Taking sociology on the Bachelor of Social Science degree provides students with an understanding and explanation of social relations, social institutions and social processes. It develops the sociological imagination enabling students to understand the connection between personal experience and wider social relationships.

We value critical reflection and analysis of the social world that draws upon various theoretical and evidence based research approaches that facilitate an understanding of the complexities and dynamics underpinning past, present social processes and future trends and developments.   



The School of sociology provides a learning environment in which individual and small group learning fosters the development of critical, analytical skills. The focus is on analyzing small-scale and large-scale social processes. The School encourages critical thinking, research, and the development of communication skills, and independent learning. The School contains a diverse student body in which inter- and cross-disciplinary environments and pluralism is encouraged.



The School provides a broad range of teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, and small group work. This is supported by lecturers and tutors, from a wide variety of social and cultural backgrounds, who are committed to excellence in teaching and are academic specialists in their own fields.  The degree includes robust training in qualitative, quantitative, and comparative-historical methods. 

1 - Demonstrate an understanding of complex processes, knowledge of various sociological, conceptual theoretical practices
2 - Possess a social scientific understanding of social relations
3 - Develop an ability to see the bigger picture, contextualize knowledge, synthesize different data sources, compare and contrast data, and understand the complexities of social life
4 - Have the capacity to engage with, filter and assess established knowledge in the discipline. To be an more informed reader of research
5 - Develop writing and presentation skills including the ability to communicate ideas in a concise and measured way.
6 - Possess the ability to work independently and collaboratively
7 - Show a capacity to manage oneself, one’s time and to organize learning practices
8 - Have acquired transferable skills and the ability to make informed judgments

In order to progress to Stage 2, students must have successfully completed two Sociology modules offered at Stage 1.
SOC10010 Foundation of Sociological Thought is a compulsory module and must be passed prior to degree completion.
Sociology is only available in a combination with English and History in Stage 2 and Stage 3. Please see the Programme Office website for information on the combinations available if you plan to progress with Sociology into Stage 2.

Module ID	Module Title	Trimester	Credits
Stage 1 Options - MIN2OF: In order to progress to Stage 2, students must have successfully completed two Sociology modules offered at Stage 1. SOC10010 'Foundation of Sociological Thought' is a compulsory module and must be passed prior to degree completion.
SOC10010	Foundations of Sociological Thought	Autumn	5
SOC10020	Introduction to Sociology	Autumn	5
SOC10060	Ireland in Comparative Perspective	Spring	5
SOC10070	Sociological Analysis and Research Design	Spring	5
Stage 1 Options - MIN2OF: In order to progress to Stage 2, students must have successfully completed two Sociology modules offered at Stage 1. SOC10010 'Foundation of Sociological Thought' is a compulsory module and must be passed prior to degree completion.