This new three-year BA programme is in its second year. It should provide students with a solid foundation in the disciplines of economics, political science and sociology as well as information technology.

There are no special subject requirements for admission - students don't need economics in the Leaving Cert, says Declan Ashe, administrator.

Students spend the first two years in St Angela's, Sligo, and the final year in NUI Galway. "It has the features of a traditional arts degree giving students a wide base from which to proceed," says Ashe.

There are 30 first-year places. Students who get one of these places will take four subjects in first year - economics, information technology, natural and social environment, and sociological and political studies. In second year the range of subjects expands to include subjects such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, Irish economic history, welfare economics, introduction to social and political theory, European society, and international relations.

In the final year the Irish and European economy is covered as well as research methodology and subjects such as contemporary social thought.

Graduates may proceed to postgraduate programmes as well as taking up job opportunities in public administration, corporate management, and development areas (economic/ social/rural). But, it is not really suitable for would-be teachers as economics is the only subject taught at second level, cautions Ashe.

For information, write to the Faculty of Arts, National University of Ireland, Newcastle, Galway - phone (091) 524411 ext 2617 or the Admissions Office at St. Angela's College, Lough Gill, Sligo - phone (071) 42051/43580.