Sociology

MA Sociology

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)

The MA Sociology programme provides a broad range of cutting-edge analytical and research skills to better understand significant social issues and problems in contemporary society, and how to act to change them.



The MA Sociology programme provides a broad range of cutting-edge analytical and research skills to better understand significant social issues and problems in contemporary society, and how to act to change them.



The MSc/MA Sociology programme expands your sociological knowledge and competence to enable you to conduct social research to the standards required in professional settings. You will enjoy small classes organised as seminars and workshops in preparation for carrying out a substantial independent research and writing project under individual supervision.



You will join an international community of postgraduate students and encounter the latest research topics, methods, and styles of enquiry in the distinctive suite of modules provided by the programme. From social simulation to data mining, migration to financialisation, religious revivals to organised crime, pandemics to decolonialism, gender to nationalism - the MSc/MA in Sociology is enjoyable, challenging and exciting. Highly-regarded, it prepares you for roles in any number of professions and careers: from policy analysis to media and public relations, and from community development to the creative industries. Both MSc and MA options are available, with the MSc designed for those wishing to prioritise acquisition of advanced quantitative research skills.



Course Description

Students will develop a range of conceptual, analytical and methodological skills that will enable them to identify, describe and analyse a wide range of social phenomena, drawing on advanced knowledge of current debates, problems and issues at the forefront of sociology.



Teaching, learning and assessment are structured around critical engagement with sociological topics. Students are encouraged to be active participants in seminar discussions and presentations, and to enhance their critical reading, thinking and writing skills.



Students also develop their independent research skills through an individually supervised thesis based on a substantive topic aligned to their interests, needs and goals.

90 credits taught masters - 60 credits taught modules and 30 credit Dissertation



Core Modules:

• Social and Political Thought

• Sociological Research: Theoretical and Applied Issues

• Qualitative Research

• Dissertation



Option Modules:

• Sciences, Technologies and Society

• Economic Globalisation & Social Change

• Population and Society

• Organised Violence and Society

• Critical Race & Decolonial Theory

• Religion in Comparative Perspective

• Nationalism & Social Change

• Social Simulation: Methods and Models

• Policing & Social Conflict

• Health, Illness and Society

• Soc Thinking in the Digital Age

• AI and Society



Please note modules offered may be subject to change.



Stage 1 - Core

Dissertation SOC40140

Sociological Research: theoretical and applied issues SOC40220

Workshop in Qualitative Research SOC40330

Social and Political Thought: Basic texts and discussions SOC40730



Stage 1 - Option

Policing & Social Conflict SOC40080

Economic Globalisation and Social Change SOC40230

Nationalism and Social Change SOC40620

Social Simulation: Methods and Models SOC40640

Population and Society SOC40690

Organised Violence and Society SOC40720

Crit Race & Decolonial Theory SOC40930

Sciences, Technologies & Societies SOC41030

Religion in Compar Perspective SOC41060

Sociological Thinking in the Digital Age SOC41070

AI and Society SOC41130

Masters Sociology 3 SOC41140

Comparing Healthcare Systems SPOL40470

Application Deadlines

Students who require Visas: March 25th

All other Applicants: June 30th



Applicants should normally have a primary degree in sociology or social science, or a closely related discipline. A Second Class Honours Grade One (2:1) or higher is required but Second Class Honours Grade Two (2:2) standard or equivalent may be considered. Applicants who do not meet the academic requirements but can confirm professional qualifications and/or experience will be considered. Applicants may be called for an interview.



Recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on relevant work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis as an alternative to an undergraduate degree qualification for entry to the program.



All candidates are expected to be proficient in written and spoken English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must submit evidence of a certificate of proficiency (such as TOEFL, Cambridge or IELTS). Test results must be less than two years old.



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



A NOTE ON SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION:

Supporting documentation must be submitted by all students. Applications will not be considered unless all documents are submitted immediately and received by UCD before the closing date. Documents must be uploaded to the Online Applications system.

How to apply?

The following entry routes are available:



MA Sociology FT (W438)

Duration

1 Years

Attend

Full Time

Deadline

Rolling*



MA Sociology PT (W439)

Duration

2 Years

Attend

Part Time

Deadline

Rolling*



* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

90

MA Sociology FT (W438): 1 year full-time

MA Sociology PT (W439): 2 years part-time

Mode of Delivery: Face-to-Face.

MA Sociology (W438) Full Time

EU fee per year - € 7315

nonEU fee per year - € 19900


MA Sociology (W439) Part Time

EU fee per year - € 4760

nonEU fee per year - € 9950


***Fees are subject to change


Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website

Next Intake: 2024/2025 September.

Careers & Employability

The UCD School of Sociology Masters programmes are highly regarded by a range of public and private sector employers, national, EU and international institutions and civil society organisations.



The cross-disciplinary content of these programme means there are exciting opportunities for students in a wide and dynamic range of professions including careers in: Media and Public Relations; Policy Analysis and Service Provision; Social, Community and Youth Development; Politics and Civil Society; and in Cultural and Creative Industries.



Recent graduates include those who proceed to PhD research as well as those now working as:

- University Lecturers in Dublin, Belfast, United States

- Researchers at ESRI and RCSI

- Journalists and Radio Presenters, RTE

- Community Workers in Belfast and Dublin

- Founder, Independent Community-Based Research Company, Ireland

- Writer and Editor, Humanitarian Organisation, Wicklow

- International Writer, Producer and Film Maker, Dublin



A large number of our Graduates continue through to PhD level. Some professions require further training, qualifications or certification.