PhD Sociology

University College Dublin

Ireland, Dublin

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127

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University College Dublin

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

PhD (Philosophy Doctorate)

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines25-Jan-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 13,730 / year

Next Intake 25-Jan-2026

PhD Sociology

About

The School has an exciting and diverse PhD programme which has been extensively revised in recent years. There are new taught components that provide greater structure and professional training, but the emphasis remains on students completing a major, independent piece of research that makes a significant contribution to sociological knowledge.

The PhD in Sociology is awarded following the completion of 270 credits, comprising 240 credits for the thesis and a further 30 credits of taught modules. This is normally a 4 year full-time or 5-6 year part-time programme.

You will find fuller information below on Structured PhD and on School’s Application Procedures. Funding opportunities are available through scholarships and tutoring and you will find information on these below.

In advance of making your application you should read through the Application Procedures, and make contact with a member of staff whose area of research you think most closely relates to your area of research to discuss your proposal. For information on research areas of staff please click here. It is important that you send them a clear outline of your draft research proposal, cv, and copy of transcripts. We strongly recommend that a member of staff reads and reviews your final proposal before you make you application to the School.

See here to get a flavour of some of the research being carried out by our present research students.

Application procedures here: https://www.ucd.ie/sociology/study/graduateprogrammes/phdmlittinsociology/

Please visit the following links for further information on graduate studies in UCD - Research Degrees (MLitt, PhD, Prof Doctorate), Application Process and FAQ's.

Requirements

English Program Requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Taught Master's: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

Research Programmes: A minimum overall score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

IELTS Indicator: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band. This test will be accepted for 2022/23 and 2023/24 intake.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Taught Master's: A minimum score of 100 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Research Programmes: A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

TOEFL iBT Home: A minimum score of 100 is required with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Duolingo Test of English (DET)

UCD has approved the use of the Duolingo Test of English (DET) for the 2024/25 intake.
An overall score of 130 will be accepted with no section below 110.

Please note that this does not apply to the CEMS MiM / MSc in International Management. In the case of the CEMS MiM the Duolingo English Test will not be accepted.