- allow students participate in debates around both the theory and practice of IPE
- boost students' research and writing skills
- develop oral presentation skills
- enhance group work skills
- enhance students' skills in policy analysis
- familiarise students with a comprehensive knowledge of leading issues in International Political Economy
MA International Political Economy
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
- 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
Please read our FAQ page before proceeding to the Contact Us button above.
Visit Our Website for Further Information such as Entry Requirement and Application Documents.
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.
MA International Political Economy - explores the international trade, monetary and finance systems, the processes of globalisation, the impact of emerging economies, and the causes and consequences of economic underdevelopment.
- probes the linkages of the global economy with international environmental, human rights, gender and migration issues
- includes core modules covering both the ‘British’ and ‘American’ schools of IPE.
- allows you to choose to complete a dissertation or apply for an internship.
About This Course
Graduates work with international private-sector employers, government agencies and NGOs as:
- Government Social Researcher
- Diplomatic Advisor
- Public Affairs Consultant
- Political Advisor
Recent graduates of UCD School of Politics & International Relations now work in:
- United Nations, New York and Geneva
- World Trade Organisation
- Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taipei
- Asia Development Bank
- IMF
- Dutch-German Chamber of Commerce & Industry
- Korean Foreign Trade Association
The UCD School of Politics and International Relations (SPIRe) has established an internship programme for graduate students undertaking MA programmes in Politics, International Relations, International Political Economy, International Development, Peace and Conflict, MEconSc European Public Affairs and Law, MSc Human Rights and MSc Politics and Data Science. You can either opt for a Masters thesis, or an internship of at least 480 hours, typically undertaken from June to August.
See this page for more information
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 |
POL42330 | Research Design | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
POL40370 | International Political Economy | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
POL42530 | Politics of International Trade and Investment | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - A)30CR: Students must pick either POL42300 SPIRe Internship or POL42310 Thesis as a core module. |
POL42300 | SPIRe Internship | Summer | 30 |
Stage 1 Options - A)30CR: Students must pick either POL42300 SPIRe Internship or POL42310 Thesis as a core module. |
POL42310 | Thesis | Summer | 30 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Select 3 modules here. |
POL40050 | Theories of International Relations | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Select 3 modules here. |
POL40100 | Politics of Development | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Select 3 modules here. |
POL40130 | Poverty, Development and Global Justice | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Select 3 modules here. |
POL40140 | Theories of Global Justice | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Select 3 modules here. |
POL40970 | Politics of European Governance | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Select 3 modules here. |
POL41020 | Politics of Human Rights | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Select 3 modules here. |
POL41510 | Politics and Change in the Middle East and North Africa | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Select 3 modules here. |
POL41980 | Peace & Conflict Studies | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Select 3 modules here. |
POL42040 | Gender & the Political System | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Select 3 modules here. |
DEV40020 | Gender and Development | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Select 3 modules here. |
POL40160 | Comparative Public Policy | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Select 3 modules here. |
POL40540 | Comparative European Politics | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Select 3 modules here. |
POL41030 | Theory of Human Rights | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Select 3 modules here. |
POL41640 | Qualitative Research Methods for Political Science | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Select 3 modules here. |
POL41720 | Gender, Peace, and Security | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Select 3 modules here. |
POL42050 | Quantitative Text Analysis | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Select 3 modules here. |
POL42340 | Programming for Soc Scientists | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Select 3 modules here. |
POL42430 | IR Theory: Conflict and Identity | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Select 3 modules here. |
POL42500 | Politics of Authoritarianism | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Select 3 modules here. |
POL42560 | AI and Large Language Models | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Select 3 modules here. |
POL42580 | Arab Perceptions of Conflict | Spring | 10 |
Anoor Amatul
The MSc International Political Economy has been instrumental in shaping and advancing my academic trajectory. This intellectually stimulating interdisciplinary program offers a holistic understanding of the global political and economic landscape. Its rigorous integration of both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies into the curriculum has provided me with a comprehensive skill set essential for both professional and academic pursuits.
The exceptional faculty members bring a wealth of knowledge to the classroom and are highly supportive of the student body. The program's diverse assessment methods have honed my abilities, making me a well-rounded student.
The international nature of the program has created a diverse classroom environment, enriched by various cultural and professional backgrounds and a wide range of opinions. This diversity has fostered a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere, enhancing the overall learning experience.
EU fee per year - € 10350
nonEU fee per year - € 22600
MA International Political Economy (W291) 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
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 MA International Political Economy:
ROWCLASS | Apply to |
---|---|
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | W290 MA International Political Economy Master of Arts Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught |
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | W291 MA International Political Economy Master of Arts Part-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsApply |