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Sociology and Politics (MA)

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Course Overview

This new postgraduate programme builds on the rich tradition of 50 years of the teaching of Political Science and Sociology at NUI Galway, offering students the opportunity to critically explore social and political forces that impact on contemporary issues. The MA (Politics and Sociology) provides the theoretical and empirical skills that graduates of Politics and Sociology require for the analyses of why our societies are the way that they are and if they can be improved.

The programme comprises of core taught modules in Politics and Sociology and a thesis  of 20,000 words which will be supervised by a member of academic staff in the School, providing one to one support and expertise in the student’s chosen field of enquiry

 Graduate attributes/learning outcomes for the programme

Students of the programme will acquire essential graduate employment skills, including written and oral communication skills, group work skills, critical thinking skills and problem solving skills.

 On successful completion of this programme students will be able to:

  1. Apply knowledge of contemporary and classical political and social theory to issues in contemporary society.
  2. Think critically about a range of political and social issues and problems.
  3. Design and conduct advanced political and social research on a range of political and social problems.
  4. Organise and present their work effectively.
  5. Work effectively in a group setting.

 

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the NUI Galway Postgraduate Applications System. 

Reference for Graduate/Postgraduate Applicant

Who Teaches this Course

Students will benefit from an international, cross-disciplinary group of 40 academic staff members with diverse backgrounds in Politics and Sociology, as well as Anthropology, Business, Community and International Development, Economics, Social Policy, Social Work, Women's Studies, Child, Youth and Family Studies. In particular, the School has a well established reputation for research on Children, Youth and Families; Power, Conflict and Ideologies; Global Women’s Studies and Governance and Sustainable Development.

Requirements and Assessment

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

A primary degree or its equivalent, with Second Class Honours Grade 2 overall. Applicants should also have achieved an upper Second Class Honours degree (2.1) or equivalent, GPAs of at least 3.0 of 4.0 or equivalent for international students, in a relevant subject such as Sociology, Politics, Public and Social Policy, Geography, History, Economics or Law. An interview may, in addition, form part of the application process.

Additional Requirements

Duration

1 year, full-time

Next start date

September 2019

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

20

Closing Date

1 June 2019

NFQ level

Mode of study

Taught

ECTS weighting

Award

CAO

Course code

1PSO1

Course Outline

Programme Content and Structure

The MA (Politics and Sociology) is a 90-ECTS programme which is comprised of 60 ECTS of core taught modules and 30 ECTS allocated to a dissertation.

Students who do not wish to continue to MA level can exit the programme with a Postgraduate Diploma (Politics and Sociology) on successfully completing the 60 ECTS of taught modules.

Module TitleSemesterECTS
Philosophy of Social Science One 10
Political Theory One 10
Contemporary Irish Society One 10
Research Methods of Social Science Two 10
Comparative Politics Two 10
Sociological Theory Two 10
Thesis Summer 10

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Glossary of Terms

Credits
You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
Module
An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
Optional
A module you may choose to study.
Required
A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
Semester
Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.

Year 1 (90 Credits)

Required SP6111: Philosophy of Social Science


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This course is an introduction to the philosophical foundations for research methods in social science. The departure point is the standard positivistic epistemic foundations of science, including Popper and Kuhn. Moving to social science, we explore the particular epistemic foundations of sociology and political science. This includes social constructionism and the making of meaning, which open the doors to hermeneutics, critical realism, critical theory, pragmatism, and discourse theory.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of philosophical positions, social ontology, paradigms, and the framing of research
  2. Design a research question in a clear and testable manner.
  3. Choose the appropriate epistemic frame for a research question.
  4. Relate a research question and frame to an appropriate methodology.
  5. Construct a coherent argument using social science frameworks.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (80%)
  • Department-based Assessment (20%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
Reading List
  1. "Philosophy of the social sciences" by Patrick Baert
    ISBN: 9780745622477.
    Publisher: Cambridge, UK ; Polity, 2005.
  2. "The foundations of social research" by Michael Crotty
    ISBN: 9780761961062.
    Publisher: London ; Sage Publications, 1998.
  3. "Varieties of social explanation" by Daniel Little
    ISBN: 0813305659.
    Publisher: Westview Press
The above information outlines module SP6111: "Philosophy of Social Science " and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required SP6112: Political Theory


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This module explores the issue of political obligation. It examines the debate within political theory on the following question: for what reason should we ever ascribe political obligations to people? It also applies these philosophical debates to practical issues, including taxation, conscription, state violence, exile, conflicting obligations, and justified reistance.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Critique current debates in political theory on 'political obligation'
  2. Critically analyse philosophical arguments on different social/political issues
  3. Present a written/aural argument based on independent research that is correctly referenced and and cogently argued.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
Reading List
  1. "The legitimation of power" by David Beetham
    ISBN: 9780230279728.
    Publisher: Macmillan
  2. "Public and Private Morality" by Stuart Hampshire
    ISBN: 051293529.
    Publisher: Cambridge
  3. "Political obligation, second edition" by John Horton
    ISBN: 9780230576513.
    Publisher: Palgrave
  4. "On the people's terms" by Philip Pettit
    ISBN: 9780521182126.
    Publisher: Cambridge
  5. "Authority" by J Raz
    ISBN: 0814774156.
    Publisher: Oxford
  6. "Political thought & political thinkers" by Judith N. Shklar
    ISBN: 0226753468.
    Publisher: University of Chicago
The above information outlines module SP6112: "Political Theory " and is valid from 2017 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required SP6114: Welfare, Social Change & Irish Society


