Thinking about studying abroad in Ireland, but wondering if it fits with your major? You’re in luck! Ireland offers a whole lot more than Irish history and literature courses. In fact, the Emerald Isle has become a leading destination for a wide range of professional and academic fields—not just humanities. Depending on your program and term, you can explore subjects across business, science, technology, humanities, social sciences, health-related fields, and more. You can even take your career goals abroad through an international internship.
And with AIFS Abroad programs in Dublin, Maynooth, and Limerick, plus internship opportunities in Galway, there are several ways to make Ireland part of your academic journey.
Interested in studying abroad in Ireland? Here’s a look at some of the academic paths you can explore with AIFS Abroad.
Business, Marketing, & Finance
As a major hub for international business, Ireland is home to a plethora of global companies, financial service firms, and innovative startups. As a result, it offers an especially compelling opportunity for business students interested in how organizations grow, innovate, and compete across both local and international markets
Depending on your university, program, and term, academic opportunities may include areas such as:
- Business and Management
- Marketing
- Economics
- Finance
- Accounting
- Entrepreneurship
- International business
Taking business courses abroad can introduce you to new perspectives on how companies, consumers, and industries operate across cultures. In Ireland, you’ll be studying in a country that plays an active role in international commerce, offering valuable context for students interested in business, finance, marketing, economics, and related fields.
So, if you’re studying business, marketing, or finance, Ireland deserves a spot on your list.
Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)
Yes, STEM majors can study abroad in Ireland! Students interested in science, technology, engineering, and math are particularly well suited to a study abroad program in Ireland.
Depending on your program and course availability, university options may include subjects related to:
- Computer science
- Mathematics
- Biology and life sciences
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Engineering
- Other science and technology fields
If you’re studying a major with a structured degree plan, going abroad might take a little extra planning. But that doesn’t mean it’s off the table. In many cases, studying abroad can actually help students graduate on time, instead of disrupting their academic timeline.
Start by reviewing your remaining requirements and talking with your academic advisor about which courses may transfer; you might have more flexibility than you think. And with AIFS Abroad offering several full curricula programs across Maynooth, Limerick, and Dublin, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
So, don’t count Ireland out—there’s a good chance you’ll find a program that fits.
Health, Healthcare, & Related Fields
Interested in healthcare, human health, or the science behind how people live and perform? Ireland offers opportunities to explore health-related academic interests, including specialized summer coursework in Limerick.
Depending on the program, subjects may connect to:
- Healthcare
- Health sciences
- Sports science
- Sports management
- Exercise science/kinesiology
- Human performance
- Related interdisciplinary fields
These opportunities can be especially interesting if you want to explore your field from a different cultural or academic perspective.
Just keep in mind that studying a health-related subject abroad isn’t necessarily the same as completing clinical training or professional licensure requirements. Work with your academic advisor to understand how any course could fit your degree.
Humanities, Literature, & Irish Studies
Want to study literature, history, or culture in a place with plenty of stories to tell? With literature spanning the likes of James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and the ancient Book of Kells; a complex history that reaches back millennia; and a beloved culture known for its warmth, rich traditions, and pride—students interested in humanities, literature, and Irish studies will find that Ireland is truly hard to beat.
Ireland gives you opportunities to explore subjects like:
- English literature
- History
- Irish studies
- Philosophy
- Cultural studies
- Language and literature
- Other humanities subjects
Ireland’s literary heritage, historical sites, museums, and cultural traditions can bring many of these subjects to life in new and meaningful ways. Whether you’re discussing Irish history, literature, philosophy, or culture, you’ll have opportunities to connect classroom learning to the places and traditions that shaped them.
And even if these subjects aren’t central to your major, studying abroad can be a great opportunity to take a subject you’ve always been curious about. Oftentimes, electives and general education requirements provide the chance to earn credit while you explore new interests.
Social Sciences, Communications, & Related Fields
Interested in how people, communities, and cultures connect? Ireland’s strong social support system, emphasis on community well-being, and active engagement with social and political issues provide valuable real-world context for students in social sciences, political sciences, and communications.
Depending on your program, you may find coursework related to areas such as:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Political science
- International relations
- Communications
- Media studies
- Other social sciences
Studying these subjects in Ireland allows you to engage with them in a setting where questions of community, public policy, social support, communication, and social change play are part of an ongoing national conversation.For students in these fields, studying abroad in Ireland offers a rare opportunity to see many of these ideas in practice.
