Meet Our MSc Graduates

Peter Bothwell

Class of 2020, currently a PhD student at University of St Andrews

What made you choose this course at Trinity?

I wanted to return to my academic career, which is rooted in sociology, so I wanted to find a course within the discipline. But I also wanted to choose a course which has strong contemporary relevance and tackles the important issues that we are facing today. When I found this course, it was precisely what I was looking for. It built upon a great sociological approach, while providing a variety of exciting and highly relevant modules to choose from. It seemed that the main aim of the course is to introduce the most important issues that are relevant, in a global context, and to approach them in a way as to not only understand them, but to provide solutions as well. It was also quite exciting the course is run by both Trinity College and UCD. I thought that’s such an immensely unique opportunity, to be able to use the resources of two universities at the same time and have such a diverse learning experience. Access to two university libraries? Doesn’t get much better than that!

What have you enjoyed most about the course so far?

There are two things which I enjoyed immensely about this course. One is the diversity of the modules that were available to choose from. There really is an opportunity to learn about what you consider to be important and to do so in a great manner. Both universities provide excellent teaching, and the modules are built specifically for this course. This means that everything is connected, so what you learn is applicable throughout the course, and also developed in a way that the learning immediately resonates with what surrounds you, so you feel you acquire relevant knowledge. I also enjoyed that we got a diverse class, with students coming from all over the world, which was an education on its own. It’s amazing how the course furnishes that everyone’s knowledge becomes part of the learning and it was great that we got to share our views and experiences with each other.

How has the course challenged or changed the way you think?

It is inevitable that if you are engaging with topics that are relevant and pressing, you are going to participate in intense conversation about them. This is what the classes have facilitated amazingly. During the course we covered a wide range of topics, most of which we examined in global context. There was a huge variety of views expressed, of backgrounds explored, of issues covered. Since the aim of the course is to compare all these with each other, a critical stance was essential. The course really changed my way of thinking simply by exposing me to such a wealth of knowledge, but also applied different lenses through which to look at the world. It made me more aware and more engaged, and challenged me to rethink and re-evaluate many of my preconceived notions.

What would you say to someone considering applying?

Do it! If you are interested in getting to know more about the major issues we are facing today, this course is perfect to facilitate your learning. You’ll get to choose from a lot of different modules and have access to great academic resources. I have to say I felt welcomed form the first moment and great help was provided for any issues that I might have had with applying and settling in. Dublin is an amazing city, welcoming, so that on its own is going to be a wonderful experience. And as I mentioned, the people you are going to meet and the friends you are going to make along the way will be one of the most rewarding experiences: they will broaden your world as much as your studies.

What initially drew you to study Sociology at Trinity?

I was drawn to Trinity’s Sociology programme because of its strong focus on social change and critical engagement with global challenges. I also really valued the chance to study in a small, international cohort where discussions are dynamic and you get to know your lecturers. It felt like the ideal place to build on my undergraduate studies and develop a more in-depth understanding of the issues I care about in an environment that encourages critical thinking and collaboration

Which areas of Sociology have you found most interesting, and why?

I've been especially interested in topics like migration, inequality, and gender—particularly in how they intersect and shape people’s everyday experiences. These areas are crucial for understanding today’s global challenges and also build on what I studied in my undergraduate degree in Sociology and Political Science. It’s been fascinating to take that earlier knowledge further and explore how these issues connect to wider social structures and policies. Being able to apply sociological theories to real-world contexts has made their practical relevance feel much clearer and more meaningful.

How do you think studying Sociology has prepared you for what you’d like to do next?

The programme has given me the tools to critically examine social issues and conduct research with real-world relevance. It’s helped me grow both intellectually and practically, strengthening my writing, presentation, and project coordination skills.

More importantly, Trinity has been a very supportive environment where I’ve really learned to trust in my academic abilities. That confidence, along with the skills I’ve gained, has prepared me well for future roles in research, policy, or academia

What advice would you give to someone considering studying Sociology at Trinity?

Be curious and don’t be afraid to question things—even your own assumptions. The programme gives you space to explore what really interests you, and you’ll get much more out of it if you actively engage in discussions and take initiative with your research. Moreover, I’d really encourage you to learn from your classmates—one of the best parts of the Master’s for me was hearing different perspectives from people with diverse life experiences, from all over the world and at different stages of their careers. If you're passionate about understanding how the world works and how it could change, it’s a great place to start!

