Sociology

Course Outline
The Higher Diploma in Arts (Sociology) 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.

Why Choose This Course
A Higher Diploma in Arts (Sociology) is of interest to those who are looking for professional and personal development and new career directions. This degree prepares you for the pursuit of further studies in Sociology. If you have an undergraduate degree, this course will help you to expand your repertoire of knowledge and skills. You might also be interested in pursuing Sociology in relation to a teaching qualification (though please check the Teaching Council Subject Declaration Form, linked above, before doing this). Finally you might have an interest in understanding and analyzing the major societal and environmental changes which we are now experiencing, which range from climate breakdown to the metoo movement, through to housing and health system crises, to the emergence of mass surveillance and social networks. Sociology is a key subject for making sense of, and hopefully helping to address, the key challenges of the 21st century.

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
SC2001 Foundation in Sociological Theory (5 credits)
SC2002 Research Project 1 (5 credits)
SC3001 Social Theory II (5 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.

Modules
Further details on the modules listed above can be found in our book of modules. Any modules listed above are indicative of the current set of modules for this course but are subject to change from year to year.

University Calendar
You can find the full academic content for the current year of any given course in our University Calendar.

Requirements
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 one of the following the subject Sociology intensively over one academic year.

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

Applications will be assessed by the Sociology Postgraduate Committee.

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

For applicants with qualifications completed outside of Ireland:
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements.

International/non-EU applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure please 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.

For more information please contact the International Office.

How Do I Apply

1. Choose Course
Firstly choose your course. Applicants can apply for up to two courses under one application. Details of taught courses are available on our online prospectus.

2. Apply Online
Once you have chosen your course you can apply online at the online application portal. Applicants will need to apply before the course closing date. There is a non-refundable €50 application fee for all courses apart from the Education - Professional Master of Education - (Secondary School/Post-Primary Teacher Training) which has a €100 application fee.

Note: Applicants for the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Nursing must apply on the PAC website when the programme opens for applications.

3. Gather Supporting Documents
Scanned copies of the following documents will need to be uploaded to the online application portal in support of your application. Applicants may need to produce the original documents if you are accepted onto a course and register at UCC.

- Original qualification documents listed on your application including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC
- Any supplementary items requested for your course.

Please log into the online application portal for more details.

4. Application processing timeline
Our online application portal opens for applications for most courses in early November of each year. Check specific course details.

5. Rounds
For courses that are in the rounds system (Irish and EU applicants), please check the rounds closing dates below.

Additional Requirements (All Applicants)
Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.

In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.

Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.

Please detail your computing/technical/IT skills.

The closing date for non-EU applications is 15 June.

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.

Additional Teaching Mode Information
The part-time option will be taught during weekday working hours over 2 years.

Start Date: 7 September 2020

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.