Equality Studies

MSc Equality Studies

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)



The MSc in Equality Studies was designed for those who wish to develop an interdisciplinary understanding of global social justice issues and explore strategies for change. Drawing students from across the globe, the course emphasises the relationship between theory and practice with a view to bringing about positive social change. You learn about and develop your own ideas on a wide range of equality, human rights and global justice issues. You will benefit from the opportunity to specialize in areas of particular interest such as capitalism and social justice, gender justice and feminism, global inequalities, human rights law and practice, and minorities and discrimination.



The MSc in Equality Studies is the only masters of its kind in Europe and offers a unique opportunity to examine global equality issues from a range of perspectives.



The learning environment is student-centred and participatory with students from a wide range of backgrounds with diverse experience and interests including community activists, development practitioners, educators, healthcare professionals, civil servants and journalists.

Module Trimester Credits



Stage 1 Core Modules

EQUL40180 Sociology of Inequality Autumn 10

EQUL40420 Egalitarian Theory Autumn 10

SSJ40010 Feminist & Egalitarian Research Spring 10

SSJ40060 Masters Research Project Summer 30



Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:

Select 2 of:

EQUL40310 Masculinities, Gender and Equality Autumn 10

GEOG40760 Development and the Global South Autumn 10

GEOG40970 Critical Geographies: Spatialising Power and Inequalities Autumn 10

GS40110 Gender, Sexuality, and the Body; The Politics of Belonging Autumn 10

LAW42280 International Refugee Law Autumn 10

PSY40640 Advanced Disability Studies Autumn 10

PSY40890 Disability Policy Legislation Autumn 10

SOC40720 Organised Violence and Society Autumn 10

SPOL41110 Ideas, Ideology in Public Pol. Autumn 10

EDUC42590 Equalities, Social Justice and Children's Learning Spring 10

EQUL40070 Human Rights Law and Equality Spring 10

EQUL40390 Critical Political Economy Spring 10

GS40080 Culture and Sexualities Spring 10

GS40120 Decoloniality and Intersectionality Thinking Spring 10

LAW42270 International Migration Law Spring 10

LAW42290 Gender, Conflict-related Harm & Transitional Justice Spring 10

PHIL41320 Topics in Continental Philos Spring 10

POL40140 Theories of Global Justice Spring 10

POL40370 International Political Economy Spring 10

POL41030 Theory of Human Rights Spring 10

SOC40620 Nationalism and Social Change Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of:

You must Select ONE of the two modules. The others can be selected as a free option if you wish

EQUL40390 Critical Political Economy Spring 10

GS40120 Decoloniality and Intersectionality Thinking Spring 10

Normally students on this programme will have attained a higher second class honours in their primary degree (NFQ Level 8) or international equivalent, and will have demonstrable experience in or aptitude for the field of equality studies, as illustrated in their personal statement. Students with a lower second class honours degree may be considered for the programme, depending on level of commensurate experience and qualifications, and availability of places, as assessed by the applications review panel.



All applicants will be asked to upload two references as part of their application, and to provide contact details for their referees. At least one of these referees should be someone who knows the applicant in an academic capacity.



In certain circumstances, the applications review panel may decide to invite applicants to interview.



Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.



These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

90

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

MSc Equality Studies (W003) Part Time

EU fee per year - € 4760

nonEU fee per year - € 9950


MSc Equality Studies (W105) Full Time

EU fee per year - € 7315

nonEU fee per year - € 19900


***Fees are subject to change


Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website.Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme.

For further information please see International Scholarships.

Commencing September 2025

Careers & Employability

Equality Studies graduates work in multiple fields including politics, journalism, law, education, public policy, voluntary and community work, and human rights advocacy.



Alumni of the Masters in Equality Studies are employed by major national and international human rights and development organisations such as Amnesty International and the United Nations.