Home Economics

Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

Course Details

CAO Code	AU990
Level	8
Duration	4 Years
CAO Points	350 (2024)
Method of Delivery	On-campus
Campus Locations	St Angelas
Mode of Delivery	Full Time
Work placement	Yes

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Course Overview

ATU St Angelas has an international reputation and an established record of excellence in Home Economics education. The role of a Home Economist in communities is very much established in other European and International countries. This level 8, four year degree (which is not an initial teacher education qualification) fulfils the gap that is currently demanded and required within Irish society. It is designed to attract applicants who are passionate about Home Economics and aspire to be Home Economists advocating for sustainable health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.

Year 4 of the programme allows students to specialise within a specific area of Home Economics i.e. Food or Textiles, Fashion, Design or Family Resource Management. This year will also allow you to investigate and research an area of interest.
Over the four years of the programme, students will undertake a wide variety of modules with both a practical and theoretical focus. Each year the modules will be built on and based around the three core disciplines within Home Economics: Food Studies; Textiles, Fashion, Design; and Family Resource Management. The variety of modules ensures the development of a wide range of skills which will equip you to meet societal needs and demands.

Progression

Postgraduate programmes (Masters and Doctoral level) can be pursued in the areas of Education; Home Economics; Health Promotion; Food and Nutrition; Health Coaching and Wellbeing; Child Development; Child, Youth and Community; Textiles and Fashion.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts Home Economics programme may undertake a range of post graduate study options. A PhD (Home Economics) and an MEd in Home Economics are offered by ATU St Angelas along with a range of education based masters programmes. Graduates may also opt to undertake a Professional Masters in Education programme which is recognised by the Teaching Council of Ireland to enable graduates to teach Home Economics at Post Primary level.

Download a prospectus

Undergraduate Prospectus

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate Entry Requirement	6 subjects at O6/H7 2 subjects at H5 Maths at O6/H7 English or Irish at O6/H7 Home Economics at O6/H7
QQI/FET Major Award Required	One of the following awards: 5M2009 – Early Childhood Care & Education 5M2181 – Applied Social Studies 5M5267 – Food Science 5M21473 – Early Learning & Care 5M4468 – Applied Psychology
Additional QQI/FET Requirements	Applicants with 5M2009 / 5M2181 / 5M5267 / 5M21473/ 5M4468 must have distinctions in 5 modules. Applicants with 5M4468 must have distinctions in 5 modules which must include: 5N3736, 5N2006 & 5N0749 and one from 5N1351, 5N1370,5N0754 or 5N4466
Garda Vetting	Entrants to this programme may be required to undergo vetting by An Garda Síochána.

Advanced Entry

Applications are welcome for entry to stage 2 of a programme at ATU, following completion of a cognate QQI FET Level 6 Major award.

Transfers into years two, three or four are also welcome from those who have completed learning in a cognate area in another Higher-Level Institute (HEI).

Apply for Year 2, 3 or 4

Advanced Entry Information

“The BA Home Economics programme has allowed me to explore Home Economics outside of the teaching route. It offers a diverse range of modules that have both practical and theory elements. Class sizes are small which offers a unique learning environment to interact with tutors and lecturers”
Carissa Farrell , Home Economics

Fees

Total Fees EU: €3000

This annual student contribution charge is subject to change by Government. Additional tuition fees may apply. Click on the link below for more information on fees, grants and scholarships.

Total Fees Non-EU: €12000

Subject to approval by ATU Governing Body (March 2025).

Further information on fees

Careers

As an ATU St Angelas graduate, you will be well placed for a future career working in various settings, home or abroad. There are opportunities for graduates to be employed by national or international governmental or non-governmental agencies focusing on family and child wellbeing; consumer advocacy; and health promotion. Graduates will have capacity to work with both private and State organisations as food advisors, or community Home Economists. There is also potential to take a commercial pathway and enter into the private business sector in the areas of food, textiles and fashion and interior entrepreneurship.

Work in the Community

Home Management Advisors
Family Agencies
Family and Community Advocacy
Consumer and Financial Advice
Health Promotion
Youth Engagement

Work in the Industry Settings

Food Product Development
Food Advisors with retail companies
Bespoke and niche craft and design
Technology (equipment) Testers And Developers

Work in the Media

Food Styling, Cookery demonstrations, TV Cooking Shows

Contribution to Society

Advocacy
Research and Education

Should a student wish to pursue a career in education, this pathway will be available to graduates of this course after they have completed their degree. See Further Education for more.

Work Placement
In year three of the programme, students will have the option to either study abroad for five months with one of our partner Universities or to complete a five month work placement in Ireland. The main purpose of the work experience will be the preparation of the student as a competent Home Economist working in a communities, with families, for society.

Study Abroad
Erasmus+ opportunities are available to students of the BA (Hons) in Home Economics. Please speak with your Programme Co-ordinator and the International Office to find out more.