Overview

The Equality Studies programme at University College Dublin offers a unique opportunity to examine global social justice issues from a range of diverse perspectives. This interdisciplinary course is designed for individuals who wish to understand the complexities of inequality and explore effective strategies for positive social change.

Why Equality Studies at University College Dublin?

This programme is the only master's degree of its kind in Europe, providing a student-centred learning environment that emphasises the relationship between theory and practice. Students benefit from a critical, emancipatory, and feminist pedagogy that encourages dialogue and collaborative learning. The university provides a vibrant setting where activists, civil servants, and professionals from across the globe share experiences to deepen their understanding of human rights and global justice.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: EUR 22600 per year
European fee: EUR 9330 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum combines core theoretical foundations with a variety of specialised topics. Modules may include:

Critical Political Economy
Egalitarian Theory
Feminist & Egalitarian Research
Masters Research Project
Masculinities, Gender and Equality
International Refugee Law
Theories of Global Justice
Human Rights Law and Equality
Decoloniality and Intersectionality Thinking

Careers with Equality Studies

Graduates are well-equipped for influential roles in politics, journalism, law, and public policy. Many alumni secure positions within major national and international organisations, including the United Nations and Amnesty International. The skills gained during the programme support careers in:

Human rights advocacy and NGO development
Voluntary and community sector leadership
Education and social justice research
Civil service and international development

The programme provides the theoretical and practical tools necessary to challenge structural inequalities and advance social change in diverse professional environments.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Sociology of Inequality

Egalitarian Theory

Research and Skills Portfolio

Feminist & Egalitarian Research

Equalities, Social Justice and Children's Learning

Human Rights Law and Equality

Masculinities, Gender and Equality

Critical Political Economy

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months
Part-time
- 24 months
- Flexible

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-07 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

UCD operates a rolling admissions policy for Graduate Taught Courses, with decisions being taken as soon as possible after receipt of completed applications.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

130

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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PTE Academic

65

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OTE

140

IELTS

6.5

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Credits

90 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Dublin, Ireland

Disciplines

Gender & Sexuality Studies Political Science View 23 other Masters in Political Science in Ireland

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

65

Schedule a PTE test!

OTE

140

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Normally students on this programme will have attained a higher second class honours in their primary degree (NFQ Level 8) or international equivalent, and will have demonstrable experience in or aptitude for the field of equality studies, as illustrated in their personal statement. Students with a lower second class honours degree may be considered for the programme, depending on level of commensurate experience and qualifications, and availability of places, as assessed by the applications review panel.
All applicants will be asked to upload two references as part of their application, and to provide contact details for their referees. At least one of these referees should be someone who knows the applicant in an academic capacity.
In certain circumstances, the applications review panel may decide to invite applicants to interview.
These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University College Dublin and/or in Ireland, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

22600 EUR / year

≈ 22600 EUR / year
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

9330 EUR / year

≈ 9330 EUR / year

Additional Details

Part-time tuition fee:

EU fee per year - € 5600

nonEU fee per year - € 11300

Living costs

Dublin

Ireland

1100 - 1800 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Equality Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

EU/EEA Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Dublin

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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