For academic queries please contact Dr Michael Punch,T: +353 0(1) 716 8506

NEW for the 2011 - 2012 Academic Year

This coming academic year (2011-12) students taking the general taught masters degree in Sociology (MSocSc) will have the option of taking the traditional route of 6 modules (60 credits) and a minor thesis (30 credits) or a new route of not doing a thesis and taking 9 modules (90 credits). Students taking 9 modules will be expected to take either 4 or 5 modules in the first semester and the remainder in the second semester. However, they will be able to defer submission of the final assessment for 3 of their modules until the summer. Students taking 9 modules will have to take a number of ascribed modules as well as choosing from a wide range of available optional courses.

Please note the curriculum is subject to change.

Incoming students will have the option of taking the traditional route of 6 modules (60 credits) and a minor thesis (30 credits) or a new route of not doing a thesis and taking 9 modules (90 credits).

Students taking 9 modules will be expected to take either 4 or 5 modules in the first semester and the remainder in the second semester. However, they will be able to defer submission of the final assessment for 3 of their modules until the summer. Students taking 9 modules will have to take a number of ascribed modules as well as choosing from a wide range of available optional courses.

Who is the Masters in Sociology (MSocSc in Sociology) for?

This Programme is suitable for graduates with a primary degree in Sociology or Social Science or a closely related discipline (such as psychology, philosophy, human geography, history, politics, and economics) who want to develop their social analysis skills. It attracts both recent graduates as well as people who want to take time out from employment or who wish to study on a part-time basis. The programme also attracts international students.

What will I learn?

You will learn and develop cutting edge research and analytical skills and the ability to critically study social life and everyday processes.

You will also develop essay writing and dissertation skills as well as the ability to provide oral presentations.

These skills will allow you to pursue further higher level study or to compete successfully in the marketplace careerwise.

How will I benefit?

The Masters Programme in Sociology is highly regarded by prospective employers and will give you a competitive advantage in the job market.

A diverse variety of exciting modules are taught by some of the country’s leading sociologists providing you with first rate research and analytical skills and providing the foundation for future career development.

What is the programme about?

Social analysis plays a central role in a number of modern professions in Ireland located in the knowledge and smart economy. The Masters Programmes in Sociology have been specifically developed to provide a basis for career and academic developement.

The general MSocSc programme provides a broad range of cutting edge analytical and research skills. You will develop an in-depth understanding of social analysis preparing students for exciting career opportunities in a wide and dynamic range of professions, but particularly in service provision, human resources, media, marketing, education, research and teaching.

The programme will develop a number of important skills sought by employers including the ability to think creatively, undertake independent research, analytical skills, and writing and report skills developed through writing essays and a long dissertation. Students will also develop a number of presentation and oral skills.

Programme Highlights

• The School of Sociology offers an exciting Masters programme in Sociology. The courses are taught by some of the leading experts in the field in Ireland.
• The School provides a friendly and supporting environment for intellectual thought to take place.
• The Programme offers a diverse and wide ranging selection of innovative modules.
• The Programme uniquely offers students the opportunity write a fully supervised dissertation (15,000 words) on a sociological topic of their choice.
• Students have the option of substituting the 30 credit thesis for three additional modules
• The School of Sociology prides itself in providing a friendly small group teaching environment for undertaking graduate studies. Students from UCD, students from other Irish colleges, mature students, and international students all mix to share and create a vibrant and convivial atmosphere.
• Students have the opportunity to write a minor thesis on a topic of their choice.
• University College Dublin is one of the leading universities in Ireland and is in the top 100 in the World University Rankings. It is currently developing state of the art recreational facilities including a new concert venue, theatre, swimming pool, and student centre. It is located in one of the most exciting and dynamic cities in Europe.

For academic queries please contact Dr Michael Punch, T: +353 0(1) 716 8506.

Students take six modules and complete a minor dissertation of at least 15,000 words. There are 90 credits assigned to the Programme. Each module counts for 10 credits and the dissertation counts for 30 credits, i.e., one third of the Programme. Of the six modules which students take, three are obligatory (core modules) and the remaining three are chosen form a list of options. Each module will generally consist of 12 x 2 hour sessions.

The 3 obligatory (core) modules are:

- Contemporary Sociological Theory (SOC 40050)

- Sociological Research: Theoretical and Applied Issues (SOC 40220)

- Research Methodologies:

Qualitative (SOC 40330) OR Quantitative (SOC 40030)

Current optional modules are:

- Cultural Theory and Analysis (SOC 40390)

- Economic Globalisation and Social Change (SOC 40230)

- Crime and Social Control (SOC 40080)

- Social Networks and Agent Based Simulation (SOC 40340)

- Sociology of Migration (SOC 40430)

- Health, Illness and Society (SOC 40310)

- Race, Ethnicity and Society (SOC 40360)

- Contested Urban Environments (SOC 40530)

- Understanding Media Audiences (SOC 40510)

- Researching Issues in Health and Illness (SOC 40070)

- Qualitative Data Research (SOC 40130)

- Sociology of Markets (SOC 40560)

View provisional Sociology Masters Timetable 2010-11

Where can I go?

There are exciting career opportunities for you in a wide and dynamic range of professions including careers in :

• social research
• marketing
• policy analysis
• community work
• the non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector

Advanced careers in:

• the civil service
• the health sector
• the media
• As well as working in people orientated professions including
• human resources and public relations

Masters in Sociology

Full-time: W046

Part-time: W106

NOTE: On-Line Applications open on 14th February 2011

Closing dates:

25 March (Particularly non-EU students who require a student visa)

30 June

• Applicants should normally have a primary degree in sociology or social science, or a closely related discipline (such as psychology, philosophy, human geography, history, politics, and economics).
• A second class honours grade one (2H1) or higher is required but second class honours grade two (2H2) standard or equivalent may be considered.
• Applicants with a Joint Honours primary degree should normally have attained a standard of at least second class honours grade two (2H2) in their final degree.

Supporting documentation must be submitted by all students. Applications will not be considered unless all documents are submitted immediately and received by UCD before the closing date:

1. Complete official transcripts (notarised English translations where relevant)giving details of all courses taken and examination marks obtained. If applicants have not yet graduated, they should send their most recent results now and request their university administration office to send an official transcript, specifying courses taken each year and grades received in each examination, including grades in their final examination, immediately they become available. (Not required for UCD students)
2. Letters of recommendation from two academic referees. There is no form. Please ask referee to place reference letter in an envelope, seal it and write their signature across the seal. This should be returned to you, for you to submit with all your documentation to On-line Applications.
3. Copy of Birth Certificate, or relevant pages from passport confirming official name and date of birth. (Not required for UCD students)
4. English Language Proficiency. Applicants whose primary language is not English must submit evidence of a certificate of proficiency in the English language (such as TOEFL minimum score of 600 or 250 computer based, Cambridge or IELTS minimum score of 6.5 with 6.0 in each band). Test results must be less than two years old.

Apply now