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This module examines key concepts and themes of welfare and well-being, with particular focus on Irish societal change. It critically explores a range of common conceptual themes on 'welfare' and examines the role of the state, family and civil society/community within welfare. It discusses Irish social change and policy developments in key areas of children/youth, family life, ageing and community level changes such as (im)migration.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Critically analyse core sociological concepts underpinning welfare policy.
  2. Understand the development and role of the state, family and civil society/community in responding to welfare issues both conceptually and in an Irish context
  3. Assess the processes affecting welfare needs in Irish society
  4. Interpret the evidence and significance of core welfare issues relevant to different stages of the life course.
  5. Describe key policies and challenges in responding to welfare issues.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
Reading List
  1. "Welfare: Key Concepts" by Daly, M.
    ISBN: 9780745644714.
    Publisher: Polity Press
  2. "Understanding Human Need: Social issues, policy and practice" by Dean, H.
    ISBN: 9781847421.
    Publisher: Bristol Policy Press
  3. "nderstanding theories and concepts in social policy" by R Lister
    ISBN: 9781861347930.
    Publisher: Policy Press
  4. "Family Rhythms: The changing texture of family life in Ireland," by Gray, J. Geraghty, R. and D. Ralph
    ISBN: 9780719091520.
    Publisher: Manchester University Press
  5. "Social Policy: Theory and practice," by Spicker, P
    ISBN: 9781447316107.
    Publisher: Policy Press
  6. "Contemporary Ireland: A Sociological Map," by O'Sullivan, S
    ISBN: 9781904558873.
    Publisher: UCD Press
  7. "Understanding inequality, poverty and wealth: policies and prospects" by Ridge, T. and Wright, S.
    ISBN: 9781861349149.
    Publisher: Policy Press
The above information outlines module SP6114: "Welfare, Social Change & Irish Society" and is valid from 2017 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required SP6116: Social Theory


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This module considers key works in social theory through the lens of 'living social theory'.It revisits the classical social theory of Comte, Marx, Durkheim and Weber by locating key elements of classical social thought in conversation with selected American (Parsons, Mills, Burawoy) and European (Habermas, Bourdieu, Foucault and Bauman) contemporary theorists.It encourages reflection on the challenges to the social theory canon from feminist, critical race and decolonial social theory
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of key works and authors in social theory
  2. Critically compare and contrast elements of classical and contemporary social theory
  3. Critically reflect on the basic premises, assumptions and implications of particular social theories via a comparison of theorists and their works.
  4. Construct critical arguments about the nature and relevance of social theory to the contemporary lifeworld and events
  5. Complete an independent written piece of work that is competently presented, and correctly referenced.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
Reading List
  1. "Contested Knowledge: Social Theory Today" by Seidman, Steven
    ISBN: 9781119167587.
    Publisher: John Wiley
  2. "Contemporary Sociological Theory and Its Classical Roots: The Basics" by Ritzer, G.; Stepnisky
    ISBN: 9780078026782.
The above information outlines module SP6116: "Social Theory " and is valid from 2017 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required SP6113: Research Methods of Social Science


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This module provides methodological and practical grounding in social science research.It equips the students with the principles, skills and techniques of social science research. Students learn to design, conduct and review a piece of research by critically evaluating methodologies of social science. The aim of the course is to introduce students to key aspects of quantitative and qualitative methodologies and associated research methods which will benefit the preparation for their dissertation.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Identify research questions and design appropriate research strategies for specific political and/or social issues
  2. Assess the applicability of qualitative and/or quantitative methods to specific research questions.
  3. Arrange and construct the research process from posing a research question to analysing the collected data
  4. Review and critically evaluate social science research methods and methodologies.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
Reading List
  1. "Social Research Methods" by Alan Bryman
    ISBN: 9780199588053.
    Publisher: Oxford University Press
  2. "SPSS survival manual" by Julie Pallant.
    ISBN: 9780335262588.
    Publisher: Boston, Mass; McGraw Hill
  3. "Introducing research methodology" by Uwe Flick.
    ISBN: 9781446294246.
    Publisher: Thousand Oaks, Calif; Sage
  4. "Doing a Successful Research Project" by Martin Brett Davies
    ISBN: 9781403993793.
    Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
  5. "Designing surveys" by Johnny Blair, Abt SRBI, Inc., Ronald F. Czaja, North Carolina State University, Edward A. Blair, University of Houston.
    ISBN: 9781412997348.
    Publisher: Thousand Oaks, Calif; Sage
  6. "The SAGE handbook of qualitative research" by editors, Norman K. Denzin, Yvonna S. Lincoln
    ISBN: 9780761927570.
    Publisher: Sage Publications
  7. "Analyzing social science data" by David de Vaus
    ISBN: 9780761959380.
    Publisher: SAGE
  8. "Doing a literature review" by Chris Hart
    ISBN: 9780761959755.
    Publisher: SAGE
  9. "QUALITATIVE RESEARCH PRACTICE : A GUIDE FOR SOCIAL SCIENCE STUDENTS AND RESEARCHERS; ED. BY JANE RIT." by n/a
    ISBN: 9781446209127.
    Publisher: Thousand Oaks; Sage Publications
  10. "Social research" by Sotirios Sarantakos.
    ISBN: 9780230295322.
    Publisher: Basingstoke; Palgrave Macmillan
The above information outlines module SP6113: "Research Methods of Social Science " and is valid from 2017 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required SP6115: Comparative Politics


