Politics & International Relations

Do you want to understand how governments, parliaments, parties and international organisations work? Do you wish to develop a knowledge base in the causes, consequences and solutions to war, political violence and poverty? Do you want to develop skills in social science research methods and how to formulate a coherent and persuasive argument? With a degree in Politics and International Relations, you will develop the knowledge and skills required to analyse the complex interplay between national and international political institutions, systems and forces.

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In first year, you will be introduced to the core areas of Politics & International Relations, giving you a solid foundation for future study. In subsequent years, you will pursue the topics that interest you most. Examples of modules include:

First Year

Foundations of International Relations • Foundations of Political Theory • Foundations of Contemporary Politics • Foundations in Political Research • All first-year social sciences students also study the core module, Societal Challenges in the Twenty First Century • + 1 other subject • Elective module

Second Year

Individuals & the State • Law, Politics & Human Rights • Comparative Politics • International Relations • Research Methods in Political Science • Irish Politics • European Union • Sustainable Development Goals • + 1 other subject • Introduction to Chinese Politics • Introduction to Middle East Politics • Elective modules

Third Year & Fourth Year

International Political Economy • International Justice • Politics of Organised Crime • Terrorism & Political Violence • Democracy, Elections and Campaigns • Data Analytics for the Social Sciences • Media & Politics • Introduction to Asian Politics • Deliberative Mini-Publics • Gender & Politics • + 1 other subject • Elective modules

Students can apply to study a single-subject Politics & International Relations degree at the end of second year.

Assessment

Students attend lectures and tutorials as well as undertaking independent study. Assessment is in the form of a combination of continuous assessment and end-of trimester written exams.

Internship Opportunities

In third year, students can apply for an optional paid internship for one trimester in a range of organisations in the public and private sector, which help to inform future career decisions through real-world experience.

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Study abroad opportunities in third year include: Sciences Po, France; University of Bergen, Norway; Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium; University of Lund, Sweden; Universität zu Köln, Germany; Utrecht University, the Netherlands; Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy; George Washington University, the United States; University of Tokyo; University of Hong Kong. Students studying Politics with Chinese, French, German, Italian or Spanish will study abroad for their third year.

There is a wide range of national and international employment opportunities in the public and private sector, including:

The Irish civil service, the European Commission, international agencies such as the UN, IMF and World Bank, NGOs, print and broadcast media, the diplomatic service, business, administration and research. MA and MSc degrees in UCD open to graduates include: Politics, Political Theory, International Relations, International Development, Peace & Conflict, Human Rights, European Public Affairs & Law, International Political Economy, Public Policy, Gender & Politics.

• Level 5/6 QQI-FET
• Open Learning Entry Route
• Mature Entry Route
• DARE Entry Route
• HEAR Entry Route
• University Access

Undergraduate Office
UCD School of Politics and International Relations

e. spire@ucd.ie