently and you don't spend a lot of time in lectures. This can be hard to adjust to for all students not just those with a disability. It means that you have to manage your own time effectively.
I think that in many ways it can be beneficial for a student with a psychical disability because you don't have to worry about rushing around campus or trying from one place to the next in short periods of time. The cobblestones on front square can cause hassle for anyone with any kind of mobility issue (although they are beautiful).
You can also work from home a lot if you prefer which can be helpful if you find getting into college difficult. The special borrowing privileges that can be organised through the Disability Service are a GREAT help and mean that you can take most books out for extended periods of time. The disability service also gave me a locker in the arts block which I find very helpful because it would be difficult for me to carry a lot of books etc. The Psychology books are located on the top floor of the Berkeley library. There is a lift so accessibility isn't a big issue.
I think that it is really important to get involved in college life. I have been involved in clubs and societies and found everyone to be very welcoming. My disability has not been a barrier to getting involved in anything. So I would encourage anyone who comes to Trinity to get involved in any activities that interest them. There is so much to choose from! It is a great way to meet people and will really enrich your time in College.
I would warn any new student that Freshers week can feel a bit daunting for anyone. This is the orientation week before term starts in September. There is loads going on on campus and it can feel a bit manic whether you have a disability or not. It is also great fun too but just remember to take your time. Don't put pressure on yourself to do everything during Freshers week if you don't feel up to it. You can always get involved with clubs/societies later on during term and there will be plenty of events etc running throughout the year. If you study Psychology you will have plenty of free time to join in with other activities.
I think that Psychology students tend to be a nice and open-minded bunch of people and you will meet some interesting people and make good friends. In Psychology, we do lots of group work and that can be a great way to get to know people. It is a small enough course which is nice and everyone is friendly. The staff are also helpful.
I have really enjoyed studying Psychology and would encourage anyone thinking about it to go for it and not to worry that their disability will be a barrier. There is lots of support.
Sinead Waldron
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I knew I wanted to do Psychology from 5th year but I have ADD and I fell short of the points. Unfortunately at the time my careers guidance teacher was less than helpful. After doing some research I found out that I in fact could have gotten into the course as a non-traditional student through a scheme called DARE (Disability Access Route to Education), so I carefully re-applied through CAO and DARE. Offers came out the following August and to my joy I got a place! Don't feel like ADD is holding you back, you can avail of up to 100 bonus points through this scheme, but at the same time don't use it as an excuse!!
When I came to Trinity I was a little intimidated but my course group is very small so it was easy to make friends! It's especially easy when you all share the same love of a subject, so pick something you really enjoy and are interested in! It’s a difficult enough subject but with the right support and a vested interest, it’s easy to succeed. The lecturers and tutors are all wonderful and have no problem giving extensions if needs be!
Having applied through DARE I was then registered with Trinity Disability service and I can’t say enough about them! They are extremely friendly and offer many supports, and you should never feel ashamed or shy to ask them for help, they helped me through a lot! It's also a great way to meet others who share the same difficulties or even achievements! Having ADD it can be hard to focus on the projects and spread my workload but they offer a service called UNILINK which is one on one meetings that help you to really assess what you need to do and follow up on it! It’s nice to have that motivation!
When it comes to Trinity life in general, get stuck in!! Get involved in societies, there are hundreds, so there is bound to be one that suits your interests! You'll meet new people and make lots of friends. Go out for your class nights!! This is the best way to break the ice honestly, and don't be worried about having a hangover, because half the student population most likely have one too!
Sociology and Social Policy
I am in my final year of Sociology and Social Policy. This is a brilliant course for anyone with a broad range of interests. Although a lot of people will associate this course with Social Work, it is actually quite different. You will get to try a lot of different subjects, not just sociology and social policy, but also economics, politics, law and more. We're given a huge amount of freedom in this course to decide what interests us and what area we want to focus on. You can almost shape the course to suit you. I cannot speak highly enough of the lecturers in the Social Policy department. All of them are so approachable and are always more than willing to help with any questions you have or even if you just want to go to them in a moment of panic!
I have never had any issues or difficulties with having a disability in my course. All my lecturers have been very understanding of the fact that I am dyslexic and have been eager to help me in any way they can, even letting me record lectures to listen back at a later time. The one thing that I would say to anyone thinking of applying for this course is that continuous assessment is a vital component. For some people, like myself, that will suit them down to the ground as it takes a huge amount of pressure off the end of year exams. However, it does mean that time management is hugely important and is definitely something to take into consideration if you are thinking about this course.
I have really enjoyed my four years of this course and for anyone interested in a course that combines topical subject matter with historical context, this may be for you. Louise, 4th year, Sociology and Social Policy.
Drama and Theatre Studies
1. Have other hobbies and friends outside the college (or Drama at least), its intense and you’ll need a break.
2. Be present, and aware every day. You will fail Drama for skipping classes. Challenge yourself and jump right in, even when it scares you.
3. Make lots of friends from the beginning they’ll help you through and are vital as career connections.
4. The course hours look few but there are many hidden hours. You’ll have to work. Be prepared for the time, stamina and effort it takes.
5. Get as involved with Players from Day1 as you have the time and energy for. BUT don’t piss your lecturers (or classmates) off by sacrificing class or coursework for it (many have tried and failed at this!).
6. Learn how to use the library, (online and in person) in your first month. It is a time consuming skill and is vital to good marks.
7. Learn your essay writing format/ Chicago style in the first month (or you’ll lose heaps of marks) and it is time consuming!
8. Start your essay research at least the week before it is due.
9. Don’t go in with one fixed idea of the discipline you want to work in (i.e. acting, directing etc). Allow yourself to experience all of the areas (writing, producing, devising, lighting etc.) your likely to need them all starting out.
10. Don’t take it all too seriously. You are not training to be a neuro- surgeon. If you chill-out and enjoy it you’ll do better.