Graduate Programmes

UCD combines global prestige with a dynamic and internationally connected graduate experience. Ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide and first in Ireland, it is a university defined by its commitment to cutting-edge research and advanced scholarship.

For graduate students in Sociology, UCD stands out as a particularly compelling destination. As the largest School of Sociology in Ireland, it is a major hub of sociological teaching and research, with 22 full-time academic staff, approximately 1,300 students, and a growing postgraduate community of more than 50 students. Graduate education lies at the heart of the School’s mission, fostering a rigorous, research-intensive and intellectually vibrant environment. Ranked 91st in the world for Sociology, UCD offers graduate students a distinctive combination of academic excellence, research depth, global recognition and intellectual ambition.

As Ireland’s most globally engaged university, UCD is home to nearly 40,000 students from 152 countries, creating a genuinely international environment in which postgraduate students can thrive. Located in Dublin, a vibrant and cosmopolitan capital, UCD also offers access to outstanding cultural life, strong professional networks and exceptional research opportunities shaped by the profound social changes taking place across Irish society.

Masters and Grad Dip Programmes 

Online applications for the Masters programmes open in October each year. Applications close by the end of June each year. Non-EU applicants who require a student visa should submit their applications by end of March. Please see General Information and Application Requirements for full details. 

• (opens in a new window)MSc Sociology
• (opens in a new window)MA Sociology
• MSc Sustainable Societies
• MSc Social Data Science
• (opens in a new window)MSc Comparative Social Change

PhD and Research Masters (MLitt) Programmes

PhD and MLitt applications are considered throughout the year. Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st of April. Please note your intention to apply for a scholarship in your PhD application.

• PhD and Research Masters (MLitt) in Sociology

The College of Social Sciences and Law runs a number of collaborative or Thematic PhD programmes.  Application timelines may vary so please check the details for the specific programme.  One programme with which the School of Sociology is linked is:

• PhD in Quantitative and Computational Social Science

To give a flavour of the vibrant PhD researcher culture in the School, we are pleased to share our latest UCD Sociology PhD Magazine, The Scholars Collective, compiled by our current doctoral scholars. Inside you’ll find profiles of our PhD cohort, UCD PhD researcher achievements, and news and opportunities for postgraduate researchers.

• UCD School of Sociology PhD Magazine
  
  ^{(An accessible version is available from (opens in a new window)sociology@ucd.ie)}