- 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
Sustainable Development Goals
This course is available through the following application route(s)
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World Top 100 in the QS Ranking 2024 in Politics | Oldest and Largest School of its Kind in Ireland.
UCD School of Politics & International Relations is the oldest and largest school of its kind in Ireland with over 150 years of experience in political studies and a world-renowned faculty drawn from many countries.
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
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.
| 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 |
UCD is strongly committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), embedding sustainability in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement. Sustainability principles are integrated into this programme, ensuring students graduate equipped to address global challenges. UCD’s leadership in this area is internationally recognised, ranking 49th globally and 1st in Ireland in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2024. UCD also leads impactful research in areas such as climate action, clean energy, and social equity, supported by a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy focused on reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering a sustainable campus culture.
Here are the SDGs which align more visibly with this programme:
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
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. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
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
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to MSc International Relations:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | W036 MSc International Relations Master of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught |
| 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