Structured PhD programme outline - download

The Structured PhD in Politics is a four year, full-time programme designed to provide students with the training they need to become professional political scientists. It combines advanced training in the methods of political science research with specialised training in at least one disciplinary subfield and the completion of an original thesis.

The taught component of the programme is largely concentrated in the first year of study. Requirements include core modules in Research Methods, Comparative Politics and Contemporary Political Theory, as well as specialised modules tailored to your disciplinary interests and needs as a developing researcher. Students may exit the programme after the taught component with a Graduate Diploma in Politics or (after completing a dissertation) with a Masters in Politics.

Following the taught component, students will complete a substantial and original piece of research, under the supervision of one or more faculty members. The Department of Politics and Public Administration is particularly eager to welcome students who wish to conduct research in areas in which the Department has research strengths, such as:

  • Irish Politics
  • European Union Politics
  • International Relations
  • Public Policy
  • Public Administration
  • Political Theory
  • African Politics
  • Russian and post-Soviet Politics
  • Conflict and Conflict Resolution
  • International Political Economy
  • Terrorism & Violent Political Extremism
  • Participatory Democracy & Social Exclusion


 

 

 

 

Entry Qualifications

Applicants should normally hold a first class or 2.1 primary degree in a social science discipline, or an interdisciplinary degree that incorporates a substantial social science component. These requirements may be waived where an applicant has a taught postgraduate degree in a social science discipline. In all cases, applicants must submit a satisfactory provisional research proposal, and must be proficient in the use of English for academic purposes.

Interested applicants should contact Andrew Shorten (andrew.shorten@ul.ie; tel: +353 61 234265).

Year 1 (Taught Component)

Autumn Semester Spring Semester

 

Research Methods for PhD Students
Contemporary Political Theory
PhD Proposal Development 1


Plus one module from the following*:

International Relations
Public Policy Analysis: Theory & Method
International Co-operation and Conflict
Institutions and Policies of the European Union
Government and Governance: Politics, Policy, and Practice
Conflict, Security and Development
Development Theory
Qualitative Research Methods I
Quantitative Research Methods I

* Elective offerings may vary from year to year

 

Comparative Politics
PhD Proposal Development 2

 

Plus two modules from the following:*

Global Transformation and Exclusion
International Security
Political Reconciliation in the Aftermath of Conflict
Foreign Aid and Development
Global Justice
Development Practice and Programme Management
Terrorism and Violent Political Extremism
European Public Administration: Actors, Institutions and Policy Process
Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding
Qualitative Research Methods II
Quantitative Research Methods II

* Elective offerings may vary from year to year