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1. Study
2. Postgraduate
3. Taught Courses
4. Higher Diploma
5. Sociology

Course Fact File

Code	HDASC
Duration	1 Year Full-time; 2 Years Part-time
Teaching Mode	Full-time, Part-Time. See Additional Teaching Mode Information for more info.
Qualifications	HDip in Arts
NFQ Level	Level 8
Closing Date	Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
Non-EU Closing Date	Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
Start Date	8 September 2025

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.

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 21^st 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

Fees and Costs

How To Apply

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 15 June. Early application is advised.

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