Sociology and Data Analytics - MSc

During this programme, you will:

• Build advanced expertise in sociological theory, research methods, and data analytics. Develop cutting-edge research skills to investigate complex social issues using both qualitative and quantitative approaches.

• Learn to design and conduct research projects, analyse large datasets, and interpret findings in ways that inform policy, practice, and public understanding.

• Explore key themes such as inequality, social exclusion, crime, culture, health, gender, and urban sociology. Understand key ethical issues around data, methods and a broad foundation in contemporary sociological thought.

• Gain hands-on experience of applying social theory to advanced data analysis through workshops, group discussions, and guided research, supported by regular feedback from faculty and peers.

• Develop a dissertation proposal and complete an independent research project, showcasing your ability to use theory and methods to tackle real-world challenges.

• Prepare for careers in research, policy analysis, data consultancy, and roles across the public, private, voluntary, and academic sectors.

Key Information

• Complete full-time in one year or part-time over two years

• Delivered on campus

• Modules taught during autumn and spring semesters

• Submit dissertation at the end of the final semester

You will learn through a blend of:

• Lectures, workshops, self-guided and lab-based learning,and hands-on activities

• Reflective practice and guided research

• Regular feedback from faculty and peers

Part-time considerations:

• Designed for working professionals

• Recorded lectures

• Additional prep and group work time

Full-time

Autumn Semester

Core modules

• Qualitative Research Methods 1 (SO5031) provides students with a comprehensive introduction to qualitative research.

• Quantitative Research Methods 1 (SO5041) provides a thorough grounding in the methods of quantitative research.

• MSc Dissertation Workshop Proposal (SO6001) establishes a framework for students to design their dissertation research.

Electives – choose 1

• Researching Social Exclusion (SO5051)
• Life Chances: Stratification, Inequality, and Mobility in Contemporary Society (SO6062)
• Sociology of Popular Culture 2 (SO6072)
• Introduction to Sociological Criminology (SO6082)
• Contemporary Issues in Sociological Thought (SO6112)
• Sociology of Families and the Life Course (SO6092)
• Selected Issues in Gender, Culture and Society (SO6102)

Spring Semester

Core module – Choose 1 or both

• Quantitative Research Methods 2 (SO7860) outlines techniques for data collection, processing, presentation and statistical analysis.

• Qualitative Research Methods 2 (SO5042) focuses on the development of professional research skills and techniques of computer aided data analysis.

Electives – Choose 1 or both:

• Quantitative Research Methods 2 (SO7860) (if not already chosen)
• Qualitative Research Methods 2 (SO5042) (if not already chosen)

Electives – choose 2

• Researching Social Exclusion (SO5051)
• Life Chances: Stratification, Inequality, and Mobility in Contemporary Society (SO6062)
• Sociology of Popular Culture 2 (SO6072)
• Introduction to Sociological Criminology (SO6082)
• Contemporary Issues in Sociological Thought (SO6112)
• Urban Sociology and Stratification of Place (SO7862)
• Sociology of Families and the Life Course (SO6092)
• Selected Issues in Gender, Culture and Society (SO6102)
• MSc Dissertation Research Module (SO6132)

Summer Semester

• Dissertation (SO6043)

Part-time

Year 1

Autumn Semester

• Qualitative Research Methods 1 (SO5031) provides students with a comprehensive introduction to qualitative research.

• Quantitative Research Methods 1 (SO5041) provides a thorough grounding in the methods of quantitative research.

Spring Semester

Core Module

• MSc Dissertation Workshop Proposal (SO6001) establishes a framework for students to design their dissertation research.

Electives - choose 1

• Researching Social Exclusion (SO5051)
• Life Chances: Stratification, Inequality, and Mobility in Contemporary Society (SO6062)
• Sociology of Popular Culture 2 (SO6072)
• Introduction to Sociological Criminology (SO6082)
• Contemporary Issues in Sociological Thought (SO6112)
• Urban Sociology and Stratification of Place (SO7862)
• Sociology of Families and the Life Course (SO6092)
• Selected Issues in Gender, Culture and Society (SO6102)
• MSc Dissertation Research Module (SO6132)

Summer Semester

• Dissertation PT Summer 1 (SO6033)

Year 2

Autumn Semester

Core module – Choose 1 or both

• Quantitative Research Methods 2 (SO7860) outlines techniques for data collection, processing, presentation and statistical analysis.

• Qualitative Research Methods 2 (SO5042) focuses on the development of professional research skills and techniques of computer aided data analysis.

Spring Semester

Electives - choose 1

• Researching Social Exclusion (SO5051)
• Life Chances: Stratification, Inequality, and Mobility in Contemporary Society (SO6062)
• Sociology of Popular Culture 2 (SO6072)
• Introduction to Sociological Criminology (SO6082)
• Contemporary Issues in Sociological Thought (SO6112)
• Urban Sociology and Stratification of Place (SO7862)
• Sociology of Families and the Life Course (SO6092)
• Selected Issues in Gender, Culture and Society (SO6102)
• MSc Dissertation Research Module (SO6132)

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s Book of Modules

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honour, grade 2 (2:2) or an approved equivalent qualification or an equivalent capability based on prior substantial relevant experience.

• Applicants may be required to submit a portfolio of work and undergo an interview.

Other Entry Considerations:

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, as long as you can show that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for the programme.

At UL, we value all kinds of learning and support different ways

to qualify through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.

International students:

• For details on country-specific qualifications visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students .

Checklist of Documents:

• *Academic transcripts and certificates
• UL graduates only need to provide their student ID.
• Copy of your birth certificate or passport
• English translation of your qualifications and transcripts
• Copy of your CV

English Language:

• English Language Competency certificate
• For details on accepted language qualifications visit English Language Requirements

Guidelines on Completing your Application

• To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
• Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist.
• Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.
• *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date, you don’t need to have finished final exams before applying.

EU - Full Time 7,600ドル - Part Time 3,900ドル per annum*

Non EU - Full Time 18,000ドル - Part Time 9,700ドル per annum*

*Please note year 2 fees are subject to change

Please note that international study visas are only available to students studying full-time in Ireland. Only the full-time version of this programme qualifies for a study visa.

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie ).

Funding

Find further information on funding and scholarships ..

This course can lead to the following sectors and careers:

• Research
• Public sector
• Voluntary sector
• Private sector

MSc Sociology & Data Analytics graduate, Deepack John Reji.

"Not many universities offer this sort of a program which has a combination of sociological and computational skills development along with data analysis. Along with the subjects we have a 6–8-month span of structured research we have to complete, which is an in-depth qualitative or quantitative or mixed method project. I took a mixed methods approach and, I am getting to learn both quantitative and qualitative research skills. I am currently researching "Societal attitudes towards Immigration in Ireland," and I have two supervisors, Dr Brendan Halpin and Dr Emily Murphy, who are guiding me through the process. They are supporting me in gathering data, choosing the appropriate methods, analysing the results, and determining how to conduct the research. In addition to the course, we have the opportunity to attend discussions with other departments and conferences."

Read more about Deepack’s story .

Still Curious?

The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.

Online Information Sessions