Equality Studies

GradDip Equality Studies

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 60)



The Graduate Diploma 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 brining 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 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



Stage 1 Options - A)3 of:

Option Modules

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

GS40030 Gender, Inequality and Public Policy 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

SOC40620 Nationalism and Social Change Spring 10

SSJ40010 Feminist & Egalitarian Research Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - B)1 of:

Students should take one of the two modules as a required option. The others may be taken as a free option if you wish

EQUL40390 Critical Political Economy Spring 10

GS40120 Decoloniality and Intersectionality Thinking Spring 10

Students on this programme will have attained at least a lower or upper second class honours or international equivalent at Bachelors level and will have demonstrable experience in or aptitude for the field of Equality Studies, as illustrated in their personal statement.



Your application will be considered on its individual merits and relevant professional experience will also be taken into account.



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.



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

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

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.