| 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 as a whole. It shows us how we may think our way through and out of problems, both individually and collectively.
Sociology is concerned with identity and multiculturalism; sexuality and intimacy; media and popular culture; environment and sustainability; law and justice; crime and deviance; anthropology, civilisation and religion; art, culture and literature; health and well-being; politics and community; economy and society.
It is concerned with the modern world, how it has come into being and what challenges and crises it faces, at local, national and global levels. It ask questions about the decline of the power of the church; what it means to be "Irish" in an era of immigration and globalisation; the world financial crisis and the political crisis of Europe; global climate change and the future of Western civilisation.
Sociology helps us understand these problems, in an Irish and an international context.
You will learn research methods and useful skills such as interviewing, surveys and questionnaires, onsite observation and ethnography, discourse analysis and archival research.
Year 1 Modules:
Year 2 Modules:
Core:
Social Theory (classical); Introduction to Social Research
Electives:
Crime & Deviance; Political Sociology, Sociology of Class, Health & Illness; Irish Society; Race, Ethnicity, Migration and Nationalism; Community.
Years 3*/4 Modules:
Core:
Social Theory (contemporary); Research Project
Electives:
Politics; Environment; Media & Communications; Planning & Sustainable Development; Globalisation, Race & Ethnicity; Family, Gender, Sexuality and Inequality; Housing & Habitat; Memory and Trauma, Sociology of Law.
* 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.
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: If you study Sociology through the BA or the BA International, you will have the opportunity to avail of a work-placement module in Year 2. You can find out more here.
Skills and Careers Information
Sociology is the study of people and how we interact with one another. Having a good understanding of human relationships can be a bonus in a range of careers across all sectors. Sociology graduates leave university with a broad range of transferable skills, including being able to work to deadlines, 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.
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.
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.