Which AIFS Abroad Ireland Location Is Right for Your Major?
One of the best parts about studying abroad in Ireland with AIFS Abroad is that you have options. Not only can you choose from a wide range of courses and academic interests, but with four program destinations located throughout the Emerald Isle, you can choose based on your personal preferences, too.
Looking to study abroad in a small town, a big city, or something in between? We’ve got you covered!
Here’s a quick overview of each destination:
- Dublin: Study at Dublin City University and explore academic opportunities in Ireland’s cosmopolitan capital, including Study + Internship programs that combine a traditional study abroad program with real-world professional experience.
- Maynooth: Experience university life at Maynooth University, with broad academic options in a smaller college-town setting just outside Dublin.
- Limerick: Study at the University of Limerick, with semester coursework across a range of subjects and specialized summer opportunities in this mid-sized city.
- Galway: Looking to gain professional experience? Ireland’s cultural capital offers international internship opportunities that can help you get ahead before you enter the workforce.
Your best fit may come down to the subjects you need, the term you want to go abroad, and the kind of experience you’re looking for. But no matter what it is you’re seeking—Ireland is well worth your consideration.
Don’t See Your Major on the List?
These are just the highlights. You can use our search tool to explore programs that match your academic interests and find more details there. As we mentioned, some of our study abroad programs give you access to host universities’ full curricula, so you can pick the right courses based on your specific degree plan.
Also, keep in mind that your study abroad program doesn’t necessarily need to have your exact major in its name. You may be able to complete major or minor requirements, take electives, fulfill general education credits, or explore a subject that complements what you’re studying at home.
Start with your degree plan. What courses do you still need? Where do you have flexibility? Are there electives you’ve been hoping to take? Then talk with your academic or study abroad advisor about your options.
Want Professional Experience, Too?
Your academic interests can also help guide the professional experience you gain abroad.
With an international internship in Ireland, you can build hands-on experience while learning what it’s like to work in another country.
AIFS Abroad offers internship opportunities in Ireland, including options in Dublin and Galway.
Depending on your background, interests, and the program, an internship may help you explore a potential career path, develop transferable skills, and add international experience to your resume.
FAQs About Studying Abroad in Ireland
What majors can study abroad in Ireland?
Students from a wide range of majors can study abroad in Ireland. Depending on the university and term, AIFS Abroad offers opportunities in subjects including business, STEM, humanities, social sciences, communications, and health-related fields.
Can business majors study abroad in Ireland?
Yes, business majors can absolutely study abroad in Ireland. Depending on the program, students may find coursework in business, marketing, economics, finance, management, and related fields. Internship opportunities may also be available for students interested in gaining professional experience.
Can STEM majors study abroad in Ireland?
Yes, many STEM majors can study abroad in Ireland. Some Ireland university programs offer courses across science, mathematics, computing, and other technical disciplines. Course availability and prerequisites vary, so students should review their academic options with their home university.
Do I need to speak Irish to study abroad in Ireland?
No, you don’t need to speak Irish to study abroad in Ireland. English is widely spoken in Ireland and is the primary language of instruction at AIFS Abroad’s partner universities. Irish is also an official language of the country and an important part of its cultural heritage.
Can I intern abroad in Ireland?
Yes, depending on your degree requirements, graduation timeline, and availability, you can likely intern abroad in Ireland. AIFS Abroad offers international internship opportunities in Ireland, including programs in Dublin and Galway. Placement availability depends on the program and the student’s background and qualifications.
Can I earn academic credit while studying abroad in Ireland?
Yes. Academic credit is available through AIFS Abroad study abroad programs in Ireland. Your home university determines how courses and credits transfer and apply toward your degree.
Ready to make your dreams of studying abroad in Ireland come true? AIFS Abroad is here to help!
Study business in Dublin. Explore a new academic interest in Maynooth. Take a specialized healthcare program in Limerick. Or gain professional experience through an international internship in Galway. With AIFS Abroad, these are just a few of the ways an Irish adventure could work for you.
Ready to find your fit? Explore AIFS Abroad study and intern abroad programs in Ireland.
