Sociology

Course Outline

Our Higher Diploma in Arts (Sociology) at UCC is a conversion course for students who have already completed an undergraduate degree. The course is ideal for anyone who wants to study an intensive course in Sociology in one year and apply for further studies at MA level in Sociology. Alternatively, you may simply wish to add a higher diploma to your existing qualifications.



The Higher Diploma in Arts (Sociology) is intended to give students a solid foundation in Sociology. The course has a strong emphasis on independent, critical thinking, helping you to understand and analyse events in wider society. If you take this Diploma you will acquire a comprehensive and advanced knowledge of Sociological concepts, topics and methods. You will also develop a host of additional skills, such as being able to develop and demonstrate mastery over a wide research area in a defined period of time.

This course has several mandatory modules which the Dept. recommends that all students take. These modules will provide you with a sophisticated understanding of Sociological theory and research.



Mandatory Modules

SC2014 Classical Social Theory (5 credits)

SC2015 Critical Social Theory (5 credits)

SC2065 Introduction to Social Research (10 credits)



You can combine these mandatory modules with a wide range of optional modules (each worth 5 credits) to make up your remaining credits. The specialist modules that we teach all fall within our substantial areas of teaching and research. Broadly speaking, these areas are:

Crime and Criminal Justice, Criminology, Deviance, and Violence

Environment, Sustainability, and Climate Change

Gender, Sexuality and Identity, Feminism

Health/Medical Sociology, Social Media and Technology

Human Rights, Borders, and Migration

Sociological Theory and Methods, Historical Sociology



The precise optional modules and topics studied will differ for each individual student. Modules will be chosen in consultation with members of staff in the Department of Sociology depending on your preferred area of specialisation.



The online College Book of Modules contains descriptions for all modules offered in the University's modularised programmes for the current academic year.



If you are applying for this course to gain a teaching subject please consult with the Teaching Council subject Declaration form to view specific requirements for this subject.

It is intended for those who already have a 3 or 4-year primary degree, preferably in the area of Arts or the Sciences, and who wish to study Sociology intensively over one academic year.



The Higher Diploma in Arts is a conversion programme and the applicant would not normally have studied the relevant subject to Honours Degree level previously.



Applications will be assessed by the Sociology Postgraduate Committee.



For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.



International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

• In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

• Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.



English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements.

Closing Date

Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.



Non-EU Closing Date

Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

Assessment

The course is assessed through a combination of continuous assessment (e.g. essays), in-class presentations and group work, and written examinations. The precise method of assessment varies from module to module.

Higher Diploma 60 ECTS credits

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

Start Date 8 September 2025

Skills and Careers Information

The course will help you to develop a range of analytical and critical-thinking skills as part of a lively academic community. Throughout the year, the Department of Sociology hosts visiting lecturers from universities both nationally and internationally. The research component of the course provides you with the skill-set needed to plan and conduct project work that can be transferred across a range of professional and academic careers.