1. What initially drew you to study Sociology at Trinity?

When searching for a Master’s program, the MSc program in Comparative Social Change at Trinity stuck out to me because of how unique it sounded, as well as how the staff’s expertise and coursework were so wide reaching. I found multiple professors doing research in areas I was interested in. I knew Trinity to be a university of high prestige and one with a large international student community. As an international student, I was excited by the program and felt it would be a university with the resources to be able to make a smooth transition overseas.

2. Which areas of Sociology have you found most interesting, and why?

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the comparative aspects in the sociology courses, especially in areas such as migration, education, and policy. In courses you are constantly applying theories and concepts to real world issues and current events. It is hard not to feel inspired by discussions in sociology classes, readings, and other assignments you’ll find yourself diving into. With the current international political climate and interconnectedness, most areas of sociology are intriguing to be able to draw different types of perspectives.

3. How do you think studying Sociology has prepared you for what you’d like to do next?

Studying sociology, especially through the MSc program, has given me great confidence in applying my knowledge and skills to a wide range of careers after graduation. I’ve always wanted to work in the Non-profit sector, or in a position that aids in policy research. I feel I have gained practical knowledge through methods and theory courses to be efficient in either. Studying sociology has also given me ample chances to improve my communication skills and critical thinking through interdisciplinary discussions and research seminars that address real world issues I would encounter in the professional world.

4. What advice would you give to someone considering studying Sociology at Trinity?

If you are considering studying sociology at Trinity I would recommend taking a look at the profiles of the staff in the department, or even reaching out to some that are experts in the areas you are interested in. It is a department that is eager to connect with students and align the right people with similar goals. I would also advise looking into the practicalities of studying at Trinity, they have great resources to be explored and a culture that can be a great fit for the right students

Coming from a background in International Relations, the MSc in Comparative Social Change provided me with a much broader understanding of the social sciences as a whole. Alongside this, the in-depth methodological teaching helped me grow as a researcher, covering both quantitative and qualitative methods.

A unique benefit of the course was its collaboration between TCD and UCD. This not only broadened the expertise that I was receiving, but allowed me to choose from many modules and gain access to the amenities of both institutions. This also created a close atmosphere among those in the course, who were crucial both in terms of support and expertise, and who came from twelve different countries.

The professors provided expertise and support across a wide range of topics making it easy to find a supervisor who suits your topic and needs. The MSc prepared me for pursuing a PhD at St Andrews University, which I could not have done without. I highly recommend this course to anyone pursuing postgraduate study as it will provide you with a comprehensive and prestigious education no matter your future path."

John Åndahl

Class of 2020, currently a DPhil student in Anthropology at Oxford University

Studying for a MSc in Comparative Social Change at TCD and UCD was a vastly enriching experience for me. Coming from a closely related but not identical background, having a whole year of reading sociology with access to two great departments allowed me to broaden my understanding of the social sciences.

Particularly, the access to Trinity’s unique campus and UCD’s modern facilities was greatly helpful and quite the privilege. I enjoyed the inputs and friendship from a diverse group of classmates and the knowledge and inclusiveness of leading sociologists from the two institutions.

As a student aiming for an academic career, I was encouraged to explore topics ranging from nationalism studies to the sociology of education, and was able to draw on sources both from our classes and my personal interests to develop my arguments – particularly the chance to do first-hand research during my dissertation was an experience I enjoyed. Furthermore, studying social change in fast-changing contemporary Ireland and Dublin constitutes an ideal environment for any student. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Trinity and UCD, and I would recommend it to any social science student."

Meghna Dutta

Class of 2020, currently a PhD student at Wayne State University Detroit

As an international student from India, my transition to Dublin and Ireland was quite smooth. Having enrolled into the MSc Comparative Social Change offered by Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin, I got the best of both the top-ranked universities in the country.

The course was a fascinating one that covered a whole range of topics from education, gender, migration and globalization and did a whole lot of comparison between different countries including India, China, Brazil and Ireland. The class consisted of students from all over the world which really helped us understand the issues better through the discussion of personal point of views.

The professors were really helpful. Upon graduation from the MSc, I decided to continue my thesis topic and applied to Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan where I have now started a PhD in Sociology. My MSc dissertation supervisor and the Course Director helped me immensely throughout this process and I am very grateful to have received this guidance as an international student."

Sophia Gonsalves-Brown

Class of 2019, currently Researcher at Campaign Legal Center Washington DC

I came to the MSc Comparative Social Change programme from a political science background, with an intended career in public policy. As an American student, I was excited about the opportunity to study social systems from an international perspective.

I found that I was able to deepen my understanding of the challenges (and opportunities) within US domestic policy through the comparative study of government programs. To that end, the international make-up of the programme is invaluable. The wealth of experiences and viewpoints among my cohorts were among my best educational resources.

