Course Information
BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8) or BA (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Full Time – Undergraduate Studies
CAO Code: DN700 BSc Social Sciences
CAO Points Range 2019: 388
Length of Course: 4 Years
Average Intake: 500
CAO Code: DN520 BA Jount Honours
CAO Points Range 2019: 336
Length of Course: 3 Years
Average Intake: 420
DN700 – O6/H7 in English, Irish, Mathematics and three other recognised subjects
DN520 – English, Irish, a third Language, Three other recognised subjects
Why is this course for me?
If you are interested in people, you will be interested in sociology. It is relevant for understanding almost every aspect of our lives. We are all part of society, we are connected with each other and we are affected by the people around us. In the same way, we shape the social context for others as well. Sociology provides you with the mindset and the research tools to observe the social world, make connections, understand differences, norms, cultures or inequalities.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities
Sociology gives an excellent foundation for a diverse set of careers in areas such as;
- Social research & Policy Analysis
- Journalism
- Media
- Community Development
- Youth Work
- Civil Service
- Social Data Science
- 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 Analytics, MSc in Comparative Social Change, MSc in Demographic and Population Analytics and an MA in Race, Migration and Decolonial Studies.
What Will I Study
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 also study the core module, Societal Challenges in the Twenty First Century, plus another subject, plus an Elective module.
Second Year
The second year involves training in Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods and modules in areas such as Gender, Sociological Theory, Analytical Sociology, Animals and Human Society and more.
Third Year
The third year provides the opportunity for an Internship or Study Abroad. We also offer a range of experiential learning modules including Broadcasting Sociology or Volunteering & Community Experiences. There are also range of substantive modules in areas such as Migration, Historical Sociology, Lying & Deception and more.
Fourth Year
During the fourth year, students select either an Advanced Quantitative or Advanced Qualitative Research Project module. There are also further specialised modules, such as War & Violence, Sociology of Nations or Punishment & Social Control, plus Elective modules.
How Will I Study
| Study Sociology (BSc Social Sciences) |
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as a Joint Major with one of the subjects below:
OR – with one Minor subject:
OR – within a pathway:
⇒ Click To View The BSc Social Sciences Course Combination Grid
| Study Sociology (BA Joint Honours) |
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as a Joint Major with one of the following:
International Study Opportunities
Sociology students at UCD can avail of international exchange opportunities in universities in Europe and around the world. Currently, Erasmus opportunities exist in:
- Belgium
- England
- France
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Spain
- USA
- Australia
- China
- South Korea.
Students studying Sociology with German or Italian will study abroad for their third year.
Testimonial
“I’ve always had a keen interest in people and learning about how society shapes our perspectives and influences our behaviour. That’s why I really enjoy studying sociology in UCD; I gain an understanding into my keen interest. Within lectures, my mind has been broadened by modules on gender and societal patterns. My lecturers make themselves available and are so encouraging: creating an open atmosphere in classes that allows for a great learning environment. The research skills and other transferable skills I have gained within my course are essential for my future career opportunities.”
Chloe Mazhandu, Student