Economics, Politics & Law

PenguinMan

Few questions for anybody in DCU who has studied or is studying EPL. I'm strongly considering putting it first on my CAO during the change of mind but I'd like to ask a few things first.

1. How maths orientated is it? I did HL maths for JC, got an A. Did really well with HL in 5th year and then my awesome maths teacher retired at the end of that year. The new maths teacher I had wasn't as great and I couldn't learn much. Just before the mocks, I dropped to OL and have a really good teacher now. Got an A1 in OL mock. Would I do okay in the maths end?
2. What's the reason behind the fourth year being optional? Is there any advantage to it? I know with courses like Business and Spanish you get two degrees, but is there anything like this with EPL? Also, do you choose where you get to go or does DCU just say "Oh, you're going to country X"?
3. Is there any INTRA placement in EPL?
4. Any general advice before choosing whether or not to apply for this course?

Thanks a million in advance!

Iano_

Business Maths in first year is very straightforward and will be no bother to you, having even attempted the LC HL syllabus. There is also a Maths Learning Centre for anyone who struggles.
Also in any economic modules(subjects) you take - it is mainly calculating formulae and there is not a huge amount of maths involved.

To a large extent you decide where you would like to go on your Year Abroad if you decide to go for it. At the min, I've friends in Spain, France, Austria and even Sweden! A large amount of students just go into final year.

There is no Intra placement in the EPL degree at present.

EPL is a great degree to have, if you are interested in the 3 areas. In Final Year, you can specialise in one area or do 2/3. It opens up great opportunities for future career development or even further education, but does not give you a specific career qualification.

PenguinMan

Thanks for the reply .

Just wondering, you say that it doesn't give you a specific career qualification. Do you think that's a good or a bad thing? Where do you think I could go in terms of jobs with this degree?

Thanks again! .

Ashashi

Just a word of advice, it is not considered a full law degree, so if you wish to persue a career in the legal profession (barrister or solicitor) you must complete a legal studies degree.

carlowboy

Ashashi wrote: »

Just a word of advice, it is not considered a full law degree, so if you wish to persue a career in the legal profession (barrister or solicitor) you must complete a legal studies degree.

It's not a full law degree but you don't need a full law degree to attend King's Inn or Blackhall place.

phantom_lord

carlowboy wrote: »

It's not a full law degree but you don't need a full law degree to attend King's Inn or Blackhall place.

If you have a recognised law degree you don't have to do the diploma in the Kings Inn.

http://www.kingsinns.ie/website/prospective_students/prospective.htm

PenguinMan

Ah, right. Well, I wasn't planning on going into law (business law, maybe, as like as a compliance manager but we're certainly not talking about being a solicitor). Thanks for all the replies so far .

Wolfe Tone

While not in the course myself I share some lectures with them.. Few of the lads I was talking to said the maths was a right bitch.

redout

I know of a couple that changed degree before Xmas because they couldnt handle the math. That said, I have no idea of their ability.

phantom_lord

redout wrote: »

I know of a couple that changed degree before Xmas because they couldnt handle the math. That said, I have no idea of their ability.

Really? In first year all you're doing is the business maths module which is basically a refresher of lc stuff to make sure you're up to speed. Really shouldn't be something that makes people drop out or change course.

redout

phantom_lord wrote: »

Really? In first year all you're doing is the business maths module which is basically a refresher of lc stuff to make sure you're up to speed. Really shouldn't be something that makes people drop out or change course.

Well as I said I am not aware of their ability but it was the sole reason both said they opted to change. Some people just arent great with numbers I suppose and the prospect of 3 years perhaps wasnt appealing though one really must ask shouldnt they have known this before they applied?

Zipp101

phantom_lord wrote: »

Really? In first year all you're doing is the business maths module which is basically a refresher of lc stuff to make sure you're up to speed. Really shouldn't be something that makes people drop out or change course.

Do you mean honours or pass LC material?

Also, is a previous understanding of economics neccessary to get on well?

phantom_lord

Zipp101 wrote: »

Do you mean honours or pass LC material?

Also, is a previous understanding of economics neccessary to get on well?

Honours.

Not at all, it's presumed you don't.

PenguinMan

Just about this course, does anybody doing it know whether it's like Leaving Cert history? If so, in what ways? Is it just a load of information thrown at you that you're expected to instantly know?