BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
Where thinking changes the world
About the Program
Basic Information
Length: 3 Years. Tuition Costs: 3,500€ per year. Requirements: 180 Credits, Courses, BA Thesis, Defense. Prerequisites: Secondary School (High School) Diploma. Program Location: Fully Online. Classes meet on the weekends, making the program accessible for students balancing work, family, or other commitments. No student VISA is issued for this program. Apply at any time and begin studying immediately after acceptance. This flexible structure allows students from all regions to participate without relocating or disrupting their lives.
Application Information
We recognize that traditional educational systems do not always reflect a student’s full potential, and many exceptional thinkers emerge in ways standardized measures cannot capture. GCAS welcomes applicants who may not have thrived in conventional settings but who demonstrate curiosity, discipline, and a genuine desire to learn—one reason we do not require SAT or ACT scores. If you believe you have the drive and imagination to succeed, we encourage you to apply; please note that all applicants must meet our English language requirements.
The Meaning of Debt-Free Education
A debt-free BA degree is a transformative opportunity in a world where higher education often burdens students with years—sometimes decades—of financial strain. Today, many graduates leave university owing large sums that limit their freedom to pursue meaningful work, relocate, start families, or invest in their futures. A debt-free degree removes these barriers, allowing students to focus on learning, creativity, and personal development rather than financial survival. At GCAS, a debt-free BA means access to world-class education without sacrificing wellbeing, independence, or long-term financial stability.
A Real Global Community
As a GCAS BA student, you join a vibrant global community of thinkers, creators, activists, and mentors who support your intellectual and personal development. Our worldwide network provides collaborative learning, diverse cultural perspectives, and direct access to guest seminars with leading scholars and innovators. This community fosters a deep sense of belonging, strengthens confidence, and opens doors to opportunities across continents—connections that enrich your studies now and continue long after graduation.
A Word From The Director
"I'm not sure there's a panacea for all the world's ills, but if there were, it would be education."
Curriculum
Program Structure
The programme is three years in length and is designed to follow three interdependent stages:
Year One
Acquire Knowledge
Year Two
Apply Knowledge
Year Three
Create Knowledge
Courses in the first tier encourage the acquisition of knowledge through the interdisciplinary study of history, ideas, inventions, and discoveries from fields technological, social, religious, philosophical, and scientific.
The second year applies this knowledge to our present time with the aim of addressing and providing solutions to the most vexing challenges confronting our common existence today — clean air and water, clean energies and environmental healing, shelter and peacemaking.
The third and final year engages the creative powers of the student by drawing on acquired and applied knowledge to offer the world their research findings.
Academic Calendar
Each academic year comprises four terms (Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Spring), with each term lasting eight weeks. Full-time students complete 15 credit hours per term, totalling 60 credit hours per year and 180 credit hours over the three-year programme.
Mentorship
Much of the BA programme design is inspired by the Oxford style, where students take personal initiative in their learning while being supported by regular mentorship. Each GCAS student meets with their mentor (academic supervisor) once per month.
Examinations & Thesis
At the conclusion of each year, the student will complete a Bachelor Comprehensive Exam through presenting a paper in a BA symposium.
In addition, at the end of the BA program, the student must successfully defend their Bachelor's thesis in the BA Thesis Defense. This defense is designed to demonstrate the student's unique academic contribution.
Learn from World-Class Faculty
Our faculty are leading scholars, published authors, and practitioners who bring real-world expertise to every course.
Your Career
This program prepares you for leadership roles across academia, industry, and public service.
Academia & Research
Pursue doctoral studies or research positions at leading universities worldwide.
Public Policy
Shape policy at NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations.
Cultural Institutions
Lead at museums, foundations, and cultural organizations.
Consulting
Apply critical thinking skills to strategy and management consulting.
Writing & Publishing
Pursue careers in journalism, publishing, and content creation.
Education
Teach at secondary or post-secondary institutions.
Investment
per year x 3 years
Financial Aid Available
Every accepted student receives tuition reduction scholarships. We are committed to making education accessible.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the BA in Interdisciplinary Studies is open to all students who have completed secondary education. We believe potential matters more than test scores.
What You Need
✓ High school diploma (or equivalent)
✓ A desire to learn and grow
✓ Personal statement describing your interests and goals
What You Don't Need
✗ SAT or ACT scores
✗ A-Levels or IB results
✗ Minimum GPA requirements
✗ Letters of recommendation
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including mature students returning to education and those without traditional academic credentials. If you have a passion for ideas and a commitment to intellectual growth, we want to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: Applicants must have completed secondary education (high school diploma or equivalent). We also consider mature students with relevant life and work experience. No standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are required. All applicants submit a personal statement and may be invited for an informal interview.
Answer: The BA in Interdisciplinary Studies is a 3-year program (180 ECTS credits). Full-time students typically complete it in 3 years. Part-time options are available for those balancing work or family commitments, allowing completion in 4-6 years.
Answer: Yes. The GCAS BA degree is EU-accredited through our partnership with Woolf—a degree-granting Higher Education Institution recognized within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Your BA degree is recognized across Europe and internationally, equivalent to degrees from traditional universities.
Answer: Unlike traditional universities, GCAS operates as a cooperative. Tuition is significantly lower than comparable institutions, and we offer income-share agreements and sliding-scale fees based on your country of residence.
Answer: All courses are delivered through live virtual seminars (not pre-recorded lectures). You'll engage in real-time discussions with faculty and peers from around the world. Classes are held on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) to accommodate working professionals across time zones.
Answer: The BA offers specializations in Philosophy, Literature, and Social-Environmental Studies. You can also design a custom interdisciplinary track combining courses across these areas. See our course chart for details.
Answer: In-person attendance is not required. However, GCAS hosts optional annual seminars in locations like Florence, Italy and Paris, France where students can meet faculty and peers. These are enriching but entirely optional.
Answer: Our student body spans 50+ countries. We provide academic advising, writing support, and a global peer community. Since everything is online, no visa or relocation is required. All classes are conducted in English.
Answer: Yes, we evaluate transfer credits on a case-by-case basis. Contact our admissions team with your transcripts for an assessment. Generally, up to 50% of credits may be transferable depending on course equivalency.
Answer: Graduates become co-owners of GCAS College Dublin, joining our cooperative alongside faculty. You'll have lifetime access to our alumni network, continued learning opportunities, and a voice in the institution's governance. Many graduates continue to MA or PhD programs at GCAS or other universities.
No. Our BA program is 100% online and so GCAS does not assist in issuing student visas.