COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA Arts with Children’s Studies (GY110 AWC) at University of Galway is a unique four-year degree that allows students to combine a traditional Arts education with a specialist focus on Children’s Studies, making it the only program of its kind in Europe. This stream enables students to study two Arts subjects to degree level while developing expertise in understanding children’s lives, rights, development, and wellbeing. In Year 1, students take three Arts subjects alongside Children’s Studies modules, selecting from a wide range of disciplines across subject groups, excluding Group 4. In Year 2, students continue with Children’s Studies and progress with two of their three chosen Arts subjects, noting that progression in areas such as Psychology, Law, and Mathematics is competitive and based on academic performance. Year 3 is fully dedicated to Children’s Studies (60 ECTS), with the second semester involving either a work placement or study abroad, providing valuable practical or international experience; students studying a European language complete this period abroad, while Gaeilge students may undertake placement in an Irish-language setting. In Year 4, students return to complete their two Arts subjects at an advanced level. The structured ECTS distribution ensures balanced academic development across Arts and the specialist field. The program is particularly suitable for those considering careers in primary or post-primary teaching, youth work, policy, or child advocacy, and strongly supports the development of critical thinking, communication, and professional skills relevant to working with children in diverse settings.