What Do I get From Sociology?

Sociology studies all aspects of society including conflict, globalisation, work and government, migration, culture and identity. Sociologists analyse the social world and also provide advice to governments, organisations, and communities.

Sociologists have analytical and research skills that are valuable in a number of occupations including policy analyst, community worker and journalist. Sociology is a good preparation for careers in business, politics, community work, or the professions.

To see what careers previous sociology graduates chose please click here.

Sociology At Trinity

In Trinity, we teach modules in a wide variety of areas of sociology. Staff members include experts on culture and identity, work and employment in Europe, migration, education, multiculturalism and ethnicity, gender, conflict resolution, social policy, development and globalisation. Our modules cover Ireland, wider European society, the non-European world and the global arena.

Throughout the four years, we emphasise training in research skills through practical project work. In the second year, you will do a project in observation or interviewing, and design a questionnaire. In your third year, you will carry out projects involving computerised analysis of both numerical data from surveys, and the verbal data which are the outcomes of recording interviews or conversations.

How do I apply?

There are four programmes (outlined below) through which you can study Sociology. You will need to choose one or more of these and then apply through the CAO Central Applications Office. Forms may be obtained from your school or from the

Central Applications Office
Tower House
Eglinton Street
Galway
Ireland
Tel: +353 - 091 - 563269

More detailed information about applying for Undergraduate Courses at Trinity can be gained from Trinity Admissions.

There are four different sociology degree programs

1) BESS - Bussines, Economic and Social Studies

Through the BESS programme you will study sociology in first year. You can then choose to specialise in Sociology in later years and will be studying it alongside other social sciences ( economics, political science, management). You can also take additional modules in statistics and management information systems. The BESS course is particularly suitable if you are interested in using sociology directly in your later career, whether in social research, marketing, or human resource management.

2) TSM - Two Subject Moderatorship

If you choose sociology within the TSM programme you will choose sociology as one of your two subjects on your CAO application. Studying sociology within TSM allows you to combine sociology with an arts subject. The two subjects are taught as separate disciplines but the combination can be very stimulating in unexpected ways. For example while sociology and (social) geography are quite closely related, some of our most successful students have combined sociology with subjects such as Drama or English.

3) SocSocPol - Sociology and Social Policy

This is a joint programme taught by the Department of Sociology and the Department of Social Studies. It combines the study of social theory, social policy and social research. It is particularly relevant to those wishing to pursue a career involving research or planning in a wide variety of areas of social policy, as well as in the field of social services itself.

4) PPES - Philosophy, Political Science, Economics and Sociology

The four-year undergraduate degree in Philosophy, Political Science, Economics and Sociology, hosted by the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy, had its first intake of students in October 2008 and has proved highly popular with students. The PPES degree programme will give you a unique opportunity to study four subjects that are relevant to understanding any society.