The dual nature of the Comparative Social Change programme is as unique as it is beneficial, as I had access to double the elective module opportunities, advising professors, and academic and social resources. Now, as a researcher for a US government watchdog group, I am particularly grateful for the programme’s strong foundation in both quantitative and qualitative research. My year in Dublin is one I will always look back upon fondly."

Carla Lips

Class of 2019, currently a PhD student at the Université Catholique de Louvain

From the beginning of my studies, I had always been eager to study abroad. Coming from Belgium, I wanted to experience the Anglo-Saxon education structure as well as the Irish culture. Taking part in the MSc Comparative Social Change was an amazing opportunity and experience.

As the program is jointly organised by both Trinity and UCD, it provides the students with full access to both universities. Not only does it give you access to the facilities of both universities, including the libraries which are amazing places to study, but it allows you to meet a very broad and remarkable team of professors, which all have their own specificities. They went to great lengths to provide us with interesting, challenging and inspiring lectures, being at the same time very helpful and approachable.

I also met incredible people during that year as it gathers students from around the world, which further enriched the discussions and debates we had. Experiencing the old and beautiful campus of Trinity and the huge and modern UCD campus, surrounded by enthusiastic and captivating teachers and students is a journey that I would highly recommend to any student interested in broadening its horizons and in engaging with the sociological aspects of our current society."

Adrien Sautereau

Class of 2019

I loved this course due to the variety of teachers and lessons that were available. Moreover, the group's diversity enhanced my experience and truly made my studying and living experience in Dublin unique and pleasant. The programme allowed me to produce quality papers that I could use for my professional goals. I also received a lot of support from the staff during my time there and thanks to the general atmosphere, I was able to make meaningful connections.

This programme helped me to improve and gain new skills in my main fields of expertise by giving me new tools to produce studies and analyses. The academic staff were, from my experience, great. They were accessible, helpful and created great content for their students. It was great to be able to study both at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and University College Dublin (UCD) allowing us to be taught by various and diverse professors. Moreover, knowing that the degree parchment is given by these two institutions is a major plus."

Jeffery Niu

Class of 2019, currently a PhD student in the School of Sociology, UCD

I feel extraordinarily lucky to have gone through the MSc in Comparative Social Change. As so many other students in my class, I was relatively unfamiliar with sociology when I entered the MSc programme as a freshman, but fell in love with the discipline after my very first sociology class. I learned so much about the world, culture, and even myself.

During my one-year study, the sociology departments at TCD and UCD offered me constant guidance and support, and the faculty were willing to discuss my budding research interests. I am deeply thankful to the sociology faculty in both campuses for encouraging me to develop my theoretical and research skills and for their relentless support of my intellectual development. The MSc in Comparative Social Change not only provides me with great knowledge but interest and passion for the field of sociology. It was worth all the time, effort and money."

William Foley

Class of 2018, currently a PhD student at the European University Institute

Without the MSc in Comparative Social Change I would never have got into the PhD programme at the European University Institute. I first developed the idea for my doctoral thesis through seminar materials and discussions with lecturers and classmates.

When I decided I wanted to apply, many of the lecturers in the Sociology department devoted significant amounts of time to helping me prepare. They wrote reference letters, met with me to discuss in detail methodological and conceptual aspects of my submission, read over documents, and held interview prep sessions to help me practice for the face-to-face meetings with the admissions board.

I remain extremely grateful for the time and effort that the departmental staff invested in my development, and I will also remember with fondness the many interesting people I met on the masters and the interesting conversations I had with them."

Darragh Miller

Class of 2018

The MSc in Comparative Social Change really succeeded in offering me, firstly, a deeper understanding of sociological research, and secondly, provided me with the essential critical skills to analyse the various broad social forces operating in global society. 

The layout of the programme, across two universities, allowed for a rich learning environment, with access to many libraries and work spaces for self-study and learning, and gave me a chance to get to know the professors and lecturers from Ireland's best universities whom are studying diversely across the field of sociology. 

When choosing a supervisor for my thesis in the second semester - I felt that I was very well placed to make that decision, primarily because the programme provided many chances to meet those professors and learn about their expertise, but also by providing some great social events and evenings for all of the students, so mixing with staff and fellow academics felt natural. The students in the programme were great! We came from all sorts of backgrounds and nationalities so discussion in class was always enriched by different perspectives. 

I'd recommend the programme for anyone considering working for international NGOs, public sector, as a social researcher, and even if you want to stay within the world of academia."