Courses / Subject

	Required	Ordinary level grade	Higher level grade
Irish		O6	H7
English		O6	H7
Language		O6	H7
Math		-	-
Science		-	-

This course requires 3 additional subjects

Mature Applicants 

Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time/flexible degrees the mature age is 21.

Click here to be taken to our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on that page outlines application steps for this degree.

Mature applicants who have a disability 

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require support for any required written exercise/interview/ online video audition which may form part of your application assessment, you must complete an online request form and submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2026. Applications for alternative examination accommodation cannot be considered after this deadline.

For further information on the supporting documentation required, as well as examination and other supports visit the Access Office website.

Leaving Certificate Applicants 

Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English, 3rd language. Round 1 points 2025: 307

HEAR and DARE

DARE: The Disability Access Route to Education is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.

HEAR: The Higher Education Access Route is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Contact the Access Office for more information about these access routes.

The Maynooth Education

Click here for details about optional Critical Skills courses, Electives and degree pathways.

APPLY TO THE CAO - WWW.CAO.IE

The application process depends on the type of applicant you are. Click here for all information about how to apply.

Categories of applicant:

• School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
• Mature students (23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University/part-time degrees the mature age is 21)
• EU/EFTA/UK students
• International students (outside the EU)
• QQI (Further Education) students
• Transferring students
• Deferring students

 Sociology – Double Major, Major/Minor or as a Minor. Sociology and another subject to degree level.

1st year

• 15 credits (group 5) of Sociology
• Choose up to 3 other subjects, which may include Critical Skills, from the 5 groups available (max 1 per group). Taking Politics in group 6 with Sociology provides a 30 credit Sociology-Politics double subject. 

2nd & final year

• Sociology is taken with 1 of your 1st year subjects as part of a Double Major, a Major/Minor or as a Minor
• Option in summer of 2nd year to engage in exchange with University of Duisburg Essen
• Optional 10 credit Elective

Students may apply to study overseas after 2nd year (on Erasmus or Study Abroad) and graduate with a BA (International) after 4 years. See the International Studies website for details.

Duration: 3 year (BA) or 4 year (BA International)

Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually. Please check periodically for updates.

Year 1

SOCIOLOGY Sociology is the study of human social life, groups and societies. Through Sociology we examine how we live together, how our lives are shaped by the broader forces and structures in our society, and how we can shape them. This subject opens the mind, connecting our students’ own lived experience to the wider social and economic context. This offers you the opportunity to engage in an empowering form of student-led learning. We offer students the opportunity to develop the following skills so they are prepared to meet the challenges of our fast-changing contemporary society, and to help them to contribute productively to social transformation: critical skills evidence-based powers of argumentation creative thinking intellectual skills research skills communication skills active citizenship skills Sociology students can spend a year abroad, to go on staff-led field trips and become actively involved in the Sociology and Politics Society in the MSU (Maynooth Students’ Union). Students engage in a constructive enterprise, oriented towards the promotion of equality and social justice. SO1F15 - SOCIOLOGY Credits: 15 Not compulsory: Module Code Credits Semester Compulsory EXPLORING AND EXPLAINING GLOBAL IRELAND SO156 7.5 2 SOCIOLOGICAL IMAGINATION SO152 7.5 1

