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.

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

Course Practicalities
The mandatory aspects of the course run throughout Semesters 1 and 2. Most lectures are 1 hour in duration, however, some of the optional courses have 2-hour lectures. Typically, the courses are timetabled between 9am and 7pm, Monday to Friday.

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.

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.

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

English Language Requirements
Applicants that are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Please visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

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.

The closing date for non-EU applications is 30 June 2023

How Do I Apply
1. Check Dates: Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the fact file boxes at the top of the page.

For Irish and EU applicants we operate a rounds system and you can check the rounds closing dates here.
Note that not all our programmes are subject to the rounds system so check the opening and closing dates for your specific programme in the fact file boxes above.

2. Gather Documents: Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:

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

3. Apply Online: Apply online via the UCC online application portal. Note the majority of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.

Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.

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.

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: 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.