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MSc International Political Economy

MSc (NFQ Level 9)

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

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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 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

    •  

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
 POL42530 Politics of International Trade and Investment 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
 POL42310 Thesis Summer  30
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Option Modules
 DEV40020 Gender and Development Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Option Modules
 POL40050 Theories of International Relations Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Option Modules
 POL40970 Politics of European Governance Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Option Modules
 POL41020 Politics of Human Rights Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Option Modules
 POL41510 Politics and Change in the Middle East and North Africa Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Option Modules
 POL41980 Peace & Conflict Studies Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Option Modules
 POL42040 Gender & the Political System Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Option Modules
 POL42540 Applied Data Wrangling and Visualisation Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Option Modules
 POL42550 Feminist Theory Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Option Modules
 POL42570 Connected_Politics 1 Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Option Modules
 POL40100 Politics of Development Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Option Modules
 POL40140 Theories of Global Justice Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Option Modules
 POL40160 Comparative Public Policy Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Option Modules
 POL40540 Comparative European Politics Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Option Modules
 POL40610 EU Foreign, Security, and Defence Pol. Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Option Modules
 POL41030 Theory of Human Rights Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Option Modules
 POL41720 Gender, Peace, and Security Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Option Modules
 POL41910 Political Violence Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Option Modules
 POL42050 Quantitative Text Analysis Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Option Modules
 POL42060 International Security Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Option Modules
 POL42340 Programming for Soc Scientists Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Option Modules
 POL42350 Connected_Politics 2 Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Option Modules
 POL42430 IR Theory: Conflict and Identity Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Option Modules
 POL42560 AI and Large Language Models 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 - € 10350
nonEU    fee per year - € 22600

MSc International Political Economy (W294) 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.

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


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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   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt W293
MSc International Political Economy
Master of Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2024
 Graduate Taught Closed
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt W294
MSc International Political Economy
Master of Science
Part-Time
Commencing September 2024
 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsClosed
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt W293
MSc International Political Economy
Master of Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
 Graduate Taught Apply
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt W294
MSc International Political Economy
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
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