Explore UCD

UCD Home >

MA International Relations

MA (NFQ Level 9)
Internships Opportunity
Scholarships Available

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

Duration:
1 Year
Attendance:
Full Time
Delivery:
On Campus
NFQ Level:
9 (90 credits)
Level:
Graduate Taught
Award:
Master of Arts
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 (90 credits)
Level:
Graduate Taught
Award:
Master of Arts
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 MA/MSc International Relations probes into the causes and consequences of phenomena such as war, trade, regional integration, migration and terrorism. As part of the programme, you will:

  • Examine theoretical approaches in the contemporary study of international politics and their application.
  • Improve your skills in research design and qualitative and quantitative analysis.
  • Have a wide range of specialisations available to you to enable you to develop your specific expertise.

About This Course

  • 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 of our Master’s programme in International Relations go on to work across a wide range of sectors, from government and international organisations to consultancy, development, and financial services.

Government and public bodies: Our graduates have taken up roles across a range of public institutions in Ireland and internationally, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Justice, the Houses of the Oireachtas, the European Central Bank, and the U.S. Department of Commerce. These destinations reflect the strong demand for graduates who can apply rigorous analytical and policy skills to complex international questions.

International organisations: A number of graduates have gone on to work within intergovernmental and multilateral bodies, including UNHCR, the European External Action Service, and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), contributing to diplomacy, development, and humanitarian efforts at the international level.

Consultancy and advisory services: Several graduates have joined leading consultancy firms, including Accenture, KPMG, PwC, and EY, where they work on strategy, policy, and advisory projects for clients across the public and private sectors.

International development and NGOs: Graduates with a commitment to international development and human rights have gone on to organisations such as The ONE Campaign, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, working on advocacy, programme delivery, and policy change.

Financial services: The programme’s analytical and international focus has also proven attractive to employers in financial services, with graduates securing positions at JPMorgan Chase & Co., Bank of Ireland, and SCOR.

PhD programmes: Graduates of the School of Politics and International Relations have continued into doctoral programmes at internationally recognised institutions, including the University of Oxford, Northwestern University, Ghent University, Trinity College Dublin, and University College Dublin.

Roles held by graduates span a broad spectrum, from Diplomatic Adviser and Government Social Researcher to Public Affairs Consultant, Policy Analyst, and Development Officer. Others have gone on to PhD programmes in international relations and related fields, or taken up positions in think tanks, embassies, and the not-for-profit sector.

Instead of writing a thesis, students may opt to complete an internship in a role directly relevant to their field of study. The internship requires a minimum of 480 hours and may be undertaken anytime after the end of the teaching term until the third week of August. Students are responsible for securing their own internship placements. The School provides a list of potential host organisations. UCD Careers offers support with application writing and related resources. 


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
 POL42330 Research Design Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 POL42060 International Security Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 10CR:
Core Option List: Students must select at least one module in this section.
 POL40370 International Political Economy Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 10CR:
Core Option List: Students must select at least one module in this section.
 POL42530 Politics of International Trade and Investment Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 10CR:
If you select 2 modules in the Core Option Section, select one module here. If you select 1 module in the Core Option Section, select two module here.
AMST40580 News Media Today Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 10CR:
If you select 2 modules in the Core Option Section, select one module here. If you select 1 module in the Core Option Section, select two module here.
POL40100 Politics of Development Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 10CR:
If you select 2 modules in the Core Option Section, select one module here. If you select 1 module in the Core Option Section, select two module here.
POL40130 Poverty, Development and Global Justice Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 10CR:
If you select 2 modules in the Core Option Section, select one module here. If you select 1 module in the Core Option Section, select two module here.
POL40140 Theories of Global Justice Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 10CR:
If you select 2 modules in the Core Option Section, select one module here. If you select 1 module in the Core Option Section, select two module here.
POL40950 Introduction to Statistics Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 10CR:
If you select 2 modules in the Core Option Section, select one module here. If you select 1 module in the Core Option Section, select two module here.
POL40970 Politics of European Governance Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 10CR:
If you select 2 modules in the Core Option Section, select one module here. If you select 1 module in the Core Option Section, select two module here.
POL41020 Politics of Human Rights Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 10CR:
If you select 2 modules in the Core Option Section, select one module here. If you select 1 module in the Core Option Section, select two module here.
POL41510 Politics and Change in the Middle East and North Africa Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 10CR:
If you select 2 modules in the Core Option Section, select one module here. If you select 1 module in the Core Option Section, select two module here.
POL41980 Peace & Conflict Studies Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 10CR:
If you select 2 modules in the Core Option Section, select one module here. If you select 1 module in the Core Option Section, select two module here.
POL42040 Gender & the Political System Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 10CR:
If you select 2 modules in the Core Option Section, select one module here. If you select 1 module in the Core Option Section, select two module here.
AMST40650 Politics and Digital Storytelling Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 10CR:
If you select 2 modules in the Core Option Section, select one module here. If you select 1 module in the Core Option Section, select two module here.
POL40160 Comparative Public Policy Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 10CR:
If you select 2 modules in the Core Option Section, select one module here. If you select 1 module in the Core Option Section, select two module here.
POL40540 Comparative European Politics Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 10CR:
If you select 2 modules in the Core Option Section, select one module here. If you select 1 module in the Core Option Section, select two module here.
POL41030 Theory of Human Rights Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 10CR:
If you select 2 modules in the Core Option Section, select one module here. If you select 1 module in the Core Option Section, select two module here.
POL41640 Qualitative Research Methods for Political Science Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 10CR:
If you select 2 modules in the Core Option Section, select one module here. If you select 1 module in the Core Option Section, select two module here.
POL41720 Gender, Peace, and Security Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 10CR:
If you select 2 modules in the Core Option Section, select one module here. If you select 1 module in the Core Option Section, select two module here.
POL42050 Quantitative Text Analysis Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 10CR:
If you select 2 modules in the Core Option Section, select one module here. If you select 1 module in the Core Option Section, select two module here.
POL42340 Programming for Soc Scientists Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 10CR:
If you select 2 modules in the Core Option Section, select one module here. If you select 1 module in the Core Option Section, select two module here.
POL42430 IR Theory: Conflict and Identity Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 10CR:
If you select 2 modules in the Core Option Section, select one module here. If you select 1 module in the Core Option Section, select two module here.
POL42500 Politics of Authoritarianism Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 10CR:
If you select 2 modules in the Core Option Section, select one module here. If you select 1 module in the Core Option Section, select two module here.
POL42580 Arab Perceptions of Conflict Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - D)30CR:
Students must select either the thesis or the internship.
POL42300 SPIRe Internship Summer  30
Stage 1 Options - D)30CR:
Students must select either the thesis or the internship.
POL42310 Thesis Summer  30

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.

MA International Relations (W235) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 10555
nonEU    fee per year - € 22600

MA International Relations (W236) Part Time
nonEU    fee per year - € 11300
EU          fee per year - € 6710

***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.
  • UCD Global offers several graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students who have received an offer for a UCD graduate degree programme. For further details, please visit the International Scholarships.
  • SPIRe operates the  SPIRe Graduate Scholarship Scheme. 

For further information, please visit our comprehensive FAQ page.

  • 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


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. 




Print this page

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

ROWCLASS Apply to
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
W235
MA International Relations
Master of Arts

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Apply
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
W236
MA International Relations
Master of Arts

Part-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsApply
* you can change options at the top of the page
Contact UsEventsDownload Brochure
Fill in the following details:
Enter the body of your query here.

From time to time UCD would like to send you further information that we feel, based on your enquiry, would be of interest to you.