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Sociology

BA/BSc (NFQ Level 8)
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This course is available through the following application route(s)

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If you are interested in people, you will be interested in sociology. We are all part of society, we are connected with each other and we are affected by the people around us. Sociology provides you with the mindset and the research tools to observe the social world, make connections, understand differences, norms, cultures or inequalities.

About This Course

If you are interested in people, you will be interested in sociology. We are all part of society, we are connected with each other and we are affected by the people around us. Sociology provides you with the mindset and the research tools to observe the social world, make connections, understand differences, norms, cultures or inequalities.

Sociology seeks to explain how people relate with each other, how hidden structures play an important role in everyday life and how society shapes the way individuals behave. It is about why individuals organise themselves into groups such as families, communities, social classes, social networks, religions, genders, neighbourhoods or nations. But it is also about how these groups come about, what they mean and how they change over time. An essential part of your studies will be the acquisition of a sociological toolkit that includes both theoretical approaches and research methods to study society.

First Year

The first year includes a general Introduction to Sociology, the Foundations of Sociological Thinking, a view on Contemporary Ireland and the basics of Research Methods and Design. All first year social sciences students study the core module, Societal Challenges in the Twenty First Century, plus another subject and Elective module.

Second Year

The second year involves training in Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods and modules in areas such as Gender, Sociological Theory, Sociology of Peace & Conflict, Sociology of the Environment and more.

Third Year

The third year provides the opportunity for an Internship or Study Abroad. There are also a range of substantive modules in areas such as Migration, Race and Ethnicity, Historical Sociology, Sociology of the Body and more.

Fourth Year

During the fourth year, students participate in a Research Project. There are also further specialised modules, such as War & Violence, Global Inequalities or Art and Social Change, plus Elective modules.

Assessment

Students attend lectures and participate in seminar discussions. They also undertake independent studies, including reading and writing about sociological issues. Assessment is a combination of continuous assessment and end-of-trimester written exams, but also includes more innovative types.

Internship Opportunities

In third year, students can apply for an optional paid internship for one trimester in a range of organisations in the public and private sector, which help to inform future career decisions through real-world experience.

Study Sociology (BSc Social Sciences)

Archaeology Politics & International Relations
Economics Mathematics
Geography Social Justice
Information & Communication Studies Statistics
Philosophy

Art History German
English Irish/Gaeilge
Linguistics Italian

Computational Social Science

Click To View The BSc Social Sciences Course Combination Grid


Study Sociology (BA Joint Honours)

English History

Click To View The BA Arts Course Combination Grid

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.

In year 3 , students can apply for an optional paid internship (one trimester) in a range of organisations in the public and private sectors.


Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Options - Min 2 of:
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.
SOC10010 Foundations of Sociological Thought Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - Min 2 of:
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.
SOC10020 Introduction to Sociology Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - Min 2 of:
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.
SOC10060 Ireland in Comparative Perspective Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - Min 2 of:
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.
SOC10070 Sociological Analysis and Research Design Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
SOC20100 Sociological Theory Level 2 Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
SOC20260 Quantitative Research Methods Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
SOC20320 Qualitative Research Methods Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 2 of:
Select a minimum of 2 of the following option modules.
SOC10010 Foundations of Sociological Thought Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 2 of:
Select a minimum of 2 of the following option modules.
SOC20040 Sociology of Gender Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 2 of:
Select a minimum of 2 of the following option modules.
SOC20220 Social Theory and Social Media Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 2 of:
Select a minimum of 2 of the following option modules.
SOC20270 Sociology, Health and Inequality Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 2 of:
Select a minimum of 2 of the following option modules.
SOC20350 Sociology of Law Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 2 of:
Select a minimum of 2 of the following option modules.
SOC20440 Visual Research Methods Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 2 of:
Select a minimum of 2 of the following option modules.
SOC20210 Animals and Human Society Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 2 of:
Select a minimum of 2 of the following option modules.
SOC20250 Sociology of Nations Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 2 of:
Select a minimum of 2 of the following option modules.
SOC20280 Sociology of Family Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 2 of:
Select a minimum of 2 of the following option modules.
SOC20330 Sociology of Peace, Conflict & Justice Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 2 of:
Select a minimum of 2 of the following option modules.
SOC20360 Sociology of the Environment Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 2 of:
Select a minimum of 2 of the following option modules.
SOC20380 Global Developments Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 2 of:
Select a minimum of 2 of the following option modules.
SOC20410 Sociology and ethics of care Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC10010 Foundations of Sociological Thought Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30070 Sociology of Education Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30100 American Society Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30330 Currents in Contemporary Theory Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30360 Sociology of Migration, Race and Ethnicity Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30440 Sociology of the Body Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30560 Global Inequalities Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30700 Democracy & Civil Society Autumn  10
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30710 Historical Sociology Autumn  10
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30740 Sociology of climate change Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30780 Security, Surveillance, and the Big Brother Society Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC20400 Gender, Health and Society Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30080 Health, Illness and Society Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30270 Sociology of War and Violence Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30350 Social Stratification Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30380 Social Dynamics and Networks Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30580 Latin American Sociology Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30690 Art & Social Change Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30750 Sociological Power of Emotions Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30770 Activism and Social Movements Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC10010 Foundations of Sociological Thought Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30070 Sociology of Education Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30100 American Society Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30330 Currents in Contemporary Theory Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30360 Sociology of Migration, Race and Ethnicity Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30440 Sociology of the Body Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30560 Global Inequalities Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30700 Democracy & Civil Society Autumn  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30710 Historical Sociology Autumn  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30740 Sociology of climate change Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30780 Security, Surveillance, and the Big Brother Society Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30080 Health, Illness and Society Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30220 Science and Society Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30270 Sociology of War and Violence Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30350 Social Stratification Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30380 Social Dynamics and Networks Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30580 Latin American Sociology Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30690 Art & Social Change Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30750 Sociological Power of Emotions Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Select a minimum of 5 of the following option modules. Please ensure you take a minimum of 20 level 3 credits
SOC30770 Activism and Social Movements Spring  5

Studying Sociology is highly practical. Its emphasis on exploring diverse social groups,research methodology and policy analysis allowed me to navigate the increasingly complex global landscape in which we live. My favourite aspect of my studies was its emphasis on developing critical thinking skills. The rigorous examination of social structures, norms and institutions through the various modules has improved my capacity to make informed decisions and deepen my opinions on various social challenges. I would encourage any student with an interest in positive social reform to consider studying Sociology at UCD.

George Kelly, Graduate

General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Sociology:

ROWCLASS Apply to
showAudience-audienceInt
SBU3
Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
showAudience-audienceInt
BAU5
Joint Honours
Bachelor of Arts

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
showAudience-audienceEU
DN700
Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Application through CAO
showAudience-audienceEU
DN520
Joint Honours
Bachelor of Arts

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Application through CAO
* you can change options at the top of the page

Additional special entry route(s) to Sociology:

These options have additional eligibility requirements to cater for specific applicant cohorts. You should not apply via these routes before consulting the requirements or contacting the responsible UCD office.

ROWCLASS Apply to
showAudience-audienceInt
SBU3
Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Access Progression Pathway
Access Progression Pathway
Application to this Non-EU Access Progression Pathway is by invitation only. If you are not currently enrolled on an Access programme at UCD, your application will be marked as invalid.
If you are not a current Access student, but you are a non-EU applicant seeking admission to an undergraduate degree, please submit an application via the "Undergraduate Degree (Non-EU)" course type.
showAudience-audienceInt
BAU5
Joint Honours
Bachelor of Arts

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Access Progression Pathway
Access Progression Pathway
Application to this Non-EU Access Progression Pathway is by invitation only. If you are not currently enrolled on an Access programme at UCD, your application will be marked as invalid.
If you are not a current Access student, but you are a non-EU applicant seeking admission to an undergraduate degree, please submit an application via the "Undergraduate Degree (Non-EU)" course type.