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Politics & International Relations

GradDip (NFQ Level 9)

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

Duration:
1 Year
Attendance:
Full Time
Delivery:
On Campus
NFQ Level:
9 (60 credits)
Level:
Graduate Taught
Award:
Graduate Diploma
Next Intake:
September
Country Specific Entry Requirements:
Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
Other School Leaving Requirements:
See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Curricular information is subject to change.

Duration:
2 Years
Attendance:
Part-Time
Delivery:
On Campus
NFQ Level:
9 (60 credits)
Level:
Graduate Taught
Award:
Graduate Diploma
Next Intake:
September
Country Specific Entry Requirements:
Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
Other School Leaving Requirements:
See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Curricular information is subject to change.

Apply Now
Visit our comprehensive FAQ page for immediate answers about the application procedure, required documents, and more.
World Top 100 in the QS Ranking 2026 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.

  • The Graduate Diploma in Politics and International Relations is designed to accommodate the scheduling needs of working professionals in government, journalism, the NGO sector, and other fields who wish to deepen their education in politics and international relations while continuing their employment.
  • It also serves as a pathway to one of our MA/MSc programmes. Applicants who did not achieve their full potential in their primary degree (e.g., did not obtain a 2H1) can be admitted to the Graduate Diploma and have the opportunity to transfer to an MA/MSc midway through.

For more details, please see the relevant section in the SPIRe Graduate Studies Handbook on our Current Students webpage.

About This Course

  • develop oral presentation skills
  • develop student's research and professional development skills
  • develop students' presentational skills
  • enhance group work skills
  • enhance students' problem solving power
  • equip students with the skills necessary to understand and critically assess issues in politics and international relations

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 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 AMST40580 News Media Today Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 DEV40020 Gender and Development Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 DEV42610 Economics of Sustainable Dev Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 EDUC41520 Children's Rights & Participation Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 EQUL40310 Masculinities, Gender and Equality Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 GEOG41050 Globalization, Empire and Race: Economic Geography Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 GS40110 Gender, Sexuality, and the Body; The Politics of Belonging Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 GS40120 Decoloniality and Intersectionality Thinking Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 LAW40120 Foundations of Environmental Law Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 LAW40150 International Competition Law Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 LAW40780 Law of the ECHR Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 LAW41040 Law and Governance of the EU Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 LAW42280 International Refugee Law Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 PHIL41510 Ethics in Public Life: Technology & Human Health Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL40050 Theories of International Relations Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL40130 Poverty, Development and Global Justice Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL40140 Theories of Global Justice Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL40370 International Political Economy Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL40950 Introduction to Statistics Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL40970 Politics of European Governance Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL41020 Politics of Human Rights Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL41510 Politics and Change in the Middle East and North Africa Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL41860 Political Economy of Aid and Development Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL41980 Peace & Conflict Studies Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL42040 Gender & the Political System Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL42330 Research Design Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL42620 Global Governance & International Organizations Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL42640 Crisis of the Liberal World Order Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 SPOL41060 Public Administration & Policy Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 LANG10080 Arabic General Purposes 1(CEFR A1.1) Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 AMST40650 Politics and Digital Storytelling Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 DEV40040 Corruption, Governance & Dev Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 DEV42600 Global Affairs & Sust Futures Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 EQUL40070 Human Rights Law and Equality Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 GS40030 Gender, Inequality and Public Policy Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 HRM40720 Work & Employment in the Global Economy Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 LANG10710 Arabic General Purposes 2 Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 LAW42130 United Nations Human Rights Practice Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 LAW42170 Behavioural Laws Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 LAW42320 Equality & Diversity Law Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 LAW42340 Engaging EU Law & Governance Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 PHIL40420 The Good Society Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL30840 Electoral Systems and their Consequences Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL36170 Respecting Diversity Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL40100 Development and Postcolonial Politics Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL40160 Comparative Public Policy Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL40540 Comparative European Politics Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL41030 Theory of Human Rights Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL41640 Qualitative Research Methods for Political Science Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL41720 Gender, Peace, and Security Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL41870 Political Economy of Institutions Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL41930 Psychology of Conflict in the Middle East Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL42050 Quantitative Text Analysis Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL42060 International Security Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL42340 Programming for Soc Scientists Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL42430 Conflict and Identity in International Relations Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL42500 Politics of Authoritarianism Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL42530 Politics of International Trade and Investment Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 POL42560 AI and Large Language Models Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 SOC40620 Nationalism and Social Change Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)60CR:
Please select 3 modules (30 credits) in both the Autumn and Spring trimesters.IMPORTANT: Graduate Diploma students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Masters programme, provided their Autumn results meet the required criteria.To be eligible, you must complete the specific core and option modules of the programme you intend to transfer into. Please contact the School Administrator at graduatespire@ucd.ie in September to verify your module registration.
 SPOL40450 Evidence-Based Policy Making Spring  10

GradDip Politics & International Relations (W231) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 8170
nonEU    fee per year - € 15070

GradDip Politics & International Relations (W232) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 5405
nonEU    fee per year - € 7540

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website.

Non-EU citizens are ineligible for part-time study except for those holding a valid non-student residency visa. 

For further information, please visit our comprehensive FAQ page.

  • This programme is intended for applicants at least a lower or upper second class honours (2.2) or international equivalent in their primary degree.
  • 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/.

 

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


Application Deadlines




  • Deadline for EU applicants: Monday, 7 September 2026 (The first day of the term)

  • Deadline for non-EU applicants: The end of August, 2026 

  • Deadline for non-EU applicants who require an entry visa in advance: 

    • In some countries, it takes a few months to process visa applications. We strongly advise that you apply well in advance, ideally as early as March. Please contact the Irish Embassy in your country or the UCD Global Regional offices for further information.

    • Non-EU citizens who have been living in Ireland or the EU must go through the EU Fee Assessment process before their applications can be assessed. This process takes a few weeks. 




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

ROWCLASS Apply to
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W231
Politics & International Relations
Graduate Diploma

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Closed
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
W232
Politics & International Relations
Graduate Diploma

Part-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsApply
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
W231
Politics & International Relations
Graduate Diploma

Full-Time
Commencing September 2027
Graduate Taught
Opens 01 Oct 2026
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
W232
Politics & International Relations
Graduate Diploma

Part-Time
Commencing September 2027
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsOpens 01 Oct 2026
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