University of Limerick - Sociology (Applied Social Research)

Course Overview/Contact:

The course focus is on sociological research methods, and the intention is to produce graduates ready to embark on research careers in the private, public, voluntary or academic spheres. Modules on qualitative and quantitative methods form the core of the course, along with modules on substantive issues of contemporary relevance.  Theoretical framing and analysis of qualitative data, and statistical analysis of large-scale survey data sets is central to the course. Faculty have extensive research experience in a variety of areas, including the media, social exclusion, stratification and inequality, the restructuring of work, feminist methodologies, community development, education, marriage and divorce. A research dissertation is a key element of the course.

The aim of the programme is

• To provide students with state-of-the art methodological skills
• To provide students with an advanced level of knowledge and expertise in all stages of research design, implementation and analysis
• To provide students with an advanced level of knowledge in a number of substantive areas of sociology including social exclusion and social change
• To enable students to carry out high-quality social research, in work or in PhD programmes

Contact
Department of Sociology
Course Director Mary O'Donoghue
Tel: +353 61 202317
Fax: +353-61-202569
Email: mary.odonoghue@ul.ie

Career Opportunities:

Opportunities for the graduates exist in research in the public, the voluntary and the private sectors.

Mary Brereton Sociology (Applied Social Research) MA - Student

Dr Brendan Halpin Sociology (Applied Social Research) MA

Programme Content:

Semester 1	Semester 2	Summer
Quantitative Research Methods 1 Qualitative Research Methods I Researching Social Exclusion Researching Social Change.	Quantitative Research Methods 2 or Qualitative Research methods 2 Researching Social Exclusion 2 or Researching Social Change 2 Researching Health and Illness or the second research methods module Dissertation.	Dissertation
The Full-time cohort undertake four module in semester 1 and two modules in semester 2 and complete a dissertation by the end of August. Part-time students undertake two modules in semester 1, and one or two modules in the following semesters until six modules have been completed and start working on the dissertation in the first semester.

Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules.

Entry Requirements:

The basic requirement is a first or second-class Honours degree in sociology or a cognate area or an approved equivalent qualification or an equivalent capability based on prior substantial relevant experience (Primary Degree: Level 8- National Qualifications Authority of Ireland). Applicants may be required to submit a portfolio of work and undergo an interview.

What to Include with your Application

• Qualification transcripts and certificates
• English language qualification if English is not your first language
• Certified English translations of your transcripts/certificates where the originals are in a language other than English.
• A copy of your birth certificate (long document)

 

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than two years prior to application):

Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:

• Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved
• Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above
• TOEFL – 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based)
• IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5 with no less than 6 in any one component.
• English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1
• GCE ‘O’ level English Language/GCSE English Language – Grade C or above
• University of Cambridge ESOL –Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English Grade A
• GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6

Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact the International Education Division for advice.