Frequently Asked Questions

• How many students are in each lecture?
• Can I come to College and meet someone to discuss the course?
• Where can international students find out more about studying at Trinity?
• What are the CAO points?
• Is the maths module difficult?
• Does Trinity College offer Undergraduate and Post Graduate Degrees?

How many students are in each lecture?

The BESS programme offers a mix of large lectures and small tutorial groups so that students receive the academic material within a large group but have time to reflect on and engage with the content in smaller groupings where they can explore the issues and discuss and debate with both other students and lecturers.

The number of students per module varies. Some of the popular modules and many in the first year can have up to 300 students in the lecture theatre. These lecturers also have tutorials which normally have between 20 and 30 students in one room. As the years progress the numbers of students in each class decreases due to the range of module choices available to students. For example many Senior Sophister classes have between 30 and 50 students for the more popular courses.

Can I come to College and meet someone to discuss the course?

If you would like to find out more about the BESS programme please see the following resources:

• BESS Information Brochure (PDF, 424KB)
• BESS 2014 Open Day Presentation held in December 2013 (MP4, 41.04MB)
• BESS Handbook

If you would like to discuss any aspect of BESS further you can call +353 1 896 1840 or e-mail BESS@tcd.ie or drop into the Course Administration Office in Arts Building, Room 3023. View Trinity Campus map.

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Where can international students find out more about studying at Trinity?

Trinity's international reputation, unique city centre location and the opportunities available for study and reflection, socialising and personal development are just some of the reasons why international students choose to study at Trinity College.

• Why study at Trinity?
• Meet Trinity around the world
• Top reasons to study BESS at Trinity
• Find out what our students say

What are the CAO points?

The CAO points for the BESS programme vary each year. They are currently 495 points, as the lowest point at which a student entered the programme. However the points have been rising each year. Visit the College Admissions web site for minimum entry point details since 2004.

Is the maths module difficult?

Current students find the maths module challenging but not so difficult that it is a worry. There is a weekly review online assessment which engages the student in continuous learning but also highlights any areas of difficulties early and they can then be supported in a variety of ways. Once the student engages with the work, and most Trinity students do, then they are fine.

Does Trinity College offer Undergraduate and Post Graduate Degrees?

As Trinity College is a University - its full name is Trinity College the University of Dublin - we offer, and have offered since 1952, full undergraduate and postgraduate degrees including taught and research Masters and PhDs.