Graduate Studies

School of Political Science & Sociology

Staff members of the School of Political Science & Sociology are involved in a diverse range of research, including theoretical, empirical and applied work on:

• Culture, community and identity
• Environment and sustainability
• Life courses, gender and inequalities
• Power, conflict and ideologies

The School is home to the Child and Family Research Centre and the Global Women’s Studies Programme.

For further information on research in the School of Political Science & Sociology click here.

Recent News
Public Lecture to Launch Global Women's Studies Programme at NUI Galway Read more
The Politics of Peace and Conflict is Theme of Conference at NUI Galway Read more 
New Study on Activism Traces Green Movement's Emergence Read more

Recent PhDs

Dr. Oliver Feeney
Thesis Title:  Equality of Whom? A Genetic Perspective on Equality of Opportunity
Summary: The thesis considers central arguments in political philosophy – justice and equality of opportunity – and explores the implications for them of possible advances in genetic technology. The argument forces us to revise our intuitions about these important concepts in our society, in profound and fascinating ways

Dr. Anne Walsh
Thesis Title: Re-shaping Biographies: A Grounded Theory Study of the Experiences of Mature Students in Higher Education
Summary: The research explains the ways in which participation in higher education is experienced by mature students. In a context of the need for lifelong learning where employability concerns often dominate, mature studentship is shown to be about individual capacity and creativity in a field of struggles and strategies. It is about striving to locate oneself within a changing society as the person one desires to be and about being an actor who shapes a personal biography in a de-traditionalised society and globalised world. Research outcomes have developed a framework of analysis that offers insights into and accounts for variations in decision-making and participation processes in terms of student roles and their integration into existing role repertoires with family, work and social contexts.

Dr. Stacey Furlong
Thesis Title: Breaking the Mirror: Reflections of the Neo-Liberal Subject and the Islamic Other
Summary: This project examines the development and constitution of American neoliberal ideology. Using the War on Terror, the thesis considers how Islamism has been employed by neoliberal discourse to legitimise the militarisation of American society, privatise previously public services, and create an ideal-type subject supportive of neoliberal ideological dominance.

Dr. Aine Lorie
"I chose my area of research as it is highly under-researched, especially in the Irish context. I had a great supervisor who was able to blend the practical aspects of academia with research excellence. She was supportive, encouraging and inspiring."
Thesis Title: Sacred Belief and Secular Health: A Study on Religion and Mental Illness in Modern Irish Society
Summary: The thesis analyses the relationship between religion and mental illness by specifically considering how aspects of Catholicism such as prayer and mass attendance might work as coping mechanisms and assist those experiencing mental health problems.

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