Philosophy, Political Science, Economics and Sociology (PPES), offers a coherent and integrated introduction to the study of social sciences and philosophy. It brings together some of the most important approaches to understanding society and, in doing so, develops skills for a range of future careers and activities.

PPE provides a broad and deep understanding of how a society works, and indeed how international society works. It examines the complex economic and political forces in play, the problems of measuring and assessing the health of society, and the principles of justice that should guide political decision-making to improve society.

PPE will teach students how to read beyond media headlines, and where to find more information about the hot policy questions of the day, in national and international contexts.

Philosophy

This course offers the opportunity to engage in depth with questions of metaphysics (about the fundamental nature of reality), epistemology (the theory of knowledge), ethics (theories of right and wrong), political philosophy (the nature of the just state), philosophy of religion (reasoning about God), philosophy of mind (questions about thought, language and reason) and various other areas. We teach courses which have both systematic and historical emphases and in the higher years students can choose options and get to write a thesis on a topic of their own choice.

Students combine this subject with their choice of French, German or Russian.

Philosophy

This course offers the opportunity to engage in depth with questions of metaphysics (about the fundamental nature of reality), epistemology (the theory of knowledge), ethics (theories of right and wrong), political philosophy (the nature of the just state), philosophy of religion (reasoning about God), philosophy of mind (questions about thought, language and reason) and various other areas.

Sociology

If you want to understand the social changes taking place in the world today, and you are curious about people and society, then Sociology is for you. You will also gain the ability to understand topical issues and to present and communicate information and thoughts coherently.

The arrival of affordable digital cameras has stimulated widespread interest in photography, presenting the professional photographer with both new opportunities and challenges.

This course will prepare you for a career in professional photographic media practice, as well as the broader visual arts sector. It will equip you with key skills, while encouraging you to reflect on your actions and practices.

This program focuses on the enduring power of visual storytelling and high-quality content creation in a modern media landscape. Students are trained in the essential technical skills of capturing, editing, and publishing compelling imagery, with a specific emphasis on documentary photography and photojournalism. Designed for the fast-paced creative industry, the curriculum balances technical proficiency with the self-discipline required to succeed in diverse professional environments, including mainstream news, public relations, and political communications.

This s a one-year, full-time course designed to equip learners with the comprehensive vocational skills and technical knowledge required to navigate the modern visual media landscape. The curriculum embraces a wide spectrum of image-capture technology, training students to utilize traditional film cameras, smartphones, compact digital cameras, high-end professional DSLRs/mirrorless systems, and drones. Central to the program is the mastery of critical operational skills, including advanced camera mechanics, studio and location lighting, directing professional photoshoots, teamwork, and digital post-production using industry-standard photo and video editing software. 

This is a one-year, full-time advanced course designed to elevate the technical proficiency and conceptual thinking developed at Level 5 to an elite, professional standard. The curriculum challenges students to adopt a highly creative and sophisticated approach across diverse photographic genres, including Portraiture, Still Life, Fine Art, and commercial Advertising Photography. Learners deepen their craft by working with large-format cameras and traditional darkroom practices, while simultaneously leveraging cutting-edge image-capture tools such as professional digital camera networks, film, and drones for still and video production. The program focuses on blending masterful technical skill with artistic, conceptual imagery. 

The Photography & Moving Image program offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary exploration of contemporary visual storytelling, seamlessly bridging classical photographic techniques with advanced digital media production. The curriculum provides rigorous technical training in professional camera operation, advanced lighting studio dynamics, and on-location composition. Students gain hands-on expertise in both ends of the technological spectrum, learning to process traditional film in a darkroom while mastering the Adobe Creative Suite for state-of-the-art digital image editing, post-production, and video sequencing.

Beyond core image capture, the course delves into the integration of static photography into cinematography, equipping learners with essential digital video recording techniques and cinematic post-production workflows.

Explore how new technologies and methodologies are synthetising into photographic practice and their impact on contemporary approaches to image making. Learn and explore multiple avenues of inquiry that incorporate traditional documentary practice, digital image making, experimental film and software-based work. Develop best practice and skill sets for storytelling through the lens.

The QQI Level 5 programme for the Photographic Studies course is designed to provide students with an introductory grounding in all aspects of photographic practice. Students progress through a series of workshops and lectures aimed at increasing their awareness of image making from concept to final production.

Upon successful completion of this course students will have the option of progression to QQI Level 6 Photographic Studies, and will have compiled a portfolio suitable for application to Third Level education.

This programme has a distinct professional emphasis. You will develop the creative, technical and critical analysis skills required for the photography, video and media industry. You will learn how to use a wide range of traditional and emerging photography, video and media equipment, and technologies. You will be using the latest and most up-to-date lens-based software and hardware.

This course draws upon expertise from psychologists, nutritionists, exercise and sport scientists, and public health professionals to provide you with the knowledge and skills to improve the general health of various sectors of society using exercise courses, physical activity and nutrition. While bringing together the social, behavioural, biological and biomedical sciences to facilitate the development and improvement of existing interventional techniques. Being physically active and having a healthy diet are important for people of all ages to maintain their health and well being. 

This programme is specifically designed for learners who wish to progress to further college studies in sport analysis and physical education teaching. This programme will allow learners to learn more about sports analysis, sports nutrition, exercise and coaching. The programme is ideally suited to any learner who wishes to progress to PE Teaching in UCC or other UK colleges.