Sociology - Arts (BA (Hons)) at University College Cork

Sociology is the study of society as a whole. It shows us how we may think our way through and out of problems, both individually and collectively. 

Sociology is concerned with identity and multiculturalism; sexuality and intimacy; media and popular culture; environment and sustainability; law and justice; crime and deviance; anthropology, civilisation and religion; art, culture and literature; health and well-being; politics and community; economy and society.

It is concerned with the modern world, how it has come into being and what challenges and crises it faces, at local, national and global levels. It ask questions about the decline of the power of the church; what it means to be "Irish" in an era of immigration and globalisation; the world financial crisis and the political crisis of Europe; global climate change and the future of Western civilisation.

Sociology helps us understand these problems, in an Irish and an international context.

You will  learn research methods and useful skills such as interviewing, surveys and questionnaires, onsite observation and ethnography, discourse analysis and archival research.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Study abroad: If you are studying Sociology through the BA International, you will spend Year 3 studying at one of our partner universities abroad. We currently have links with universities in Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden Mexico, and the US.

Work placement: If you study Sociology through the BA or the BA International, you will have the opportunity to avail of a work-placement module in Year 2. You can find out more here.

Skills and Careers Information

Sociology is the study of people and how we interact with one another. Having a good understanding of human relationships can be a bonus in a range of careers across all sectors. Sociology graduates leave university with a broad range of transferable skills, including being able to work to deadlines, make good arguments and think creatively.

Our Sociology graduates have made careers in fields such as:

• media, journalism, and communications
• arts and cultural industries
• human resources
• management
• advertising and marketing
• the civil service, government and public administration
• the Garda Síochána and corrections services
• health, education and social services
• planning, environment and sustainability
• international development and human rights agencies.

Many of our sociologists from UCC have gone on to become lecturers and professors at universities in Ireland, the UK, the US, Canada and Australia.