2026 Dates
2 June - 13 June 2026
Exploring Social Justice: Activism, Solidarity, and Emancipation 2-Weeks Summer Programmme
UCD College of Social Sciences and Law is the largest centre for education, research, and outreach in social sciences and related disciplines in Ireland. We are delighted to offer this new summer program, which will be delivered by the UCD School of Social Justice, Social Work and Social Policy, inviting students to explore why specific groups, individuals, or communities that experience various forms of injustice and what actions have been taken to confront and resist social inequalities.
Programme Overview
Exploring Social Justice: Activism, Solidarity, and Emancipation
During this two-week programme, students will gain in-depth knowledge of theories and perspectives in social justice and oppression. They will learn to identify intersectional oppressions and struggles related to gender, class, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Students will have the unique opportunity to engage with activists and civil society organizations in Dublin and will analyse their strategies of resistance and mobilization. By the end of these two weeks, students will have a clearer understanding of why specific groups, individuals, or communities experience various forms of injustice and what actions have been taken to confront and resist social inequalities.
Students will gain experiential knowledge by participating in firsthand workshops and discussions with feminist, workers, anti-racist, migrant, and LGBTQ+ activists in Ireland and will collectively design posters and campaigns calling for actions and social change. They will develop an autoethnographic social justice journal reflecting on their trips, walks, and visits to historical and contemporary sites of oppression, resistance, and solidarity.
About the School of Social Policy, Social Work, and Social Justice:The UCD School of Social Policy, Social Work, and Social Justice is a center of excellence for research, teaching, and professional training in social policy, social work, equality studies, and gender studies, whose faculty provides world-class, innovative educational curricula that are grounded in cutting-edge research and strong links with policymakers, marginalized communities, and the social professions.
https://www.ucd.ie/socialpolicyworkjustice/
Academic Leads
(opens in a new window)Dr Krisna Ruette-Orihuela, Assistant Professor in Social Justice School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice
Programme Contact Details: Email Social Sciences Study Abroad at socialsciencesstudyabroad@ucd.ie for more information and for general program queries.
Application Procedure & Deadline
We will begin to accept applications from interested students for Summer 2026 from 31st October. Offers will be released by late March.
Entry requirements:
- Full-time registered student
- Cumulative GPA of3.0—Official transcript must be provided with the application
- FullEnglish languagerequirements
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, by the time the programme commences
- Copy of official government photo ID, e.g., National ID card, Passport
See below for directions on how to apply.
How to Apply:
- Go tothe UCD Course Catalogueand type the Major code into the search box (CD43) Social Sciences Study Abroad Summer and click to search
- Select ‘Start a new course application.’
- This will redirect to a new login page (below) and prompt the student to create an account.
- Once students have created their account, they will receive an email from UCD IT Services with their login credentials.
- Take a note/record of your login and password, as it is needed to log back into an application when accepting an offer
- To continue with an application, click on the ‘Continue’ hyperlink embedded in the email.
- Students will be asked to log in using the credentials recently created and will land directly on the application form for the programme they have chosen.
- Guidance about how to complete the application, as well as how to upload any supplemental information, can be accessed in our dedicated video either on (opens in a new window)Youtube, or on the application portal in the FAQ article (opens in a new window)How to use the Application Portal.
For any enquiries regarding the application, or for more information about the Study Abroad Summer Programme please contact socialsciencesstudyabroad@ucd.ie
Cultural and Social Programme
An essential part of studying abroad is to allow students to have an immersive experience and learn about the local culture and traditions that the host country has to offer. There will be a complimentary and varied Cultural & Social Programme on offer to students who participate on our programme. You will be taken on various cultural trips, and you will have the opportunity to learn about Irish culture through a series of excursions.
By participating in these activities students will also have the opportunity to meet and mingle with students on other UCD Study Abroad summer programmes, from a range of interests.
A schedule of cultural and social activities will be shared with you prior to your arrival at UCD.
So what are you waiting for? Apply today!
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Housing at UCD
Accommodation fees are not included in tuition fees and must be paid separately. If you would like to apply for on-campus accommodation, then please indicate this on the application when prompted to do so. You will then receive information about how to apply and costs for on-campus accommodation via e-mail, once the application deadline passes.
Accommodation costs for Summer 2026 are TBC. The accommodation cost for Summer 2025 was USD $67.25 per student/night for a single ensuite room.This rate included bed linen, weekly housekeeping, 24-hour reception, and other amenities.
T
o preview the various on-campus accommodation options available, please visit the UCD Residences website:
https://www.ucd.ie/residences/
Students are welcome to not stay on campus but must note that finding accommodation off-campus will be solely their responsibility.
Student Supports
Each year, UCD welcomes hundreds of international students to its campus over the summer. The UCD campus is home to a thriving student community and provides a wide range of student support services. As a UCD student, you are entitled to use the range of student support services on campus. Learning resources such as the library will guide you in your studies, and if you have any personal difficulties, we will be there to help. For any academic or personal difficulties students may encounter, a range of student supports is available.
Academic Coordinator:
Dr. Krisna Ruette-Orihuela is the academic coordinator for the Exploring Social Summer School (2-weejs). Krisna is a Lecturer/Assistant professor at the School of Social Policy, Social Work, and Social Justice, and is and is available to provide academic support and guidance to students during their time here.
krisna.ruette-orihuela@ucd.ie
Programme Manager:
The UCD College of Social Sciences and Law Global Engagement Programme Manager, Ronan Gough is the first point of contact for program-related queries. Ronan will communicate with you about your application, registration, and other important issues related to your program. Students are encouraged to review our website, read the emails issued to you, and also email the programme manager with any questions you have to: (opens in a new window)socialsciencesstudyabroad@ucd.ie
Student Advisers:
Our team of student advisers is here to ensure that your experience at UCD is as fulfilling and successful as possible. They available to assist students with personal, academic, financial and practical problems. Holly Dignam and Kieran Moloney are the two dedicated Student Advisers for the college.