Year 2

DOUBLE MAJOR MAJOR WITH MINOR MINOR SOCIOLOGY Sociology is the study of human social life, groups and societies. Through Sociology we examine how we live together, how our lives are shaped by the broader forces and structures in our society, and how we can shape them. This subject opens the mind, connecting our students’ own lived experience to the wider social and economic context. This offers you the opportunity to engage in an empowering form of student-led learning. We offer students the opportunity to develop the following skills so they are prepared to meet the challenges of our fast-changing contemporary society, and to help them to contribute productively to social transformation: critical skills evidence-based powers of argumentation creative thinking intellectual skills research skills communication skills active citizenship skills Sociology students can spend a year abroad, to go on staff-led field trips and become actively involved in the Sociology and Politics Society in the MSU (Maynooth Students’ Union). Students engage in a constructive enterprise, oriented towards the promotion of equality and social justice. SO2DM - SOCIOLOGY Credits: 30 Not compulsory: Module Code Credits Semester Compulsory CHANGING LANDSCAPES, CHANGING LIVES SO227 5 1 DEMOCRACY AND CITIZENSHIP PO205 5 2 ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE SO223A 5 2 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL RESEARCH SO202 5 1 MIGRATION IN THE AGE OF GLOBALISATION SO222 5 1 NORTHERN IRISH SOCIETY SO214 5 1 POWER, POLITICS AND SOCIETY IN THE AMERICAS PO313 5 2 RESEARCH DESIGN AND SURVEY, FIELDWORK & DOCUMENTARY METHODS SO225 5 2 SOCIAL MOVEMENTS SO215A 5 1 SOCIAL THEORY I SO201A 5 1 SOCIAL WORLDS OF CHILDREN SO210 5 2 SOCIETY AND STATE PO304 5 1 SOCIOLOGY OF EDUCATION SO330 5 2 STRUCTURES OF INEQUALITY: CLASS, RACE & GENDER SO203 5 2     This subject is for students taking Sociology and Criminology.   SO2CDM - SOCIOLOGY (WITH CRIMINOLOGY) Credits: 30 Not compulsory: Module Code Credits Semester Compulsory CHANGING LANDSCAPES, CHANGING LIVES SO227 5 1 DEMOCRACY AND CITIZENSHIP PO205 5 2 ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE SO223A 5 2 MIGRATION IN THE AGE OF GLOBALISATION SO222 5 1 NORTHERN IRISH SOCIETY SO214 5 1 POWER, POLITICS AND SOCIETY IN THE AMERICAS PO313 5 2 RESEARCH DESIGN AND SURVEY, FIELDWORK & DOCUMENTARY METHODS SO225 5 2 SOCIAL MOVEMENTS SO215A 5 1 SOCIAL THEORY I SO201A 5 1 SOCIAL WORLDS OF CHILDREN SO210 5 2 SOCIETY AND STATE PO304 5 1 SOCIOLOGY OF EDUCATION SO330 5 2 STRUCTURES OF INEQUALITY: CLASS, RACE & GENDER SO203 5 2     This subject is for students taking Sociology and Politics.   SO2PDM - SOCIOLOGY (WITH POLITICS) Credits: 30 Not compulsory: Module Code Credits Semester Compulsory CHANGING LANDSCAPES, CHANGING LIVES SO227 5 1 ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE SO223A 5 2 MIGRATION IN THE AGE OF GLOBALISATION SO222 5 1 NORTHERN IRISH SOCIETY SO214 5 1 POWER, POLITICS AND SOCIETY IN THE AMERICAS PO313 5 2 RESEARCH DESIGN AND SURVEY, FIELDWORK & DOCUMENTARY METHODS SO225 5 2 SOCIAL MOVEMENTS SO215A 5 1 SOCIAL THEORY I SO201A 5 1 SOCIAL WORLDS OF CHILDREN SO210 5 2 SOCIOLOGY OF EDUCATION SO330 5 2 STRUCTURES OF INEQUALITY: CLASS, RACE & GENDER SO203 5 2 SOCIOLOGY Sociology is the study of human social life, groups and societies. Through Sociology we examine how we live together, how our lives are shaped by the broader forces and structures in our society, and how we can shape them. This subject opens the mind, connecting our students’ own lived experience to the wider social and economic context. This offers you the opportunity to engage in an empowering form of student-led learning. We offer students