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1. Study
2. Postgraduate
3. Taught Courses
4. Masters
5. Sociology of Sustainability and Global Challenges

Course Fact File

Code	MASSG
Duration	1 Year Full-time
Teaching Mode	Full-time
Qualifications	MA
NFQ Level	Level 9
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 innovative MA Sociology of Sustainability and Global Challenges analyses the globalisation of poverty and inequality and explores alternative strategies of development.

The MA Sociology of Development and Globalisation programme is divided into two parts and includes taught modules and a 20,000-word dissertation.

Part I

Compulsory Modules (30 credits)

• SC6614 Sociological Methodology (10 credits)
• SC6631 Sociology of Sustainable Development (10 credits)
• SC6642 Social Theory and Climate Justice (10 credits)

Elective Modules (choose 20 credits)

• SC6604 Sociology of the Mass Media (10 credits)
• SC6638 Rethinking Borders: Sovereignty, Rights and Justice (10 credits)
• SC6639 Feminist Epistemologies: Feminisms, Sexuality and Society (10 credits)
• SC6640 Governmentality: Disciplines, Institutions and Critiques. (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)

Postgraduate Certificate in the Sociology of Sustainability and Global Challenges

Candidates who pass at least 30 credits of taught modules may opt to exit the programme and be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in the Sociology of Sustainability and Global Challenges.

Course Practicalities

In Semesters 1 and 2, you will have a mandatory two-hour graduate seminar on theory/methodology. Mandatory seminars are generally timetabled on Tuesday afternoons after 4 pm. The timetabling of optional seminars changes from year to year but most are scheduled between 9 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday.

Assessment

Assessment is conducted through the grading of five graduate module papers. The word limit for the Social Theory paper is 3,000. The word limit for all other papers including Methodology is 5,000. These marks are combined with the student’s grades on their final thesis (PART B) in order to determine an overall result.

Who teaches this course

In the most recent research quality review in UCC, the Department of Sociology was ranked among the top 15 percent of sociology departments in the UK and US for the quality of their research.

Our staff is recognised for their outstanding research and publications record. Five members of staff have been awarded UCC CACSSS Research Achievement Awards. Members of staff in Sociology are currently conducting research projects funded by the European Union, the Irish Research Council, and other research bodies.

Research from the Department of Sociology is regularly featured in the national and international media.

See our Department of Sociology and Criminology page for an overview of our teaching staff.

 

Why Choose This Course

The MA Sociology of Sustainability and Global Challenges course is aimed at people who are looking for professional growth and new career options.

This course prepares you for doctoral studies in the social sciences, or for employment in various sectors including:

• media
• civil service
• education
• social services
• health care
• public administration
• NGOs

Skills and Careers Information

This course gives you the opportunity to develop a range of analytical and critical-thinking skills as part of a lively academic community. Throughout the year, the Department hosts distinguished visiting speakers. You will also get the opportunity to participate in a wide range of stimulating scholarly events and conferences hosted by the Department, including the prestigious Theory and Philosophy Summer School held each year in May in UCC.

Requirements

To apply for this course, you will have:·

• A minimum of a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or equivalent honours degree in sociology, law, politics, psychology, history, applied social studies, anthropology, geography, economics, the study of religions, media studies, communication, government, public policy, development, environment and planning, criminology, European studies, women studies, early childhood studies, cultural studies, political studies, international relations or another subject relevant to the Sociology of Development and Globalisation
• A relevant Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) will also be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) subject to a written expression of interest and/or interview acceptable to the Department of Sociology selection committee.
• In exceptional circumstances, substantial professional experience in a relevant and related field of development may be accepted as compensating for the absence of an undergraduate degree to the required standard.

Fees and Costs

How To Apply

Additional Requirements 

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

• 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.
• Describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
• Briefly describe a research proposal that may form the basis of your dissertation.
• Submit a copy of a short analytical/critical/report writing sample or essay (1,000 words approx.)

Early applications are encouraged for early decisions.

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.

Apply Now