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Outgoing Erasmus Students

To apply, students should complete the application form provided on the Study Abroad/Exchange website, no later than 12 noon, 17th November 2024. There will be a study abroad information session for outgoing students at 15:00 on October 4th via the following Zoom link.

The Erasmus programme is named after the philosopher humanist and theologian Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam (1465-1536). Erasmus lived and worked in several parts of Europe, in quest of the knowledge, experience and insights which only such contacts with other countries could bring. By donating his fortune, he became a pioneer of mobility grants. Research shows that a period spent abroad not only enriches student lives in the academic field but also in the acquisition of intercultural skills and self-reliance.

I therefore strongly encourage you to spend either half a year or a full year studying at another university abroad. This is a unique chance for all of you to obtain education in another European country and acquire new linguistic, social and civic skills which you need in today's increasingly interconnected knowledge-based society. An Erasmus exchange is an invaluable asset in terms of your employability! Comments from recent TCD Sociology exchange students highlight just how much you will gain during your time abroad.

I would like as many of you as possible to have a similar experience in addition to your education here at Trinity College. Students usually go abroad during their third (JS) year but those studying languages are encouraged to go during their second (SF) year or for half a year only during their third year. The Department currently has 10 Erasmus partners:

University of Copenhagen - Department of Sociology, International Office
University of Barcelona - Department of Sociology, International Office
Charles University Prague – Department of Sociology, International Office
University of Utrecht– Department of Sociology, International Office
University of Helsinki – Department of Sociology, International Office
Istanbul Bogazici University - Department of Sociology, International Office
Ludwig-Maximillian University Munich – Department of Sociology, International Office
Umeå University – Department of Sociology, International Office
University of Malta – Department of Sociology, International Office

Note that all of our Erasmus partners teach at least part if not all modules through English. These exchanges are open to all Sociology students regardless of your degree programme. Funding is available to cover some of your travel and maintenance costs. The average grant for a full academic year abroad will be around €1,500 depending on destination. For further details, please consult International Admissions and Study Abroad. All Irish grants and scholarships continue to be paid whilst you are away on an Erasmus exchange.

Students going abroad take modules to the equivalent of 60 ECTS, especially when these are offered through English. The minimum requirement for a full-year exchange is 45 ECTS and 22.5 ECTS for half a year abroad. Students are strongly advised to take more than the minimum 45 ECTS in case of failure in some elements. TJH students participating in a full year exchange must obtain a minimum 22.5 credits in each subject in order to rise with their year; TJH students on half-year exchanges 10 ECTS in each subject while abroad.

There are no mandatory modules in Sociology at Trinity but I strongly encourage all those of you who need to (TJH) or wish to write a dissertation in fourth year to select a research methods module at your host institution. Generally, you should design a balanced curriculum that includes thematic, methodological and theoretical modules. Feel free to select thematic sociological modules not currently on offer at Trinity to broaden your learning.

If you decide to spend only half a year abroad, you will be examined on the basis of work completed during the other half at Trinity plus any examinations in the modules you take at the host university. If you decide to spend a full academic year abroad, you will take modules equivalent to those at Trinity and your marks obtained abroad will be converted back into a Trinity grade. In either case, I shall advise you and approve your Learning Agreement.

Please discuss the possibility of an Erasmus Exchange with your parents during Michaelmas Term, making sure you understand the financial implications and commitments involved in going abroad. Note that the Department of Sociology operates a very strict cancellation policy. Once you have been selected and submitted the mobility grant form you can only withdraw in the most exceptional cases with a medical certificate or tutor note submitted to the Sociology Office.

If you have any questions about our Erasmus programme in Sociology please contact our Outgoing Erasmus Coordinator, Professor Richard Layte, but make sure you have studied this website and all the links carefully first.