Meet Our MSc Graduates
Peter Bothwell
Class of 2020, currently a PhD student at University of St Andrews
A unique benefit of the course was its collaboration between TCD and UCD. This not only broadened the expertise that I was receiving, but allowed me to choose from many modules and gain access to the amenities of both institutions.
Coming from a background in International Relations, the MSc in Comparative Social Change provided me with a much broader understanding of the social sciences as a whole. Alongside this, the in-depth methodological teaching helped me grow as a researcher, covering both quantitative and qualitative methods.
A unique benefit of the course was its collaboration between TCD and UCD. This not only broadened the expertise that I was receiving, but allowed me to choose from many modules and gain access to the amenities of both institutions. This also created a close atmosphere among those in the course, who were crucial both in terms of support and expertise, and who came from twelve different countries.
The professors provided expertise and support across a wide range of topics making it easy to find a supervisor who suits your topic and needs. The MSc prepared me for pursuing a PhD at St Andrews University, which I could not have done without. I highly recommend this course to anyone pursuing postgraduate study as it will provide you with a comprehensive and prestigious education no matter your future path."
John Åndahl
Class of 2020, currently a DPhil student in Anthropology at Oxford University
I enjoyed the inputs and friendship from a diverse group of classmates and the knowledge and inclusiveness of leading sociologists from the two institutions.
Studying for a MSc in Comparative Social Change at TCD and UCD was a vastly enriching experience for me. Coming from a closely related but not identical background, having a whole year of reading sociology with access to two great departments allowed me to broaden my understanding of the social sciences.
Particularly, the access to Trinity’s unique campus and UCD’s modern facilities was greatly helpful and quite the privilege. I enjoyed the inputs and friendship from a diverse group of classmates and the knowledge and inclusiveness of leading sociologists from the two institutions.
As a student aiming for an academic career, I was encouraged to explore topics ranging from nationalism studies to the sociology of education, and was able to draw on sources both from our classes and my personal interests to develop my arguments – particularly the chance to do first-hand research during my dissertation was an experience I enjoyed. Furthermore, studying social change in fast-changing contemporary Ireland and Dublin constitutes an ideal environment for any student. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Trinity and UCD, and I would recommend it to any social science student."
Meghna Dutta
Class of 2020, currently a PhD student at Wayne State University Detroit
The class consisted of students from all over the world which really helped us understand the issues better through the discussion of personal point of views.
As an international student from India, my transition to Dublin and Ireland was quite smooth. Having enrolled into the MSc Comparative Social Change offered by Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin, I got the best of both the top-ranked universities in the country.
The course was a fascinating one that covered a whole range of topics from education, gender, migration and globalization and did a whole lot of comparison between different countries including India, China, Brazil and Ireland. The class consisted of students from all over the world which really helped us understand the issues better through the discussion of personal point of views.
The professors were really helpful. Upon graduation from the MSc, I decided to continue my thesis topic and applied to Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan where I have now started a PhD in Sociology. My MSc dissertation supervisor and the Course Director helped me immensely throughout this process and I am very grateful to have received this guidance as an international student."
Sophia Gonsalves-Brown
Class of 2019, currently Researcher at Campaign Legal Center Washington DC
As an American student, I was excited about the opportunity to study social systems from an international perspective. I found that I was able to deepen my understanding of the challenges (and opportunities) within US domestic policy through the comparative study of government programs.
I came to the MSc Comparative Social Change programme from a political science background, with an intended career in public policy. As an American student, I was excited about the opportunity to study social systems from an international perspective.
I found that I was able to deepen my understanding of the challenges (and opportunities) within US domestic policy through the comparative study of government programs. To that end, the international make-up of the programme is invaluable. The wealth of experiences and viewpoints among my cohorts were among my best educational resources.
The dual nature of the Comparative Social Change programme is as unique as it is beneficial, as I had access to double the elective module opportunities, advising professors, and academic and social resources. Now, as a researcher for a US government watchdog group, I am particularly grateful for the programme’s strong foundation in both quantitative and qualitative research. My year in Dublin is one I will always look back upon fondly."
Carla Lips
Class of 2019, currently a PhD student at the Université Catholique de Louvain
Not only does it give you access to the facilities of both universities, including the libraries which are amazing places to study, but it allows you to meet a very broad and remarkable team of professors.
