Comparative Social Change

The MSc Comparative Social Change is suitable for graduates with a primary degree in Sociology or Social Science or a closely related discipline, such as psychology, philosophy, human geography, history, politics, and economics, who want to develop the skills required to critically explore the social, cultural and economic forces that drive social change today.



he MSc Comparative Social Change is a one­-year full time programme which is jointly delivered by the School of Sociology at UCD and Trinity’s Department of Sociology. It provides students with the theoretical frameworks and practical research skills necessary to understand the processes and pressing issues presented by global social change.



The programme uses the recent experience of Irish social change in a comparative European and global context to provide training in substantive topics relating to issues of comparative social change.



The MSc has a strong international dimension drawing on rich and informative experiences from Ireland, Europe and further afield particularly India, China and Brazil (BRICs).

The programme provides advanced training in conceptualising, designing and conducting comparative research, across countries, and examines the role that this can play in policy development.

Module Trimester Credits



Stage 1 Core Modules

SOC40840 Research Methods(MSc) 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) 10

SOC40810 Introduction to Comparative Social Change: Concepts and Cases Autumn 10

SOC40850 Globalisation & Soc Change MSc Spring 10

SOC40920 Dissertation Soc Change MSc Summer 30



Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:

Option Modules Trinity: Students must select a minimum of 10 credits and a maximum of 20 credits from each partner university. The combined number of credits taken from option modules across both partner universities should total 30 credits. The maximum amount of credits per one trimester is 30.



SOC40960 Migration: Educational Per MSc (TCD) Autumn 10

SOC40910 Gender and Soc Change MSc Spring 10

SOC40980 Migration, Labour, Conflict MS (TCD) Spring 10

SOC41210 SocThinking in Digital Age TCD Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of:

Option Modules UCD: Students must select a minimum of 10 credits and a maximum of 20 credits from each partner university. The combined number of credits taken from option modules across both partner universities should total 30 credits. Students must not exceed 30 credits per one trimester.



SOC41160 Global Solutions and Applied Social Change Autumn 10

SOC41180 Global Responses to Climate Change Autumn 10

SPOL40470 Comparing Healthcare Systems Autumn 10

SOC40620 Nationalism and Social Change Spring 10

Applicants should normally have a primary degree in sociology or social science, or a closely related discipline.



A Student Grade Point Average (GPA) Equivalent 3.0 out of 4.0 is required (where the grading scale is 0.0 to 4.0) or equivalent result where other grading scale is presented.



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.



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.



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://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/

Apply online



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

90

1 year full-time.

MSc Comparative Social Change (W360) Full Time

EU fee per year - € 8960 dc

nonEU fee per year - € 16705 dc


dcThis is a Joint MSc with Trinity College Dublin (TCD)

***Fees are subject to change


Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of Masters scholarships for full­time international students, who have been offered a place on a UCD Masters degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.


The MSc Comparative Social Change EU sholarships comprise an award of €2,000 towards university fees to students who have been accepted to the MSc Comparative Social Change programme. Up to three scholarships will be awarded (limited to full-time students). For more informatoin please see MSc Comparative Social Change EU Scholarships.

W360 MSc Comparative Social Change

Master of Science Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

Careers & Employability

The MSc Comparative Social Change is particularly relevant for students who are interested in pursuing careers in the public and private sector, international institutions and civil society organisations. Students receive a solid academic training in social change issues - such as gender, education and the labour market - which can be applied to real-world problems. This training has the potential to open up career opportunities in fields such as research, policy development and advocacy.