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This course provides an introduction to issues, themes and topics in contemporary politics from a comparative perspective. It begins by introducing different traditions in comparative political analysis, comparing methodological approaches and identifying the central questions that have been addressed. Among the key areas covered are political systems and activism as well as the causes of violent conflict and efforts to resolve these through peace processes and novel forms of government
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Critique the comparative approach to politics and the methods used
  2. Critically analyse comparative scholarship on politics
  3. Apply theoretical approaches to new case studies and current issues
  4. Actively engage in informed discussion of the central course themes
  5. Make a well-informed, well-researched and focused presentation on issues related to Comparative Politics.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
Reading List
  1. "The Oxford Handbook of Comparitive Politics" by n/a
    ISBN: 9780199566020.
    Publisher: OUP
  2. "The Nature and Development of the Modern State" by Gill, Graeme
    ISBN: 9781137460660.
    Publisher: algrave Mcmillan Hay
  3. "The SAGE handbook of conflict resolution" by Bercovitch, J, IW Zartman, and V Kremenyuk
    ISBN: 9781412921923.
    Publisher: Sage
  4. "Contemporary Conflict Resolution: The prevention, management and transformation of deadly conflicts" by Ramsbotham, O, T Woodhouse, and H Miall
    ISBN: 978074563213.
    Publisher: Polity
  5. "The New War on the Poor: the Production of Insecurity in Latin America" by John Gledhill
    ISBN: 9781783603039.
    Publisher: Zed Books
  6. "Foundations of Comparative Politics" by Newton, Kenneth & Van Deth, Jan W
    ISBN: 9781107582859.
    Publisher: CUP
  7. "Violence, Coercion and State-making in Twentieth Century Mexico: the Other Half of the Centaur" by Pansters, Wil G,
    ISBN: 9780804781589.
    Publisher: Standford University Press
The above information outlines module SP6115: "Comparative Politics" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required SP6117: Module Dissertation (Politics and Sociology)


Semester 2 | Credits: 30

The dissertation module shall enable the student to acquire the knowledge, comprehension, abilities and perspectives needed for conducting independent research. The module will allow the student to work under supervision while developing their writing, research, analytical skills and completing a research dissertation. The overall goal is for the student to display the knowledge and capability for independent work at postgraduate level.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Identify a critical research problem and translate this into a well-designed, applied and academic project of investigation and understanding.
  2. Acquire a thorough understanding of the chosen subject area and the wider theoretical, policy and practice literature within which the subject is framed
  3. Demonstrate an ability to organise, collate, critically assess and interpret data.
  4. Demonstrate a capacity to effectively communicate new knowledge in a social scientific manner.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
Reading List
  1. "Planning your Dissertation" by K Williams
    ISBN: 9781137327949.
    Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
  2. "Succeeding with your Masters Dissertation: A Step by Step Handbook" by J Biggam
    ISBN: 9780335264483.
    Publisher: Open University Press
  3. "How to Write Successful Essays, Dissertations and Exams" by C Mounsey
    ISBN: 9780199670741.
    Publisher: Oxford University Press
  4. "Literature Review" by Diana Ridley
    ISBN: 9781446201435.
    Publisher: Sage
The above information outlines module SP6117: "Module Dissertation (Politics and Sociology) " and is valid from 2017 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

This programme is of particular interest to students who wish to pursue careers in the public sector, non-governmental organizations, and research or pursue PhD studies.  Students can pursue doctoral studies in the area of political theory, social theory, politics, sociology, research methodologies and policy studies.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

 

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€6,400 p.a. 2019/20

Fees: Tuition

€6,176 p.a. 2019/20

Fees: Student levy

€224 p.a. 2019/20

Fees: Non EU

€15,550 p.a. 2019/20

Find out More

Dr Michelle Millar
Programme Director
School of Political Science and Sociology
T: +353 91 493 634
E: michelle.millar@nuigalway.ie

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