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MSc International Relations

MSc (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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MSc International Relations probes into the causes and consequences of phenomena such as war, trade, regional integration, migration and terrorism.
  • Examine theoretical approaches in the contemporary study of international politics and their application.
  • Improve your skills in research design and qualitative and quantitative analysis.
  • A wide range of specialisations are available to enable you to develop your specific expertise.

About This Course

  • develop methodological research expertise
  • develop oral presentation skills
  • develop student's research and professional development skills
  • develop students ability to understand power in an anarchic world
  • enhance group work skills
  • enhance students' understanding of international organisations
  • equip students with the skills necessary to understand and critically assess issues in international politics and security

Graduates are employed in roles such as Government Social Researcher, Diplomatic Advisor, and Public Affairs Consultant.

Graduates work with international private-sector employers, government agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations including:

  • United Nations, New York and Geneva
  • EU Delegation of the European Commission
  • IBRD (World Bank)
  • Anderson Consulting
  • Embassy of the United States of America
  • Economist Intelligence Unit, The Economist

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 POL40050 Theories of International Relations Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 POL40950 Introduction to Statistics Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 POL41640 Qualitative Research Methods for Political Science Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 POL42060 International Security Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 POL42310 Thesis Summer  30
Stage 1 Options - A)2 of:
Option modules
 POL40970 Politics of European Governance Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)2 of:
Option modules
 POL41020 Politics of Human Rights Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)2 of:
Option modules
 POL41510 Politics and Change in the Middle East and North Africa Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)2 of:
Option modules
 POL41980 Peace & Conflict Studies Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)2 of:
Option modules
 POL42040 Gender & the Political System Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)2 of:
Option modules
 POL42530 Politics of International Trade and Investment Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)2 of:
Option modules
 POL40100 Politics of Development Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)2 of:
Option modules
 POL40140 Theories of Global Justice Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)2 of:
Option modules
 POL40160 Comparative Public Policy Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)2 of:
Option modules
 POL40370 International Political Economy Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)2 of:
Option modules
 POL40540 Comparative European Politics Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)2 of:
Option modules
 POL40610 EU Foreign, Security, and Defence Pol. Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)2 of:
Option modules
 POL41030 Theory of Human Rights Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)2 of:
Option modules
 POL41720 Gender, Peace, and Security Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)2 of:
Option modules
 POL42050 Quantitative Text Analysis Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)2 of:
Option modules
 POL42060 International Security Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)2 of:
Option modules
 POL42340 Programming for Soc Scientists Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)2 of:
Option modules
 POL42350 Connected_Politics 2 Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)2 of:
Option modules
 POL42430 IR Theory: Conflict and Identity Spring  10

Angeliki Kourri

The MA program in International Relations at UCD has been a transformative experience for me. The UCD faculty are highly knowledgeable, friendly, and always ready to advise. Their dedication to their field and to their students made learning deeply engaging and helped me develop critical thinking skills essential for the professional world. The program offers a diverse range of courses that provide a comprehensive understanding of the international system. This breadth of study has given me a well-rounded perspective on global issues, allowing me to analyze and approach these issues from multiple perspectives.

One remarkable aspect of the program is the opportunity to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds. Interacting with students from various cultural, academic, and professional backgrounds has broadened my perspectives and enriched my learning experience, making it truly unique and valuable. This diversity has not only enhanced classroom discussions but also prepared me to work effectively in multicultural environments, a crucial skill in the field of international relations. Additionally, the career development support at UCD is exceptional. The career services and networking opportunities have been instrumental in helping me connect with professionals and explore different career paths. I particularly appreciated the internship option. I am currently interning with an NGO in Cyprus focused on women, peace, and security. The classes have been instrumental in applying this knowledge to my job, providing invaluable practical experience for my future career.

Overall, the MA program in International Relations at UCD has not only deepened my academic knowledge but also equipped me with the skills and experiences necessary to succeed in the field. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to advance their understanding and career in international relations.

MSc International Relations (W036) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 10350
nonEU    fee per year - € 22600

MSc International Relations (W109) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 6580
nonEU    fee per year - € 11300

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.

SPIRe operates a Graduate Scholarship programme, which normally opens in late Spring. To access details, see SPIRe Graduate Scholarship Scheme. Please note that not all programmes are eligible for this Scholarship.

A primary degree with at least Second Class Honours Grade 1 (2H1). 2H1 is equivalent to 60 per cent, B minus or 3.08 GPA - in American system: B or 3.00 GPA.

  • Your application will be considered on its individual merits and relevant professional experience will also be taken into account.
  • English language requirements: applicants whose first language is not English should have met TOEFL, IELTs, or computer-based TOEFL requirements (600, 6.5, or 250 respectively), or the Cambridge English Test (Certificate in Advanced English at a minimum of Grade B, or Certificate of Proficiency in English at Grade C). Applicants who obtained a previous degree from an English-speaking university may be exempted from this requirement. Click here for further info.
  • Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the  English language requirements, may enter the programme upon  successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/ 
  • These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to MSc International Relations:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt W036
MSc International Relations
Master of Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2024
 Graduate Taught Closed
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt W109
MSc International Relations
Master of Science
Part-Time
Commencing September 2024
 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsClosed
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt W036
MSc International Relations
Master of Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
 Graduate Taught Apply
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt W109
MSc International Relations
Master of Science
Part-Time
Commencing September 2025
 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsApply
* you can change options at the top of the page
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