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 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.

Module Trimester Credits



Stage 1 Core Modules

SOC40330 Workshop in Qualitative Research Autumn 10

SOC41200 Research Design Autumn 10

SOC40140 Dissertation Summer 30



Stage 1 Options - A)4 of:

Students must select 10 credits in the Autumn term and 30 credits in the Spring term from the List of Options. The maximum amount of credits allowed per one trimester is 30.

SOC40640 Social Simulation: Methods and Models Autumn 10

SOC40720 Organised Violence and Society Autumn 10

SOC40730 Social and Political Thought: Basic texts and discussions Autumn 10

SOC41160 Global Solutions and Applied Social Change Autumn 10

SPOL40470 Comparing Healthcare Systems Autumn 10

SPOL41110 Ideas, Ideology in Public Pol. Autumn 10

SOC40620 Nationalism and Social Change Spring 10

SOC40790 Art, Knowledge & Social Change Spring 10

SOC41060 Religion in Compar Perspective Spring 10

SOC41120 Human Development Challenges in the Global South Spring 10

SOC41130 AI and Society Spring 10

SOC41150 Queering Global Challenges Spring 10

SOC41170 R.A.G.E. - Remembrance, Activism, Genocide, Emotions Spring 10

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. Link to the RPL policy can be found here



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.



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.

90

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

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

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

Commencing September 2025

The cross-disciplinary content of this programme means there are exciting opportunities for you in a wide and dynamic range of professions including careers in: Journalism; Public Relations; Teaching; Social Work; Human Resources; Marketing; Community and Youth Development; Policy Analysis; work in the NGO Sector as well as advanced careers in the Civil Service; the Health Sector and the Media. Past Graduates have taken the following career and development destinations:





Radio Presenter, Dublin

English Language Teacher, Japan

Senior Officer, Public Sector, Dublin

University Lecturers, Dublin, Belfast, United States

Writer & Editor, Humanitarian Organisation, Wicklow

International Writer, Producer and Film Maker, Dublin

Research Analyst, ESRI, Dublin

A large number of our Graduates continue through to PhD level