From the beginning of my studies, I had always been eager to study abroad. Coming from Belgium, I wanted to experience the Anglo-Saxon education structure as well as the Irish culture. Taking part in the MSc Comparative Social Change was an amazing opportunity and experience.
As the program is jointly organised by both Trinity and UCD, it provides the students with full access to both universities. Not only does it give you access to the facilities of both universities, including the libraries which are amazing places to study, but it allows you to meet a very broad and remarkable team of professors, which all have their own specificities. They went to great lengths to provide us with interesting, challenging and inspiring lectures, being at the same time very helpful and approachable.
I also met incredible people during that year as it gathers students from around the world, which further enriched the discussions and debates we had. Experiencing the old and beautiful campus of Trinity and the huge and modern UCD campus, surrounded by enthusiastic and captivating teachers and students is a journey that I would highly recommend to any student interested in broadening its horizons and in engaging with the sociological aspects of our current society."
Adrien Sautereau
Class of 2019
The programme allowed me to produce quality papers that I could use for my professional goals.
I loved this course due to the variety of teachers and lessons that were available. Moreover, the group's diversity enhanced my experience and truly made my studying and living experience in Dublin unique and pleasant. The programme allowed me to produce quality papers that I could use for my professional goals. I also received a lot of support from the staff during my time there and thanks to the general atmosphere, I was able to make meaningful connections.
This programme helped me to improve and gain new skills in my main fields of expertise by giving me new tools to produce studies and analyses. The academic staff were, from my experience, great. They were accessible, helpful and created great content for their students. It was great to be able to study both at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and University College Dublin (UCD) allowing us to be taught by various and diverse professors. Moreover, knowing that the degree parchment is given by these two institutions is a major plus."
Jeffery Niu
Class of 2019, currently a PhD student in the School of Sociology, UCD
I was relatively unfamiliar with sociology when I entered the MSc programme as a freshman, but fell in love with the discipline after my very first sociology class.
I feel extraordinarily lucky to have gone through the MSc in Comparative Social Change. As so many other students in my class, I was relatively unfamiliar with sociology when I entered the MSc programme as a freshman, but fell in love with the discipline after my very first sociology class. I learned so much about the world, culture, and even myself.
During my one-year study, the sociology departments at TCD and UCD offered me constant guidance and support, and the faculty were willing to discuss my budding research interests. I am deeply thankful to the sociology faculty in both campuses for encouraging me to develop my theoretical and research skills and for their relentless support of my intellectual development. The MSc in Comparative Social Change not only provides me with great knowledge but interest and passion for the field of sociology. It was worth all the time, effort and money."
William Foley
Class of 2018, currently a PhD student at the European University Institute
I first developed the idea for my doctoral thesis through seminar materials and discussions with lecturers and classmates.
Without the MSc in Comparative Social Change I would never have got into the PhD programme at the European University Institute. I first developed the idea for my doctoral thesis through seminar materials and discussions with lecturers and classmates.
When I decided I wanted to apply, many of the lecturers in the Sociology department devoted significant amounts of time to helping me prepare. They wrote reference letters, met with me to discuss in detail methodological and conceptual aspects of my submission, read over documents, and held interview prep sessions to help me practice for the face-to-face meetings with the admissions board.
I remain extremely grateful for the time and effort that the departmental staff invested in my development, and I will also remember with fondness the many interesting people I met on the masters and the interesting conversations I had with them."
Darragh Miller
Class of 2018
The layout of the programme, across two universities, allowed for a rich learning environment, with access to many libraries and work spaces for self-study and learning.
The MSc in Comparative Social Change really succeeded in offering me, firstly, a deeper understanding of sociological research, and secondly, provided me with the essential critical skills to analyse the various broad social forces operating in global society.
The layout of the programme, across two universities, allowed for a rich learning environment, with access to many libraries and work spaces for self-study and learning, and gave me a chance to get to know the professors and lecturers from Ireland's best universities whom are studying diversely across the field of sociology.
When choosing a supervisor for my thesis in the second semester - I felt that I was very well placed to make that decision, primarily because the programme provided many chances to meet those professors and learn about their expertise, but also by providing some great social events and evenings for all of the students, so mixing with staff and fellow academics felt natural. The students in the programme were great! We came from all sorts of backgrounds and nationalities so discussion in class was always enriched by different perspectives.
I'd recommend the programme for anyone considering working for international NGOs, public sector, as a social researcher, and even if you want to stay within the world of academia."