There are currently over a dozen masters' degree and ten PhD students registered with the department. Recent postgraduates have found employment in a range of third level institutions in Europe and the United States, in research organisations and in development, media, governmental and business concerns. Intellectually the ethos of the department is one of pluralism, tolerance and openness towards the innovative introduction of new perspectives, concerns and issues. This is based on the conviction that in the complex situation we are living through the task of sociology is mostly one of understanding. Not only does it span a diversity of substantive areas and theoretical approaches, but it is characterised by a concern for the theoretical and methodological dimensions, as well as for the European and global reach, of the discipline as well.
Research plays an increasingly important role in the intellectual life of the department.
Institutionally, the department's research capacity has been enhanced by the establishment of a Research Resource Centre in September 1996, now called the Vincent Tucker Memorial Research Archive. Currently, various databases and research registers are being compiled and relevant reference works are being collected. All rights reserved.