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
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As a general rule, pick the Irish/UK/EU option if you have been a legal resident of Ireland, any other EU or EEA country, the Swiss Confederation or the UK in recent years.
More detailed information is available at ucd.ie/students/fees/eufeeassessment/.
This course is available through the following application route(s)
- Duration:
- 4 Years
- Attendance:
- Full Time
- Delivery:
- On Campus
- NFQ Level:
- 8 (240 credits)
- Level:
- Undergraduate
- Award:
- Bachelor of Science
- Next Intake:
- September
- General Entry Requirements (A-Level)
BBC / BCCC / BCC
+ C AS Level
- General Entry Requirements (IB)
29
- Subject Requirements (Mathematics)
GCSE C / A Level E
(or AS Level D)
IB SL 4 / HL 3
- Typical CAO Point Range
468
- Leaving Cert Subject Entry Requirements
O6/H7 in English, Irish, Mathematics and three other recognised subjects
- Country Specific Entry Requirements:
- Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
- Other School Leaving Requirements:
- See www.ucd.ie/admissions
- Duration:
- 3 Years
- Attendance:
- Full Time
- Delivery:
- On Campus
- NFQ Level:
- 8 (180 credits)
- Level:
- Undergraduate
- Award:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Next Intake:
- September
- General Entry Requirements (A-Level)
CCD
- General Entry Requirements (IB)
24
- Subject Requirements (Mathematics)
A Level C for Maths/Stats
IB HL5 for Maths/Stats
- Typical CAO Point Range
419
- Leaving Cert Subject Entry Requirements
English, Irish, a third Language, Three other recognised subjects
- Country Specific Entry Requirements:
- Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
- Other School Leaving Requirements:
- See www.ucd.ie/admissions
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
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) |
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English | History |
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.
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.
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
How to Apply
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 |
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. |