University College Cork: University College Cork (UCC) is a prestigious public research university located in Cork, Ireland. Established in 1845, UCC is known for its academic excellence, innovative research, and vibrant campus life. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various fields, including arts, sciences, business, engineering, medicine, and law. UCC is committed to providing a supportive learning environment, fostering critical thinking, and preparing students for successful careers and global citizenship.

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Sociology is concerned with the study of the modern world, how it came into being, and the challenges and crises that it faces at local, national, and global levels. Our MA in Sociology at UCC will provide you with an opportunity to study advanced Sociological Concepts and Methods, and put your research interests into practice by enabling you to conduct your own sustained research project. The course is divided into two main components. The first component focuses on cutting-edge Sociology modules which are completed in Semesters 1 and 2. Show less

Part I

Core Modules (20 credits)

SC6608 Social and Sociological Theory (10 credits)
SC6614 Sociological Methodology (10 credits)

Elective Modules (choose 30 credits)

CR6000 Governmentality: Disciplines, Institutions and Critiques (10 credits)
SC6001 Economy and Society Summer School (5 credits)
SC6002 Economy and Society Summer School II (10 credits)
SC6604 Sociology of the Mass Media (10 credits)
SC6631 Sociology of Sustainable Development (10 credits)
SC6638 Rethinking Borders: Sovereignty, Rights and Justice (10 credits)
SC6639 Feminist Epistemologies: Feminisms, Sexuality and Society (10 credits)
SC6643 Sociology of Science, Technology and Medicine (10 credits)
SC6644 Im/mobilities: Forced Migration and Belonging (10 credits)

Part II

SC6615 Dissertation in Sociology (40 credits)

*Please note the Summer school may not run every year

Course content
You will note that a number of themes cut across all of the modules that we teach, reflecting the interests of staff members in the Department. One is a strong focus on power, the powerful, powerlessness, and marginalization. Another is on human rights and violence, whether that violence is self-directed, directed at others, or directed at the natural world. A third strand is seeking to understand the negative and often unanticipated costs that our economic and technological systems are now having on our world and societies. And a fourth is an examination of where, or in fact if, there are grounds for hope and optimism to be found in the massive Sociological shifts of the 21st century.

Finally, in addition to these advanced-level MA modules, our students are also free to audit (attend without credit) any undergraduate Sociology modules that they find interesting or relevant. MA students are furthermore eligible to attend the Economy and Society Summer School, which is a week-long Summer School that the Dept. runs for advanced Sociology students (please note the Summer school may not run every year).

The second component of the course is a 20,000-word dissertation, or advanced research project, that students can undertake on a topic of their own choosing. One of the advantages of the MA in Sociology is that students have a wide degree of latitude to pursue their own research interests and goals in their dissertation. All students will be assigned an academic supervisor who will work closely with them on developing their ideas and their projects. Over the past few years, students have conducted MA dissertation research on topics ranging from the computer gaming industry to sexual violence and the #metoo movement to animal-human relationships, amongst a wide variety of other projects. We encourage students who undertake strong dissertation research to publish their work in academic journals.

Part-time Option (24 months)

In Year 1 students complete two 10-credit core modules and two elective 10-credit modules. In Year 2, students select one optional 10-credit module (not previously taken in year 1) and complete the Dissertation in Sociology (40 Credits).

For a breakdown of the part-time module options see the University Calendar (MA Sociology).

Modules
Further details on modules can be found in our Book of Modules. Any modules listed are indicative of the current set of modules for this course but are subject to change from year to year.

University Calendar
You can find the full academic content for the current year of any given course in our University Calendar.

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You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

How to book:

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it

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