MA Sociology (Digital Societies)

at Maynooth University

Students take a total of 90 credits - 6 modules x 10 CREDITS each. Based on the European ECTS Credit system this amounts to approx. 200-250 hours of student input including class contact time, assessments and examinations.

MA students produce a thesis worth 30 CREDITS. Based on the European ECTS Credit System this amounts to approx. 600-750 hours of student input including workshop attendance, meetings with supervisor, assessments, and completion of the capstone project of approximately 20,000 words or equivalent

For the MA there are 50 compulsory credits and 40 optional credits.

Successful candidates will normally have a minimum 2.1 honours (level 8) degree in Sociology or a related discipline such as Criminology, Anthropology, Social Psychology, Communication Studies or Media. Students with an overall 2.2 degree are eligible if they have obtained a minimum 2.1 in Sociology or a related discipline.

Other applicants may be considered on a case-by-case basis if they have:

• A high 2.2. in Sociology or in a related discipline,
• A high 2.2 in an unrelated discipline  (e.g. Engineering, Natural Science or Humanities disciplines)  but are willing to attend for interview to assess suitability.
• A primary degree in any other discipline and have at least 5 years relevant work experience. This is done through the Maynooth University Procedure for Non-Standard Entrants and Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning.
• Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level (level 8).
• Minimum English language requirements: please visit Maynooth University International Office website for information about English language tests accepted and required scores. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and non- EU applicants.

The fees for MA Sociology (Digital Societies) may vary from €6,500 to €15,000 annually for tuition fees. The fee's prices may get higher for International Students.

There is a demand for graduates who understand the role, impact and influence of digital technologies on contemporary life, cities, politics and workplaces. Graduates will understand the economics, politics, cultures and regulatory aspects of digital societies and be able to evaluate the negative and positive impacts of digitalization.  

Our aim is to produce graduates that are conceptually and analytically confident and capable of applying a suite of social science research skills across a broad spectrum of workplaces including public, private, not-for-profit, and technology sectors. Graduates will be able to initiate, manage, execute and report on research projects. They will be capable of presenting their ideas to different audiences, able to work in teams, and be capable of self-management.    

Potential employers include research organisations; public sector organisations including local councils, government agencies; small to medium sized and multinational companies who offer roles in public policy, online safety and market research. 

Possible careers include working as a social science researcher, working in digital or public policy, working in training and skills related to the digital, working on online campaigns for voluntary or charity organisations, or in politics. Other potential careers are in education. For example, some graduates may wish to continue to PhD research and to work in academia.