Sociology of Sustainability & Global Challenges

Course Outline
The innovative MA Sociology of Sustainability and Global Challenges analyses the globalisation of poverty and inequality and explores alternative strategies of development.

Course Practicalities
In Semesters 1 and 2, you will have a mandatory two-hour graduate seminar on theory/methodology. Mandatory seminars are generally timetabled on Tuesday afternoons after 4 pm. The timetabling of optional seminars changes from year to year but most are scheduled between 9 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday.

The MA Sociology of Development and Globalisation course is divided into two sections:

Part A

Compulsory modules

SC6614 Sociological Methodology
SC6631 Sociology of Sustainable Development.
SC6642 Social Theory and Climate Justice
You will also choose three additional modules:

SC6626 Sociology of the Public Sphere
SC6627 Social Pathology, Civic Health, New Technology
SC6638 Sovereignty, Rights and Justice
SC6639 Feminist Epistemologies: Feminisms, Sexuality and Society
SC6641 Gender and Catastrophe
Part B

SC6615 Dissertation (20,000 words)
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.

To apply for this course, you will have:·

A minimum of a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or equivalent honours degree in sociology, law, politics, psychology, history, applied social studies, anthropology, geography, economics, the study of religions, media studies, communication, government, public policy, development, environment and planning, criminology, European studies, women studies, early childhood studies, cultural studies, political studies, international relations or another subject relevant to the Sociology of Development and Globalisation

A relevant Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) will also be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) subject to a written expression of interest and/or interview acceptable to the Department of Sociology selection committee.

In exceptional circumstances, substantial professional experience in a relevant and related field of development may be accepted as compensating for the absence of an undergraduate degree to the required standard.

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
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.

Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.

Briefly describe a research proposal which may form the basis of your dissertation.
Please submit a copy of a short analytical/critical/report writing sample or essay (1,000 words approx.)
Early applications are encouraged for early decisions.

Assessment

Assessment is conducted through the grading of five graduate module papers. The word limit for the Social Theory paper is 3,000. The word limit for all other papers including Methodology is 5,000. These marks are combined with the student's grades on their final thesis (PART B) in order to determine an overall result.

Who teaches this course

In the most recent research quality review in UCC, the Department of Sociology was ranked among the top 15 per cent of sociology departments in the UK and US for the quality of their research.

Our staff are recognised for their outstanding research and publications record. Five members of staff have been awarded UCC CACSSS Research Achievement Awards. Members of staff in Sociology are currently conducting research projects funded by the European Union, the Irish Research Council and other research bodies.

Research from the Department of Sociology is regularly featured in the national and international media.

1 year full-time.

Start Date: 7 September 2020

Skills and Careers Information
This course gives you the opportunity to develop a range of analytical and critical-thinking skills as part of a lively academic community. Throughout the year, the Department hosts distinguished visiting speakers. You will also get the opportunity to participate in a wide range of stimulating scholarly events and conferences hosted by the Department, including the prestigious Theory and Philosophy Summer School held each year in May in UCC.