Sociology - Research

Our programme

• To provide high quality research training in a lively intellectual atmosphere

• To promote students professional involvement in academic life

• To ensure that students will make a contribution to the advancement of knowledge in sociology

• And to ensure that students will make a contribution to the understanding and well being of contemporary societies.



By the end of their time as a research postgraduate student in the Department it is our goal that students will:

• Have completed a thesis which is a high quality piece of orginal sociological analysis and is at least partly publishable in a peer-reviewed academic outlet

• Have developed and demonstrated a significant level of skill in at least one methodology of sociological research and analysis

• Have a broad knowledge of a number of sub-fields within sociology

• And have had the opportunity to develop teaching and administrative skills and experience.



Ph.D students acquire 30 credits in the first three years (60 in the case of postgraduates who do not already have an MA) through taking a combination of compulsory and optional courses oriented towards broadening theoretical perspectives, offering methodological expertise, and providing guidance on teaching at third level.



MLitt research students follow a similar progression, but over a shorter period (2 years in general) and in somewhat less depth. All incoming research postgraduates are required to complete certain taught courses.

Minimum 2.1 degree in BA or MA in Sociology or Cognate subject. Applications with equivalent learning are also welcomed.



Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.



Applicants are advised to contact the Department to discuss their research topic. Please see course website for further details and a link to a form relating to Expressions of Interest. After discussion, applicants are typically asked to submit a research proposal of 7-10 pages duration.



Minimum English language requirements:

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.



For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see

https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/how-apply/english-language-requirements



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850.

Closing date:

Research applications are generally accepted at any time. However the deadline for applications is the 30th of June if you wish to start in September of the same year.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

MHY04: 2 years Full-time

MHY05: 3 years Part-time

Commences: September

• Research

• Third Level Teaching

• Government

• Policy Analysis

• Private, Community and Voluntary Sectors

• Media and New Technology

• Urban, Rural and Community Planning