Equality Studies

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.



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 of theory to 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 specialise 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 Graduate Diploma in Equality Studies is the only programme of its kind in Europe and offers a unique opportunity to examine global equality issues from a range of perspectives.



The Graduate Diploma 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 brining 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.

Module / Trimester / Credits

Stage 1 Core Modules

EQUL40390 Critical Political Economy Autumn 10

EQUL40420 Egalitarian Theory Autumn 10



Stage 1 Options - A)4 of:

Option Modules

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

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

GEOG41150 GIS for Environmental Health 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

SOC40620 Nationalism and Social Change Spring 10

SOC40720 Organised Violence and Society Spring 10

SOC40790 Art, Knowledge & Social Change Spring 10

SSJ40010 Feminist & Egalitarian Research Spring 10

Students on this programme will have attained at least a lower or upper second class honours or international equivalent at Bachelors level and will have demonstrable experience in or aptitude for the field of Equality Studies, as illustrated in their personal statement.



Your application will be considered on its individual merits and relevant professional experience will also be taken into account.



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.



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: No



Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: No

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

W395 Graduate Diploma Equality Studies Graduate Diploma Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught



W396 Equality Studies Graduate Diploma Part-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

Careers & Employability

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.