Arts (International) (BA (Hons)) at University College Cork

Arts (International) includes a year abroad at one of our partner institutions in Europe, the United States, Canada, South America or Asia, and is open to language and non-language students. 

This four-year BA honours degree will give you the opportunity to enhance your learning experience and increase your cultural awareness by living and studying in another country. Students who select a language and opt to spend Year 3 in the country of that language will also be able to demonstrate increased linguistic ability to prospective employers.

You will receive a lot of support in preparing for your year abroad, as well as support from staff at your host university and staff in UCC while on your year abroad.

Course Practicalities

Expected lecture hours: Lectures are scheduled Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Each student’s timetable will differ depending on the subjects selected. In First Arts, each subject has 3-4 lectures per week. plus a one-hour tutorial. Language subjects will have additional weekly language laboratories. Even though you only take two subjects after Year 1, the workload is broadly similar. Each 5-credit module has approximately 24 one-hour lectures plus additional language laboratories for languages. Students take 60 credits-worth of modules each year.

Field trips: Archaeology and Geography also require you to attend field trips.

Study abroad: In Year 3 you will choose your university abroad in consultation with the programme coordinator. Costs e.g. flights, accommodation, transport etc. will be covered by the students. Students studying in Europe receive an Erasmus grant regardless of whether they study a language or not. The Erasmus grant is not means tested. Students studying outside of Europe can apply for an International Scholarship from the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences in UCC. 

Skills and Careers Information

Adjusting to life in another country and its university system is a crucial formative experience for anyone. You will gain enhanced independence and maturity and you will demonstrate commitment and adaptability to future employers.

When you spend time in another country you also have a greater cultural awareness than those who don't. As with all BA degrees, employers are more interested in academic results and transferable skills than in which particular subjects were studied.