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.



Students will develop a range of conceptual, analytical and methodological skills that will enable them to identify, describe and analyse a wide range of social phenomena, drawing on advanced knowledge of current debates, problems and issues at the forefront of sociology.



Teaching, learning and assessment are structured around critical engagement with sociological topics. Students are encouraged to be active participants in seminar discussions and presentations, and to enhance their critical reading, thinking and writing skills.



Students also develop their independent research skills through an individually supervised thesis based on a substantive topic aligned to their interests, needs and goals.



Highly-regarded, it prepares you for roles in any number of professions and careers: from policy analysis to media and public relations, and from community development to the creative industries. The MSc in Sociology is designed for those wishing to prioritise acquisition of advanced quantitative research skills.

Stage 1 Core Modules

POL40950 Introduction to Statistics Autumn 10

SOC41200 Research Design Autumn 10

SOC40140 Dissertation Summer 30



Stage 1 Options - A)4 of:



Students must select one module in the Autumn term and three modules in the Spring term from the list of options. The maximum amount of credits allowed per one trimester is 30.



SOC40640 Social Simulation: Methods and Models Autumn 10

SOC40730 Social and Political Thought: Basic texts and discussions Autumn 10

SOC41160 Global Solutions and Applied Social Change Autumn 10

SOC41180 Global Responses to Climate Change Autumn 10

SPOL40470 Comparing Healthcare Systems Autumn 10

SPOL41110 Ideas, Ideology in Public Pol. Autumn 10

SOC40330 Workshop in Qualitative Research Spring 10

SOC40620 Nationalism and Social Change Spring 10

SOC40670 Global Migration Spring 10

SOC40720 Organised Violence and Society Spring 10

SOC40790 Art, Knowledge & Social Change Spring 10

SOC41120 Human Development Challenges in the Global South Spring 10

SOC41130 AI and Society Spring 10

SOC41150 Queering Global Challenges Spring 10

SOC41170 R.A.G.E. - Remembrance, Activism, Genocide, Emotions Spring 10

SOC41220 Social Networks Spring 10

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://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



This Programme 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 their social analysis skills. It is designed for national and international students, both recent graduates as well as people who want to take time out from employment or who wish to study on a part-time basis.

90

1/2 years FT/PT, On Campus.

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

W436 MSc Sociology Master of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught



W437 MSc Sociology Master of Science Part-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught

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.