Sustainable Societies

How do modern societies design and deliver sustainable solutions to urgent challenges— from climate change and biodiversity loss to widening inequalities, conflict and rapid social transformation? The MSc in Sustainable Societies equips you to analyse, design and evaluate such solutions, moving confidently between evidence, civic action, enterprise and public policy. At the heart of the programme is our AABP model—Academic, Activism, Business, Policy— which shows how durable solutions take root and scale. You’ll move from rigorous research (mixed methods, impact evaluation, theory of change) to coalition-building and stakeholder engagement; from proof-of-concept to market ready models; and from local pilots to policy adoption. Each element feeds the next: studies reveal what works, activism builds legitimacy, business ensures feasibility and scale, and policy locks in equitable standards—while feedback from practice continually refines the research agenda. From day one, you’ll work on contemporary cases and apply the AABP lens to design, implement and evaluate interventions. The journey culminates in your independent project and closely mentored dissertation, transforming your interests into a concrete, research-driven contribution with real-world impact.



We develop and apply an innovative AABP model that explores the intersections of



A academic knowledge and research

A activism and social movements

B business and technological innovations

P social policy



to understand the design, operations and innovative potential of global solutions. This programme is delivered by the UCD School of Sociology www.ucd.ie/sociology



Throughout the programme, we explore a range of current global problems, such as global inequalities, war and violence, climate change, and analyse relevant case studies applying innovative solutions. As a student, you will be encouraged to develop your own project and follow your particular interests as part of your Master’s dissertation.



Work Experience

A wide range of organisations and social enterprises use the skills developed throughout the programme. Academic and analytical skills are required for work in the social research sector, including think tanks, market research and academic organisations. Focus on activism and business prepares you for working in the NGO sector and as a social entrepreneur. Policy perspective is essential for those wishing to pursue careers in the civil service, governmental organisations, and social policy.



The MSc Sustainable Societies at UCD is ideal for graduates who wish to innovate and focus on solutions a part of their future career.

Stage 1 Core Modules

SOC40140 Dissertation 30

SOC41130 AI and Society 10

SOC41160 Global Solutions and Applied Social Change 10

SOC41180 Global Responses to Climate Change 10

SOC41200 Research Design 10



Stage 1 Options - A)2 of:

Students must select 10 credits in the Autumn and 10 credits in the Spring, The maximum credit allowed per one trimester is 30.

SOC40620 Nationalism and Social Change 10

SOC40720 Organised Violence and Society 10

SOC41120 Human Development Challenges in the Global South 10

SOC41150 Queering Global Challenges 10

SOC41170 R.A.G.E. - Remembrance, Activism, Genocide, Emotions 10

SPOL41110 Ideas, Ideology in Public Pol. 10

SPOL41120 Sustainable Futures and Public Policy 10

Applicants should normally have a primary degree (NFQ Level 8 or international equivalent) in sociology or social science, or a closely related discipline.



A Student Grade Point Average (GPA) Equivalent 3.0 out of 4.0 is required (where the grading scale is 0.0 to 4.0) or the equivalent result where another grading scale is presented.



Applicants who do not meet the academic requirements but can confirm professional qualifications and/or experience will be considered on a case by case basis. Applicants may be called for an interview.All candidates are expected to be proficient in written and spoken English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must submit evidence of a certificate of proficiency (such as TOEFL, Cambridge or IELTS). Test results must be less than two years old and must meet the minimum UCD standards listed here: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/policiesandgeneralregulations/generalrequirements/minimumenglishlanguagerequirements/



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/

Apply online.



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

1 year, full-time, on campus.

W618 Sustainable Societies Master of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught

A wide range of organisations and social enterprises use the skills developed throughout the programme. Academic and analytical skills are required for work in the social research sector, including think tanks, market research and academic organisations. Focus on activism and business prepares you for working in the NGO sector and as a social entrepreneur. Policy perspective is essential for those wishing to pursue careers in the civil service, governmental organisations, and social policy.



The MSc Sustainable Societies at UCD is ideal for graduates who wish to innovate and focus on solutions a part of their future career.