Sociology  (SOC1)

Taking sociology on the Bachelor of Social Science degree provides students with an understanding and explanation of social relations, social institutions and social processes. It develops the sociological imagination enabling students to understand the connection between personal experience and wider social relationships.

We value critical reflection and analysis of the social world that draws upon various theoretical and evidence based research approaches that facilitate an understanding of the complexities and dynamics underpinning past, present social processes and future trends and developments.   



The School of sociology provides a learning environment in which individual and small group learning fosters the development of critical, analytical skills. The focus is on analyzing small-scale and large-scale social processes. The School encourages critical thinking, research, and the development of communication skills, and independent learning. The School contains a diverse student body in which inter- and cross-disciplinary environments and pluralism is encouraged.



The School provides a broad range of teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, and small group work. This is supported by lecturers and tutors, from a wide variety of social and cultural backgrounds, who are committed to excellence in teaching and are academic specialists in their own fields.  The degree includes robust training in qualitative, quantitative, and comparative-historical methods. 

1 - Demonstrate an understanding of complex processes, knowledge of various sociological, conceptual theoretical practices
2 - Possess a social scientific understanding of social relations
3 - Develop an ability to see the bigger picture, contextualize knowledge, synthesize different data sources, compare and contrast data, and understand the complexities of social life
4 - Have the capacity to engage with, filter and assess established knowledge in the discipline. To be an more informed reader of research
5 - Develop writing and presentation skills including the ability to communicate ideas in a concise and measured way.
6 - Possess the ability to work independently and collaboratively
7 - Show a capacity to manage oneself, one’s time and to organize learning practices
8 - Have acquired transferable skills and the ability to make informed judgments

Sociology is the scientific study of society and social life and should be of interest to anyone committed to developing comprehensive explanations for human behaviour. It seeks to explain why people behave the way they do. It studies the different human groups to which people belong: families, social classes, religions, neighbourhoods, countries and races. Sociologists are interested in how these groups influence what people do and say and, at the same time, how individuals, through the way they change their behaviour, change the nature of these groups.

Sociology combines theoretical analysis and empirical research. It involves the development of theories and concepts that help us understand society and social life. In Stage 1, you are introduced to some of the main theories, concepts and research methods in Sociology and to the works of leading sociologists. These are combined with three applied programmes that look at how societies develop, contemporary Irish society and the study of culture. In Stages 2 and 3, besides a number of required modules, you can choose from a wide range of module options including a concentration on social research and/or media studies.

In order to progress to Stage 2, students must have passed two Sociology modules offered at Stage 1. SOC10010 `Foundations of Sociological Thought' is a compulsory module and must be passed prior to degree completion.

Stage 1

In order to progress to Stage 2, students must have successfully completed two Sociology modules offered at Stage 1.
SOC10010 Foundation of Sociological Thought is a compulsory module and must be passed prior to degree completion.
Sociology is only available in a combination with English and History in Stage 2 and Stage 3. Please see the Programme Office website for information on the combinations available if you plan to progress with Sociology into Stage 2.