Equality Studies

The programme is aimed at students who wish to develop a career or further studies in the field of equality, or who wish to become advocates or activists for equality in civil society or politics. We welcome applicants from a wide a range of backgrounds, with diverse experience and interests. Current students are of various nationalities and include recent graduates, community activists, educators, health care professionals, civil servants and journalists. Please note that if you are intending to study this programme on a part time basis, classes do take place during normal working hours, though modules can be spread flexibly over the two years, subject to certain requirements (Egalitarian Theory always has to be taken in year 1, Feminist and Egalitarian Research and the Portfolio have to be taken in year 2).



The MSc in Equality Studies is the only masters of its kind in Europe and offers a unique opportunity to examine global equality issues from a range of perspectives.



The MSc in Equality Studies was designed for those who wish to develop an interdisciplinary understanding of global social justice issues and explore strategies for change. Drawing students from across the globe, the course emphasises the relationship between theory and practice with a view to bringing about positive social change. You learn about and develop your own ideas on a wide range of equality, human rights and global justice issues. You will benefit from the opportunity to specialize in areas of particular interest such as capitalism and social justice, gender justice and feminism, global inequalities, human rights law and practice, and minorities and discrimination.



The learning environment is student-centred and participatory with students from a wide range of backgrounds with diverse experience and interests including community activists, development practitioners, educators, healthcare professionals, civil servants and journalists.

Stage 1 Core Modules

EQUL40390 Critical Political Economy Autumn 10

EQUL40420 Egalitarian Theory Autumn 10

SSJ40010 Feminist & Egalitarian Research Spring 10

SSJ40060 Masters Research Project Summer 30



Stage 1 Options - A) Min 3 of:

Students should select EITHER GS40120 - Decoloniality and Intersectionality OR EQUL40070 - Human Rights Law and Equality and 2 others.

EDUC42590 Equalities, Social Justice and Children's Learning Autumn 10

EQUL40310 Masculinities, Gender and Equality Autumn 10

GEOG40970 Critical Geographies: Spatialising Power and Inequalities Autumn 10

GEOG41050 Globalization, Empire and Race: Economic Geography Autumn 10

GS40110 Gender, Sexuality, and the Body; The Politics of Belonging Autumn 10

LAW42280 International Refugee Law Autumn 10

PHIL41320 Topics in Continental Philos Autumn 10

POL40140 Theories of Global Justice Autumn 10

PSY40640 Advanced Disability Studies Autumn 10

PSY40890 Disability Policy Legislation Autumn 10

EQUL40070 Human Rights Law and Equality Spring 10

GS40030 Gender, Inequality and Public Policy Spring 10

GS40080 Culture and Sexualities Spring 10

GS40120 Decoloniality and Intersectionality Thinking Spring 10

POL40370 International Political Economy Spring 10

POL41030 Theory of Human Rights Spring 10

SOC40620 Nationalism and Social Change Spring 10

SOC40720 Organised Violence and Society Spring 10

SOC40790 Art, Knowledge & Social Change Spring 10

Entry Requirements

Normally students on this programme will have attained a higher second class honours in their primary degree (NFQ Level 8) or international equivalent, and will have demonstrable experience in or aptitude for the field of equality studies, as illustrated in their personal statement. Students with a lower second class honours degree may be considered for the programme, depending on level of commensurate experience and qualifications, and availability of places, as assessed by the applications review panel.



All applicants will be asked to upload two references as part of their application, and to provide contact details for their referees. At least one of these referees should be someone who knows the applicant in an academic capacity.



In certain circumstances, the applications review panel may decide to invite applicants to interview.



Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

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



Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: No

90

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

MSc Equality Studies (W003) Part Time

EU fee per year - € 4760

nonEU fee per year - € 9950


MSc Equality Studies (W105) Full Time

EU fee per year - € 7315

nonEU fee per year - € 19900


***Fees are subject to change


Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website.Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme.

For further information please see International Scholarships.

W105 MSc Equality Studies Master of Science Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught



W003 Equality Studies Master of Science Part-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Equality Studies graduates work in multiple fields including politics, journalism, law, education, public policy, voluntary and community work, and human rights advocacy.



Alumni of the Masters in Equality Studies are employed by major national and international human rights and development organisations such as Amnesty International and the United Nations.