UCC Postgraduate courses

Sociology

Course Fact File
CodeHDASC
Duration1 Year Full-time; 2 Years Part-time
Teaching ModeFull-time, Part-Time. See Additional Teaching Mode Information for more info.
QualificationsHDip in Arts
NFQ LevelLevel 8
Closing DateRolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
Non-EU Closing DateOpen until all places have been filled or no later than 30 June. Early application is advised.
Start Date9 September 2024

Course Outline

Our Higher Diploma in Arts (Sociology) at UCC is a conversion course for students who have already completed an undergraduate degree. The course is ideal for anyone who wants to study an intensive course in Sociology in one year and apply for further studies at MA level in Sociology. Alternatively, you may simply wish to add a higher diploma to your existing qualifications.

The Higher Diploma in Arts (Sociology) is intended to give students a solid foundation in Sociology. The course has a strong emphasis on independent, critical thinking, helping you to understand and analyse events in wider society. If you take this Diploma you will acquire a comprehensive and advanced knowledge of Sociological concepts, topics and methods. You will also develop a host of additional skills, such as being able to develop and demonstrate mastery over a wide research area in a defined period of time.

This course has several mandatory modules which the Dept. recommends that all students take. These modules will provide you with a sophisticated understanding of Sociological theory and research.

Mandatory Modules

  • SC2014 Classical Social Theory (5 credits)
  • SC2015 Critical Social Theory (5 credits)
  • SC2065 Introduction to Social Research (10 credits)

You can combine these mandatory modules with a wide range of optional modules (each worth 5 credits) to make up your remaining credits. The specialist modules that we teach all fall within our substantial areas of teaching and research. Broadly speaking, these areas are:

  • Crime and Criminal Justice, Criminology, Deviance, and Violence
  • Environment, Sustainability, and Climate Change
  • Gender, Sexuality and Identity, Feminism
  • Health/Medical Sociology, Social Media and Technology
  • Human Rights, Borders, and Migration
  • Sociological Theory and Methods, Historical Sociology

The precise optional modules and topics studied will differ for each individual student. Modules will be chosen in consultation with members of staff in the Department of Sociology depending on your preferred area of specialisation.

The online College Book of Modules contains descriptions for all modules offered in the University's modularised programmes for the current academic year.

If you are applying for this course to gain a teaching subject please consult with the Teaching Council subject Declaration form to view specific requirements for this subject.

Student Feedback

Student feedback on the HDip in Sociology has been very positive:

I was very happy with my course choice as I didn’t know what to expect in the beginning. I found the HDip has broadened my overall knowledge of how the world, as I know it, has been constructed. I have recommended this course to a friend who is in the process of picking a HDip for next year. It really is a great choice for a mature student in my opinion and has given me confidence, which has surprised me.

The HDip went well, I really enjoyed it. Was not sure want to expect with Sociology, but I love it and it is certainly rewarding to understand. I think the department itself is well organised, and the lectures/ lecturers are of a high standard. It was all good and a great experience for me.

I'm glad to say that I really enjoyed the course. I found the course challenging and truly rewarding. Overall I was very happy with how the year went and I thoroughly enjoyed the course.

Additional Teaching Mode Information

The part-time option will be taught during weekday working hours over 2 years.

Academic Programme Catalogue

See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.

Course Practicalities

The mandatory aspects of the course run throughout Semesters 1 and 2. Most lectures are 1 hour in duration, however, some of the optional courses have 2-hour lectures. Typically, the courses are timetabled between 9am and 7pm, Monday to Friday.

Assessment

The course is assessed through a combination of continuous assessment (e.g. essays), in-class presentations and group work, and written examinations. The precise method of assessment varies from module to module.

Who teaches this course

This course is taught by Lecturers and Professors in the Department of Sociology and Criminology. Our department is highly ranked for the quality of its research and teaching and many of our staff have won national teaching awards. All staff are research active and our modules are constantly being revised and updated to incorporate the latest research in their areas. We are a small unit that places a strong emphasis on academic rigour, and also on approachability and friendliness. 

For more information about staff in the Department of Sociology see our Department page.

Why Choose This Course

A Higher Diploma in Arts (Sociology) is of interest to those who are looking for professional and personal development and new career directions. This degree prepares you for the pursuit of further studies in Sociology. If you have an undergraduate degree, this course will help you to expand your repertoire of knowledge and skills.

You might also be interested in pursuing Sociology in relation to a teaching qualification (though please check the Teaching Council Subject Declaration Form before doing this). Finally, you might have an interest in understanding and analyzing the major societal and environmental changes which we are now experiencing, which range from climate breakdown to the #metoo movement, through to housing and health system crises, to the emergence of mass surveillance and social networks. Sociology is a key subject for making sense of and hopefully helping to address, the key challenges of the 21st century.

Skills and Careers Information

The course will help you to develop a range of analytical and critical-thinking skills as part of a lively academic community. Throughout the year, the Department of Sociology hosts visiting lecturers from universities both nationally and internationally. The research component of the course provides you with the skill-set needed to plan and conduct project work that can be transferred across a range of professional and academic careers.

Requirements

It is intended for those who already have a 3 or 4-year primary degree, preferably in the area of Arts or the Sciences, and who wish to study Sociology intensively over one academic year.

The Higher Diploma in Arts is a conversion programme and the applicant would not normally have studied the relevant subject to Honours Degree level previously.

Applications will be assessed by the Sociology Postgraduate Committee

For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.

International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

  • In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
  • Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Vsit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

Fees and Costs

Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2024/2025

See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.

Deposits 

If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.

Fee payment 

Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.

How can I pay? 

See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.

Any questions? See the 'Contact Us' section on the Fees Office page.

How To Apply

1. Check dates

Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the fact file boxes at the top of the page.

2. Gather documents

Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:

  • Original qualification documents listed on your application including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
  • Any supplementary items requested for your course if required.

3. Apply online

Apply online via the UCC online application portal. Note the majority of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.

Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.

Additional Requirements (All Applicants)

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

  • You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.

  • In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.

  • Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.

  • Please detail your computing/technical/IT skills.

The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 30 June. Early application is advised.

Apply Now

For queries regarding course content or timetables please contact

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