Sociology  (SOJ1)

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

Destinations include countries such as Belgium, England, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, USA, Australia, China and South Korea. Students studying Sociology with German or Italian will study abroad for their third year.

Sociology gives an excellent foundation for a diverse set of careers in areas such as social research and policy analysis, journalism, media, community development, youth work, civil service, social data science or business. It also leads to a wide range of graduate study opportunities in the social sciences, law and business.

The School of Sociology offers a general MSc or MA in Sociology, MSc in Social Data Science, MSc in Comparative Social Change and an MSc Global Solutions.

UCD School of Sociology
ucd.ie/sociology/contact

Stage 3

Students must ensure that they complete 50 credits in Sociology across Stages 2 and 3 by the end of Stage 3. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits.

Stage 4

Students must ensure that they complete 50 credits in Sociology across Stages 2 and 3 by the end of Stage 3. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits.

See the UCD Assessment website for further details

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