the opportunity to develop the following skills so they are prepared to meet the challenges of our fast-changing contemporary society, and to help them to contribute productively to social transformation: critical skills evidence-based powers of argumentation creative thinking intellectual skills research skills communication skills active citizenship skills Sociology students can spend a year abroad, to go on staff-led field trips and become actively involved in the Sociology and Politics Society in the MSU (Maynooth Students’ Union). Students engage in a constructive enterprise, oriented towards the promotion of equality and social justice. SO2MJ - SOCIOLOGY Credits: 40 Not compulsory: Module Code Credits Semester Compulsory CHANGING LANDSCAPES, CHANGING LIVES SO227 5 1 DEMOCRACY AND CITIZENSHIP PO205 5 2 ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE SO223A 5 2 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL RESEARCH SO202 5 1 MIGRATION IN THE AGE OF GLOBALISATION SO222 5 1 NORTHERN IRISH SOCIETY SO214 5 1 POWER, POLITICS AND SOCIETY IN THE AMERICAS PO313 5 2 RESEARCH DESIGN AND SURVEY, FIELDWORK & DOCUMENTARY METHODS SO225 5 2 SOCIAL MOVEMENTS SO215A 5 1 SOCIAL THEORY I SO201A 5 1 SOCIAL WORLDS OF CHILDREN SO210 5 2 SOCIETY AND STATE PO304 5 1 SOCIOLOGY OF EDUCATION SO330 5 2 STRUCTURES OF INEQUALITY: CLASS, RACE & GENDER SO203 5 2 SO2CMJ - SOCIOLOGY (WITH CRIMINOLOGY) Credits: 40 Not compulsory: Module Code Credits Semester Compulsory CHANGING LANDSCAPES, CHANGING LIVES SO227 5 1 DEMOCRACY AND CITIZENSHIP PO205 5 2 ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE SO223A 5 2 MIGRATION IN THE AGE OF GLOBALISATION SO222 5 1 NORTHERN IRISH SOCIETY SO214 5 1 POWER, POLITICS AND SOCIETY IN THE AMERICAS PO313 5 2 RESEARCH DESIGN AND SURVEY, FIELDWORK & DOCUMENTARY METHODS SO225 5 2 SOCIAL MOVEMENTS SO215A 5 1 SOCIAL THEORY I SO201A 5 1 SOCIAL WORLDS OF CHILDREN SO210 5 2 SOCIETY AND STATE PO304 5 1 SOCIOLOGY OF EDUCATION SO330 5 2 STRUCTURES OF INEQUALITY: CLASS, RACE & GENDER SO203 5 2 SOCIOLOGY Sociology is the study of human social life, groups and societies. Through Sociology we examine how we live together, how our lives are shaped by the broader forces and structures in our society, and how we can shape them. This subject opens the mind, connecting our students’ own lived experience to the wider social and economic context. This offers you the opportunity to engage in an empowering form of student-led learning. We offer students the opportunity to develop the following skills so they are prepared to meet the challenges of our fast-changing contemporary society, and to help them to contribute productively to social transformation: critical skills evidence-based powers of argumentation creative thinking intellectual skills research skills communication skills active citizenship skills Sociology students can spend a year abroad, to go on staff-led field trips and become actively involved in the Sociology and Politics Society in the MSU (Maynooth Students’ Union). Students engage in a constructive enterprise, oriented towards the promotion of equality and social justice. SO2MI - SOCIOLOGY Credits: 20 Not compulsory: Module Code Credits Semester Compulsory CHANGING LANDSCAPES, CHANGING LIVES SO227 5 1 DEMOCRACY AND CITIZENSHIP PO205 5 2 ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE SO223A 5 2 MIGRATION IN THE AGE OF GLOBALISATION SO222 5 1 NORTHERN IRISH SOCIETY SO214 5 1 POWER, POLITICS AND SOCIETY IN THE AMERICAS PO313 5 2 SOCIAL MOVEMENTS SO215A 5 1 SOCIAL THEORY I SO201A 5 1 SOCIAL WORLDS OF CHILDREN SO210 5 2 SOCIETY AND STATE PO304 5 1 SOCIOLOGY OF EDUCATION SO330 5 2 STRUCTURES OF INEQUALITY: CLASS, RACE & GENDER SO203 5 2

