Politics & International Relations

In first year, you will be introduced to the core areas of Politics & International Relations, giving you a solid foundation for future study. In subsequent years, you will pursue the topics that interest you most. Examples of modules include:

Foundations of International Relations • Foundations of Political Theory • Foundations of Contemporary Politics • Foundations in Political Research • All first-year social sciences students also study the core module, Societal Challenges in the Twenty First Century • + 1 other subject • Elective module

Individuals & the State • Law, Politics & Human Rights • Comparative Politics • International Relations • Research Methods in Political Science • Irish Politics • European Union • Sustainable Development Goals • + 1 other subject • Introduction to Chinese Politics • Introduction to Middle East Politics • Elective modules

International Political Economy • International Justice • Politics of Organised Crime • Terrorism & Political Violence • Democracy, Elections and Campaigns • Data Analytics for the Social Sciences • Media & Politics • Introduction to Asian Politics • Deliberative Mini-Publics • Gender & Politics • + 1 other subject • Elective modules

Students can apply to study a single-subject Politics & International Relations degree at the end of second year. Students attend lectures and tutorials as well as undertaking independent study. Assessment is in the form of a combination of continuous assessment and end-of trimester written exams. In third year, students can apply for an optional paid internship for one trimester in a range of organisations in the public and private sector, which help to inform future career decisions through real-world experience.The Irish civil service, the European Commission, international agencies such as the UN, IMF and World Bank, NGOs, print and broadcast media, the diplomatic service, business, administration and research. MA and MSc degrees in UCD open to graduates include: Politics, Political Theory, International Relations, International Development, Peace & Conflict, Human Rights, European Public Affairs & Law, International Political Economy, Public Policy, Gender & Politics.