Skip to main content

Masters/PhD in Sociology Programme content

Pursue a research MA or PhD in Sociology at University of Limerick: explore society, culture and social change with expert supervision and research support.

Key information

NFQ Level NFQ Level 10 Major
Duration One to four years
Attendance Full-time or Part-time
Programme type Research
Award Doctorate

In addition to carrying out research, students enrolled on an MA by Research/PhD take part in generic/transferrable skills training, including, for example, research methodologies and statistics, interview skills and career planning, bibliographical management, academic writing and research networking.

MA by Research:

  • A Master’s degree by thesis involves in-depth research on a topic leading to a thesis of 60,000 words over the course of one to two years.

MA by Research/PhD:

  • Students may start an MA research thesis, but then apply to transfer to a PhD after their first year if research is expanding; or students may register for a PhD thesis directly.

PhD:

  • This involves in-depth research on a topic and an original contribution to knowledge, leading to a thesis of 100,000 words, examined by a viva voce exam. The PhD thesis generally takes 4 years to complete.
© 2026 University of Limerick