Year 3

DOUBLE MAJOR MAJOR WITH MINOR MINOR SOCIOLOGY Sociology is the study of human social life, groups and societies. Through Sociology we examine how we live together, how our lives are shaped by the broader forces and structures in our society, and how we can shape them. This subject opens the mind, connecting our students’ own lived experience to the wider social and economic context. This offers you the opportunity to engage in an empowering form of student-led learning. We offer students the opportunity to develop the following skills so they are prepared to meet the challenges of our fast-changing contemporary society, and to help them to contribute productively to social transformation: critical skills evidence-based powers of argumentation creative thinking intellectual skills research skills communication skills active citizenship skills Sociology students can spend a year abroad, to go on staff-led field trips and become actively involved in the Sociology and Politics Society in the MSU (Maynooth Students’ Union). Students engage in a constructive enterprise, oriented towards the promotion of equality and social justice. SO3DM - SOCIOLOGY Credits: 30 Not compulsory: Module Code Credits Semester Compulsory CRIME AND SOCIETY SO345 5 2 GENDER AND POLITICS PO312 5 1 IRISH POLITICS AND SOCIETY PO315 5 2 RACE & ETHNICITY IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE SO320A 5 2 REVOLUTIONS SO319 5 2 SCREENING SOCIAL CHANGE: CAPITALISM, CINEMA AND TELEVISION SO343 5 2 SEX, LAW AND SOCIETY SO338 5 1 SOCIAL THEORY II SO301A 5 1 SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH SO209 5 2 SOCIOLOGY OF LAW AND SOCIAL CONTROL SO348 5 1 SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY SO312 5 2 SPECIAL TOPIC RESEARCH PROJECT SO303A 10 Year-Long THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF GLOBAL CAPITALISM SO315 5 1 THREATS, RISKS, CONFLICTS & HUMAN SECURITY SO324 5 1 UNIVERSITY OF DUISBURG SUMMER SCHOOL SO3UD 5 1 This subject is for students taking Sociology and Politics.   SO3PDM - SOCIOLOGY (WITH POLITICS) Credits: 30 Not compulsory: Module Code Credits Semester Compulsory CRIME AND SOCIETY SO345 5 2 GENDER AND POLITICS PO312 5 1 RACE & ETHNICITY IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE SO320A 5 2 REVOLUTIONS SO319 5 2 SCREENING SOCIAL CHANGE: CAPITALISM, CINEMA AND TELEVISION SO343 5 2 SEX, LAW AND SOCIETY SO338 5 1 SOCIAL THEORY II SO301A 5 1 SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH SO209 5 2 SOCIOLOGY OF LAW AND SOCIAL CONTROL SO348 5 1 SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY SO312 5 2 SPECIAL TOPIC RESEARCH PROJECT SO303A 10 Year-Long THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF GLOBAL CAPITALISM SO315 5 1 THREATS, RISKS, CONFLICTS & HUMAN SECURITY SO324 5 1 UNIVERSITY OF DUISBURG SUMMER SCHOOL SO3UD 5 1 SOCIOLOGY Sociology is the study of human social life, groups and societies. Through Sociology we examine how we live together, how our lives are shaped by the broader forces and structures in our society, and how we can shape them. This subject opens the mind, connecting our students’ own lived experience to the wider social and economic context. This offers you the opportunity to engage in an empowering form of student-led learning. We offer students the opportunity to develop the following skills so they are prepared to meet the challenges of our fast-changing contemporary society, and to help them to contribute productively to social transformation: critical skills evidence-based powers of argumentation creative thinking intellectual skills research skills communication skills active citizenship skills Sociology students can spend a year abroad, to go on staff-led field trips and become actively involved in the Sociology and Politics Society in the MSU (Maynooth Students’ Union). Students engage in a constructive enterprise, oriented towards the promotion of equality and social justice. SO3MJ - SOCIOLOGY Credits: 40 Not compulsory: Module Code Credits Semester Compulsory CRIME AND SOCIETY SO345 5 2 GENDER AND POLITICS PO312 5 1 IRISH POLITICS AND SOCIETY PO315 5 2 RACE & ETHNICITY IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE SO320A 5 2 REVOLUTIONS SO319 5 2 SCREENING SOCIAL CHANGE: CAPITALISM, CINEMA AND TELEVISION SO343 5 2 SEX, LAW AND SOCIETY SO338 5 1 SOCIAL THEORY II SO301A 5 1 SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH SO209 5 2 SOCIOLOGY OF LAW AND SOCIAL CONTROL SO348 5 1 SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY SO312 5 2 SPECIAL TOPIC RESEARCH PROJECT SO303A 10 Year-Long THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF GLOBAL CAPITALISM SO315 5 1 THREATS, RISKS, CONFLICTS & HUMAN SECURITY SO324 5 1 UNIVERSITY OF DUISBURG SUMMER SCHOOL SO3UD 5 1 SOCIOLOGY Sociology is the study of human social life, groups and societies. Through Sociology we examine how we live together, how our lives are shaped by the broader forces and structures in our society, and how we can shape them. This subject opens the mind, connecting our students’ own lived experience to the wider social and economic context. This offers you the opportunity to engage in an empowering form of student-led learning. We offer students the opportunity to develop the following skills so they are prepared to meet the challenges of our fast-changing contemporary society, and to help them to contribute productively to social transformation: critical skills evidence-based powers of argumentation creative thinking intellectual skills research skills communication skills active citizenship skills Sociology students can spend a year abroad, to go on staff-led field trips and become actively involved in the Sociology and Politics Society in the MSU (Maynooth Students’ Union). Students engage in a constructive enterprise, oriented towards the promotion of equality and social justice. SO3MI - SOCIOLOGY Credits: 20 Not compulsory: Module Code Credits Semester Compulsory CRIME AND SOCIETY SO345 5 2 GENDER AND POLITICS PO312 5 1 IRISH POLITICS AND SOCIETY PO315 5 2 RACE & ETHNICITY IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE SO320A 5 2 REVOLUTIONS SO319 5 2 SCREENING SOCIAL CHANGE: CAPITALISM, CINEMA AND TELEVISION SO343 5 2 SEX, LAW AND SOCIETY SO338 5 1 SOCIAL THEORY II SO301A 5 1 SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH SO209 5 2 SOCIOLOGY OF LAW AND SOCIAL CONTROL SO348 5 1 SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY SO312 5 2 THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF GLOBAL CAPITALISM SO315 5 1 THREATS, RISKS, CONFLICTS & HUMAN SECURITY SO324 5 1 UNIVERSITY OF DUISBURG SUMMER SCHOOL SO3UD 5 1

