| Code | Available through multiple programmes |
|---|---|
| Subject Title | Sociology |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time |
| Qualifications | BA (Hons) |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 |
Course Outline
Sociology is the study of society, everyday life and social change. It seeks to understand how modern societies are organised, how they function, how they hold together or fall apart, and how social problems, conflicts and crises emerge and are challenged. Sociology explores how power operates, how institutions shape our lives, and how people collectively create, sustain and transform the societies they live in.
Sociology at UCC explores questions relating to identity and belonging; media and popular culture; climate change, sustainability and the environment; migration, conflict and violence; class, gender, sexuality and ethnicity; law and justice; crime and deviance; religion, culture and civilisation; health and wellbeing; politics and community; and economy and society.
Through research-led teaching, students gain highly transferable skills in critical thinking, research methods, evidence-based analysis, communication and problem-solving. Sociology graduates are well prepared for careers in public service, research, education, policy, community development, advocacy, health and social care, as well as many other fields.
Year 1 Modules:
Year 2 Modules:
Core:
- Classical Social Theory
- Critical Social Theory
- Introduction to Social Research
Electives:
- Class
- Politics, Power, and Ideology
- Race, Ethnicity, Migration and Nationalism
- Crime and Deviance
- Sociology of the Body and the Mind
- Sociology of the City
- Sociology of Law: Legal Justice, Human Rights and Social Change
Years 3*/4 Modules:
Core:
Contemporary Social Theory
Electives:
- Understanding Globalisation and Development
- Community
- Religion and Civilisation in Sociological and Anthropological Perspective
- Media
- Environment
- Gender, Sexuality and Inequality
- Law: Legal Justice, Human Rights and Social Change
- Medical Sociology
- Violence
- Research Project
* BA International students spend third year studying in an approved foreign university in a country of the student's major language or subject. They will return to complete their final year in UCC in year 4.
See the Sociology and Criminology website for more information on the Department
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue 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
Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules will have written examinations. Many modules use other types of assessment.
Why Choose This Course
Follow in the footsteps of famous sociologists including Michelle Obama and President of Ireland Dr Michael D Higgins.
Placement or Study Abroad Information
Study abroad: If you are studying Sociology through the BA International, you will spend Year 3 studying at one of our partner universities abroad. We currently have links with universities in Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden Mexico, and the US.
Work placement: The College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Science (CACSSS) offers an optional Professional Work Experience module (PX3001). This is an accredited professional work experience module that allows CACSSS students to explore and develop their career interests.
Skills and Careers Information
Sociology is the study of how society is organised and how people interact within it. Having a deeper understanding of how society works can be valuable in a wide range of careers across all sectors.
Sociology graduates leave university with a broad range of transferable skills, including being able to work to deadlines, conduct social scientific research, make good arguments and think creatively.
Our Sociology graduates have made careers in fields such as:
- media, journalism, and communications
- arts and cultural industries
- human resources
- management
- advertising and marketing
- the civil service, government and public administration
- the Garda Síochána and corrections services
- health, education and social services
- planning, environment and sustainability
- international development and human rights agencies.
- civil society organisations and social enterprises
Many of our sociologists from UCC have gone on to become lecturers and professors at universities in Ireland, the UK, the US, Canada and Australia.
Requirements
Non-EU Applicants
Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.
To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page and refer to our International Office page for more information.
Fees and Costs
- Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you. See more information on EU Fees, Non-EU Fees, or Free Fees Status.
- The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme. The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.
- See the Fee Schedule to find out the course fee.
- Check out scholarships that may be available to you.
- Explore our Nurturing Bright Futures free online course (Module 5) to learn about managing your money as a student and budgeting for university life.
How To Apply
Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.
Mature Applicants
Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry.
QQI/FET Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET Applicants page for information on the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Further Education and Training (FET) application process and whether there are routes available to this course.
Non-EU Applicants
If you are from outside the EU/EFTA/UK, apply online via the UCC Apply portal. See our International Office page for more information.