PhD SOCIOLOGY

The tuition fee is 14,873 USD per year. The application deadline for the Sep 2026 intake is Aug 31, 2026.

Our Programme

Provides high quality research training in a lively intellectual atmosphere. Promotes students’ professional involvement in academic life. Enables students to make a contribution to the advancement of knowledge in sociology and to the understanding and well-being of contemporary societies.

By the end of their time as a research postgraduate student in the Department, it is our goal that students will:

• Have completed a thesis which is a high quality piece of original sociological analysis and is at least partly publishable in a peer-reviewed academic outlet.
• Have developed and demonstrated a significant level of skill in at least one methodology of sociological research and analysis.
• Have a broad knowledge of a number of sub-fields within sociology.
• Have had the opportunity to develop teaching and administrative skills and experience.

Maynooth University sits just 25 kilometres from Dublin in County Kildare, combining the calm of a historic college town with easy access to Ireland's capital. Founded in 1795 and now one of the nation’s fastest growing universities, Maynooth hosts a diverse community of more than 17,600 students, offering a welcoming campus that blends tradition and modern facilities. International students find a compact, navigable environment that supports focused study while remaining close to internships, cultural sites and the business hub of Dublin.

Academically, Maynooth is recognised for research-informed teaching across humanities, sciences and social sciences, with personalised class sizes that help students build strong relationships with faculty. The university emphasises employability and practical learning, connecting students with local employers and research projects that reflect Ireland’s vibrant economy. Student services include language support, career guidance and a range of clubs and societies that ease the transition to university life and foster friendships across cultures.

For prospective international applicants, Maynooth offers an environment that balances academic rigour with pastoral care and a clear route to professional networks. Affordable living compared with central Dublin, efficient transport links and active student support make it a practical choice for those seeking quality education in Ireland. Whether aiming for research, professional qualification or further study, Maynooth presents a focused, student-centred pathway with strong links to industry and community life.