Maynooth University Department of Sociology
www.maynoothuniversity.ie/sociology

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After Graduation

• Studying Sociology opens our students up to personal change and development, and provides them with the necessary tools to successfully pursue diverse professional career paths.
• Sociology offers a pathway into a range of professions including advocacy, education, public relations, political activism, journalism, probation service, social work, social care, online community management and social/market research to name a few.
• Taking Politics and/or Sociology to degree level meets the Teaching Council degree subject requirement to teach Politics and Society at second level following a Professional Master of Education (PME).
• Some Sociology graduates continue in the discipline and undertake doctoral or Masters studies so they can become professional sociologists, social researchers, in-house researchers or analysts in large organisations, policy analysts or lecturers in third-level and further education institutions. The Department offers a range of postgraduate study options.

Visit the Department website for more information about postgraduate options.

After Graduation

• Studying Sociology opens our students up to personal change and development, and provides them with the necessary tools to successfully pursue diverse professional career paths.
• Sociology offers a pathway into a range of professions including advocacy, education, public relations, political activism, journalism, probation service, social work, social care, online community management and social/market research to name a few.
• Taking Politics and/or Sociology to degree level meets the Teaching Council degree subject requirement to teach Politics and Society at second level following a Professional Master of Education (PME).
• Some Sociology graduates continue in the discipline and undertake doctoral or Masters studies so they can become professional sociologists, social researchers, in-house researchers or analysts in large organisations, policy analysts or lecturers in third-level and further education institutions. The Department offers a range of postgraduate study options.

Visit the Department website for more information about postgraduate options.

For further information on Postgraduate options please go to the Graduate Studies site