Business, economic and social studies (BESS)

The Bachelor of Business, Economic and Social Studies (BESS) at the University of Dublin offers students a comprehensive and multidisciplinary education designed to equip them with essential knowledge and skills for a wide range of careers in business, economics, and social sciences. This innovative programme provides a solid foundation in core business principles, economic theories, and social analysis, enabling graduates to understand complex global and local issues and contribute effectively to decision-making processes in various organizational and societal contexts.

Throughout the course, students explore a diverse curriculum that includes accounting, finance, management, marketing, microeconomics, macroeconomics, political science, sociology, and public policy. This integrated approach fosters critical thinking, analytical capabilities, and practical skills, preparing students to adapt to rapidly changing economic environments and societal challenges. The programme emphasizes both theoretical understanding and applied learning, often incorporating case studies, group projects, internships, and research assignments to enhance real-world relevance.

The BESS programme is designed to develop not only academic expertise but also essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and ethical reasoning. Graduates are well-positioned to pursue careers in government agencies, financial institutions, consulting firms, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and private enterprises. Alternatively, many students choose to continue their education through postgraduate studies in economics, social sciences, or business administration.

Students benefit from the university’s vibrant academic community and extensive resources, including access to renowned faculty members, research centers, and industry networks. The programme is structured to provide flexibility, allowing students to tailor their learning experience through electives and specializations aligned with their career interests. With a focus on global perspectives and societal impact, the BESS degree prepares graduates to become informed and responsible citizens, capable of addressing complex economic, social, and business challenges in a diverse and interconnected world.

Junior Freshman (First Year)

In the universal first year students are introduced to a wide range of subjects giving them the opportunity to explore new interests without committing to a particular area at this early stage. Lectures are complemented by smaller tutorial groups in which students work throughout the year.

Senior Freshman (Second Year)

Students choose to study one or two of the BESS disciplines, Business, Economics, Political Science and/or Sociology. Students are also free to choose from a range of complementary or broad curriculum modules.

Junior Sophister (Third Year)

Students begin to specialise in depth in one or two disciplines, selecting from an increased number of diverse and specialised modules. In third year, many students have the opportunity to study abroad at distinguished universities around the world.

Senior Sophister (Fourth Year)

Students now focus on the research based development of their core topics in this the final year of their degree. Students may be required to write a dissertation, prepare a case study or complete a project which provides an excellent opportunity to position themselves for a career in a specific sector or for postgraduate study.

BESS Disciplines

• Business 
• Economics
• Political Science
• Sociology

As part of the online application, applicants will also need to submit original or certified true* copies of:

• Final second level qualification results
• IELTS, Cambridge Advanced/Proficiency, TOEFL scores, for applicants whose first language is not English
• Academic transcripts for each year of third level study and all third level qualifications awarded
• SAT, AP or ACT scores (US and Canadian applicants only)
• Two letters of recommendation
• Passport
• Application fee (non-refundable) and application fee payment form

Please note that where the statement of examination results is in a language other than English, applicants should submit a certified true translation of the statement along with a certified true copy of their original results with the application.

*A certified true copy is a photocopy of an original document that has been signed and stamped by a school principal or other official.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The following are some examples of awards, scholarships and prizes in the School of Business:

Foundation Scholarship

Foundation scholarship is a College institution with a long history and high prestige. The examination for the award of scholarship is set and assessed so as to select students of outstanding ability. Foundation Scholarship is a College institution with a long history and high prestige. Some of our greatest alumni – such as Edmund Burke, Samuel Beckett, and Mary Robinson - were Scholars.  It is a distinctive feature of student life here at Trinity and now is the opportunity for Senior Freshman students to join the ranks of Trinity Scholars.

The objective of the Foundation Scholarship examination is to identify students who, at a level of evaluation appropriate to the Senior Freshman year, can consistently demonstrate exceptional knowledge and understanding of their subjects. 
Scholars enjoy significant benefits including Commons free of charge, rooms free of charge for up to nine months of the year and, where a student is not in receipt of outside scholarships or grants, fee remission for up to five years to the value of the EU fee level.
Foundation scholars are elected annually on the result of an examination held in the week before the start of Hilary term with the results announced on Trinity Monday.

Trinity Business Student of the Year

The Trinity Business Alumni/Bank of Ireland Business Student of the year award is presented annually to the student who not only excels academically but has also ‘given more than they have taken’ from the economy and society.

David Feldman Prize

This prize was founded in 1985 by a gift from David Feldman, a Business graduate.  The purpose of the prize is to encourage business students to adopt a broad philosophical attitude to issues and challenges in the business world.  The prize will be awarded annually to a Sophister or postgraduate student in business studies.  It will be based on a dissertation or project judged by the examiners to demonstrate the application of philosophical thought, logical argument, as well as metaphysical and perhaps ethical approach to the understanding of business. 

Patrick O'Sullivan Prize

This prize was founded in 2009 by a gift from Patrick O'Sullivan's family. Patrick is a graduate of the Business School and retired in 2009 as Vice Chairman and Chief Growth Officer of Zurich Financial Services. The prize is awarded annually, on the recommendation of Trinity Business School, to the candidate who performs at the highest level in the Senior Sophister course inExploring Organisational Experiences.

Abd El-Motaal Book Prize

This prize was founded in 1965 by a gift from Mostafa H.B. Abd El-Motaal, our former Lecturer in Accounting. It is awarded annually to the best student in financial and management accounting and financial reporting and analysis.

Price Waterhouse Coopers Prize

The award was founded in 1966 by Craig, Gardner & Co., Chartered Accountants. Two prizes are awarded to the Senior Sophister students who obtain first class honors at the annual degree examination, provided they obtain at least a second class (first division) mark in financial reporting and analysis. The prizewinners are invited to apply to the firm for Articles.

Trinity Business Alumni Prize

This prize was founded in 1993 by the Trinity Business Alumni. It is awarded to the student whose project, submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the final B.B.S. degree examination, is ranked by the court of examiners as the best overall project submitted by a B.B.S. candidate, conditional upon a minimum second class (first division) grade having been achieved overall and in the project.

The Bachelor of Business in Economic and Social Studies at the University of Dublin offers students a comprehensive education in key aspects of business, economics, and social sciences. This program aims to develop graduates who are well-versed in economic theory, business practices, and social issues, preparing them for diverse careers in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. The curriculum combines core modules in economics, business management, and social sciences with optional subjects allowing students to tailor their degree to their interests and career goals. Courses typically cover areas such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, financial accounting, organizational behavior, marketing, and public policy. Emphasizing both theoretical understanding and practical application, the program incorporates case studies, group projects, internships, and presentations to enhance student engagement and employability skills. Students acquire analytical skills, critical thinking, and quantitative methods necessary to interpret economic data and evaluate policy and business strategies. The program also fosters a global perspective through modules on international trade and global economic issues, preparing graduates for careers in multinational organizations or international agencies. Additionally, students develop strong communication and teamwork skills essential for leadership roles in complex organizational environments. The program is delivered by experienced faculty with academic and industry expertise, ensuring that students receive high-quality instruction aligned with current economic and social trends. Graduates of this program often pursue careers in economic analysis, policy advisory roles, consulting, financial services, advocacy, and research organizations. The program is designed to provide a balanced education that combines theoretical foundations with real-world applications, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to address contemporary economic and social challenges.