Structure of Programme/ Learning Outcomes

Structure of Programme:

Sociology is the scientific study of how human societies are organised. Sociologists analyse the social forces that govern the world we live in and their impact on individuals, families, communities and countries. Sociologists also look at how class, gender, religion and race affect groups of people and the roles played by large institutions like political or education systems. In short, sociologists examine the modern world, how it came to be organised and where it is going. As a student, you will analyse and explore key features of historical and contemporary societies, especially Irish society. At the same time, you will acquire research tools and critical methods to study the structures, politics and culture of these societies. You will also gain the ability to understand topical issues and to present and communicate information coherently.

First Year 2011-12
Thinking Sociologically
The Irish Sociological Imagination
Modern Irish Society
Global Society OR Political Institutions and Civil Society in Europe

Second Year 2011-12
Classical Social Theory
Structures of Inequality: Race, Class and Gender
Introduction to Social Research

ELECTIVE MODULES:
Marx on Ireland
Sociology of the Family
Youth and Society
Theories of Politics and Active Citizenship
International Relations
Political Parties, Elections and Corruption
Class and Community
Nature and Society
Gender, Nationalism and Armed Conflict
State and Society
EU Politics

Third Year 2011-12
Contemporary Social Theory
Special Topics Thesis Seminar

ELECTIVE MODULES:
Globalisation and Culture
Sociology of Tourism
Social Movement
Sociology of Education
Sociology of Gender
Sociology of Sexualities
International Public Policy
Gender and Politics
Social Worlds of Children
Sociology of Revolutions
Sociology of Religion
Sociology of Time
Irish Public Policy
Politics of Ethnic Conflict

Full details available through Courses@NUIM

Course Structure 
As a Double Honours BA degree, Sociology is taken with two other subjects in First Year, and with one other subject in Second and Third Year. 

Students who opt to spend a year studying abroad are awarded a BA (International) degree.

Career Options
Sociology graduates have many and varied career options. A small number of graduates continue in the discipline by becoming professional sociologists, working either as social researchers or as lecturers in third-level institutions. Sociology graduates are also to be found in a range of other professions, including the media, law, public administration, community development, adult education, civil service and consultancy.

Postgraduate Options
- MA Programmes: ‘Societies in Transition’ and ‘Society & Space’.
- MLitt
- PhD