Politics MA

The MA in Politics is a one-year, full-time programme that enables students to choose the areas they wish to specialise in within the field of politics. This is a truly flexible programme that enables students to tailor the degree to their own interests, skills and future career plans. The only core modules that the MA in Politics students will be required to complete will be the two research methods modules that are common to all our postgraduate taught degrees. In addition, they can choose any two electives in the first semester and any three in the second.

Students are required to take two core modules and five elective modules in a combination of lectures and seminar discussion. An additional and substantial research element includes: Assessed course research papers; and a dissertation of 10,000-15,000 words written on a topic of choice under the guidance of an appropriate supervisor. A minimum pass (C3) in the dissertation is a requirement for the successful examination of this programme.

Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules

Primary degree in a relevant discipline with First or Second Class Honours or an approved equivalent qualification (Primary Degree: Level 8 - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland). Candidates must be proficient in English

What to Include with your Application

• Qualification transcripts and certificates
• English language qualification if English is not your first language
• Certified English translations of your transcripts/certificates where the originals are in a language other than English.
• A copy of your birth certificate or passport

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than two years prior to application):

Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:

• Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved
• Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above
• TOEFL – 580 (paper based) 90 (internet based)
• IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5 with no less than 6 in any one component.
• English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1
• GCE ‘O’ level English Language/GCSE English Language – Grade C or above
• Cambridge Assessment English –Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English Grade B
• GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6

Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact the International Education Division for advice.
 

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This unique and genuinely flexible postgraduate degree prepares students for a variety of professions. Since this degree offers a generic qualification in politics, it does not restrict the range of careers available to students after graduation. At the same time, given the wide-ranging choice of modules, students can pursue several interests and acquire expertise in a number of fields in political science. It is also an excellent springboard for further research, potentially towards a doctoral degree or public policy research. In the past, our graduates have pursued careers in business, public administration, journalism and civil society organisations.

The programme equips students with substantive knowledge about a variety of political phenomena, competence in the use of scientific research methods as well as analytical and transferable skills. This is the widest ranging of our programmes and, as a result, it prepares students for a variety of professions. It is also an excellent springboard for further research, potentially towards a doctoral degree or public policy research.  Most importantly, the MA in Politics emphasises skills that the majority of employers seek, such as analytical and critical thinking, writing and presentation skills as well as a good work ethic. In the past, our graduates have pursued careers in a variety of fields, such as business, public administration, journalism and civil society organisations.