Sociology

The MSc 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 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.

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

• Introduction to Statistics

• Dissertation



Option Modules

• Economic Globalisation & Social Change

• AI and Society

• Organised Violence and Society

• Nationalism & Social Change

• Social Simulation: Methods and Models

• Policing & Social Conflict

• Soc Thinking in the Digital Age

• Religion in Comparative Perspective

• Queering Global Challenges

• Exploring Global Solutions

• Responses to Climate Change

• Developmental Challenges in Global South

• The Industries of Peace



Please note the modules offered may be subject to change.



Stage 1 - Core

Introduction to Statistics POL40950

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

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



Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/



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. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

90

MSc Sociology (W436): 1 year full-time

MSc Sociology (W437): 2 years part-time

MSc Sociology (W436) Full Time

EU fee per year - € 7315

nonEU fee per year - € 19900


MSc Sociology (W437) 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

Some professions do require further training, qualifications or certification.