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.
The MA Sociology of Development and Globalisation course is divided into two sections: parts A and B.
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)Why Choose This Course
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.
Why Choose This Course
The MA Sociology of Sustainability and Global Challenges course is aimed at people who are looking for professional growth and new career options.
This course prepares you for doctoral studies in the social sciences, or for employment in various sectors including:
media
civil service
education
social services
health care
public administration
NGOs
Subjects taught
The MA Sociology of Development and Globalisation course is divided into two sections: parts A and B.
Part A
Compulsory modules:
SC6608 Social Theory
SC6614 Sociological Methodology
SC6623 Globalisation and Culture
SC6631 Sociology of Sustainable Development.
You will also choose three additional modules:
SC6624 Civilization and Globalisation
SC6625 Formations of Gender, Race, Ethnicity and Class in Contemporary Ireland
SC6626 Sociology of the Public Sphere
SC6627 Social Pathology and Civic Health
SC6638 Borders and Social Justice
Part B
SC6615 Dissertation (20,000 words)
For further details on the programme curriculum and module descriptions, see the Postgraduate College Calendar
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.
https://www.ucc.ie/admin/registrar/modules/
Entry requirements
Requirements
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, 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 Sustainability 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.
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.
Application dates
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.
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.
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 Info
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.
Duration
1 year full-time.
Enrolment dates
Start Date: 7 September 2020
Post Course Info
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.