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MSc International Political Economy

MSc (NFQ Level 9)
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 Science
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 Science
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.

MSc 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. 
  • includes additional research components and is particularly suitable if you want a career in research or academia.

About This Course

  • allow students participate in debates around both the theory and practice of IPE
  • boost students' research and writing skills
  • develop methodological research expertise
  • 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

Graduates of our Master’s programme in International Political Economy go on to work across a wide range of sectors, from international organisations and government to financial services, trade bodies, and consultancy.

International organisations: A strong cohort of graduates has secured positions within major international institutions. Alumni now work at the United Nations in New York and Geneva, the World Trade Organisation, the International Monetary Fund, the Asian Development Bank, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Taipei, reflecting the programme’s direct relevance to careers in global economic governance and diplomacy.

Government and public bodies: Graduates have gone on to roles at the European Commission, the Department of Finance in Ireland, and IDA Ireland, contributing to economic policy, investment promotion, and regulatory affairs at both national and European level.

Consultancy and advisory services: Several graduates have moved into consultancy and advisory roles, joining firms including Deloitte, Crowe Ireland, FleishmanHillard EU, and the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), where they advise clients on economic strategy, trade policy, and international affairs.

Financial services and trade: The programme’s grounding in international monetary and trade systems has proven attractive to employers in financial services and trade promotion. Graduates have taken up positions at Allianz Partners, Universal Investment, the Dutch-German Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and the Korean Foreign Trade Association.

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 Trade Policy Analyst and Government Social Researcher to Public Affairs Consultant, Political Adviser, and Diplomatic Adviser. Others have gone on to doctoral programmes or taken up positions in think tanks, international financial institutions, and the corporate sector.

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
 POL40950 Introduction to Statistics Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 POL40370 International Political Economy Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 POL41640 Qualitative Research Methods for Political Science Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 POL42530 Politics of International Trade and Investment Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 POL42310 Thesis Summer  30
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Select 20 credits from the option list.
 GEOG41050 Globalization, Empire and Race: Economic Geography Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Select 20 credits from the option list.
 POL40050 Theories of International Relations Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Select 20 credits from the option list.
 POL40100 Politics of Development Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Select 20 credits from the option list.
 POL40130 Poverty, Development and Global Justice Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Select 20 credits from the option list.
 POL40140 Theories of Global Justice Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Select 20 credits from the option list.
 POL40970 Politics of European Governance Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Select 20 credits from the option list.
 POL41510 Politics and Change in the Middle East and North Africa Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Select 20 credits from the option list.
 POL41980 Peace & Conflict Studies Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Select 20 credits from the option list.
 POL42040 Gender & the Political System Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Select 20 credits from the option list.
 POL42540 Applied Data Wrangling and Visualisation Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Select 20 credits from the option list.
 POL42570 Connected_Politics 1 Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Select 20 credits from the option list.
 DEV40020 Gender and Development Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Select 20 credits from the option list.
 POL40160 Comparative Public Policy Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Select 20 credits from the option list.
 POL40540 Comparative European Politics Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Select 20 credits from the option list.
 POL41030 Theory of Human Rights Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Select 20 credits from the option list.
 POL41720 Gender, Peace, and Security Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Select 20 credits from the option list.
 POL42050 Quantitative Text Analysis Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Select 20 credits from the option list.
 POL42060 International Security Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Select 20 credits from the option list.
 POL42340 Programming for Soc Scientists Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Select 20 credits from the option list.
 POL42350 Connected_Politics 2 Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Select 20 credits from the option list.
 POL42430 IR Theory: Conflict and Identity Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Select 20 credits from the option list.
 POL42500 Politics of Authoritarianism Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Select 20 credits from the option list.
 POL42560 AI and Large Language Models Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Select 20 credits from the option list.
 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.

MSc International Political Economy (W293) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 10555
nonEU    fee per year - € 22600

MSc International Political Economy (W294) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 6710
nonEU    fee per year - € 11300

***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. 




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

ROWCLASS Apply to
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W293
MSc International Political Economy
Master of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Apply
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
W294
MSc International Political Economy
Master of Science

Part-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsApply
* you can change options at the top of the page
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