International Relations MA
Dublin City University Campus, Ireland
Master of Arts in International Relations
Dublin City University
International Relations
Program Overview: MA in International Relations at DCU
The MA in International Relations at Dublin City University is the oldest programme of its kind in Ireland and is widely recognised as the country's premier postgraduate programme in this field. Housed within DCU's School of Law and Government, it explores the concepts, forces, and processes underpinning international relations, including the role of powerful states, international organisations, legal frameworks, foreign policy, and the international political economy.
The programme adopts a multidisciplinary approach, viewing international relations as the meeting point of diverse theoretical, disciplinary, and geographical perspectives. In the first semester, small core classes provide you with an intellectual toolkit, while the second semester offers a wide range of elective courses tailored to your interests in areas such as human rights, security, trade, and environmental politics.
You will also complete a 15,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice, supported by one-to-one supervision from the outset. The programme features seminars and guest speaker presentations from politicians, officials, academics, and diplomats, providing valuable networking opportunities and real-world insight into international affairs.
Key Program Highlights
- Ireland's first and longest-running postgraduate International Relations programme, pioneering the field since its inception at DCU
- Small class sizes with students from around the world, creating a truly diverse and interactive learning environment
- Flexible study options allowing completion in 12 months full-time or 2 years part-time to suit your schedule
- Guest seminars from politicians, diplomats, and international affairs practitioners providing direct professional networking
Curriculum and Modules
The MA in International Relations is structured around core modules in the first semester that build foundational knowledge, followed by a choice of specialist electives in the second semester. Full-time students take three core modules and a research methodology class in semester one, then select three elective modules in semester two, alongside their dissertation work.
International Relations Theory
10 ECTSExamines major theoretical frameworks in international relations, including realism, liberalism, constructivism, and poststructuralism, and their application to contemporary global politics.
International Political Economy
10 ECTSAnalyses the intersection of politics and economics at the global level, exploring how political decisions shape economic outcomes and how economic forces influence political structures.
Principles of Public International Law
10 ECTSProvides a legal perspective on international cooperation, examining the rules governing relations between states and the consequences of non-compliance with international legal norms.
Research Methodology
5 ECTSEquips students with qualitative and quantitative research skills essential for academic inquiry, policy analysis, and the successful completion of the dissertation component.
Dissertation
25 ECTSA supervised independent research project of up to 15,000 words on a topic of the student's choice, with structured support and one-to-one supervision provided from the beginning of the programme.
Elective Modules (choose 3)
30 ECTSStudents select three elective modules from a diverse range of topics including human rights, security studies, environmental politics, regional studies, and public policy, tailored to their professional interests.
Popular Elective Modules
Admission Requirements
The MA in International Relations welcomes applicants from diverse academic backgrounds including politics, law, history, languages, business, and the sciences. Both recent graduates and established professionals are encouraged to apply through Uni4Edu for a streamlined admissions experience.
Academic Requirements
- Undergraduate DegreeAn Irish or UK Honours degree (H2.2 or above) or international equivalent
- Academic BackgroundOpen to graduates from diverse disciplines including politics, law, history, languages, business, and sciences
- Professional ExperienceApplicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered
- Conditional OffersCandidates who have not yet completed their degree may receive a conditional offer based on most recent grades
- CompetenciesDiscipline-specific knowledge, transferable skills, basic research competency, and personal effectiveness
English Language Requirements
- IELTS (Academic)Overall 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in any component
- TOEFL iBTMinimum overall score of 92
- PTE AcademicMinimum overall score of 63 with minimum 59 in all components
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
Dublin City University offers a range of scholarships and financial support options for international postgraduate students. Uni4Edu can help you identify and apply for the funding opportunities most relevant to your profile and circumstances.
DCU International Student Scholarship
Merit-based scholarships available to international students accepted into full-time postgraduate programmes at DCU. Students are automatically considered upon admission.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MA in International Relations at DCU are highly sought after by a wide range of employers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. The knowledge and skills gained from this programme are valued by government agencies, research organisations, NGOs, inter-governmental organisations, multinational corporations, and media outlets.
Potential Career Paths
Where Graduates Work
Rankings & Recognition
Dublin City University has seen consistent improvement in global rankings, reflecting its growing academic reputation, research output, and international outlook. DCU's School of Law and Government is recognised as Ireland's premier academic department for International Relations and Security studies.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences | U.S. News & World Report | Contact Uni4Edu for current data |
| Politics & International Studies | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Contact Uni4Edu for current data |
| Business and Economics | THE World University Rankings by Subject | Top 201 |
| Sustainability | QS Sustainability Rankings | #174 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
Similar Programmes
Bachelor's Degree
36 months
Business and Management (Canterbury)
University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
September 2025
Gross Tuition
20700 £
Bachelor's Degree
12 months
Business (top-up)
University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
September 2025
Gross Tuition
20700 £
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Bachelor of Business Administration (Turkish)
Anadolu University, Tepebaşı, Turkey
Earliest Intake
July 2026
Gross Tuition
1250 $
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Business and Management with a Year Abroad\t
University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
October 2025
Gross Tuition
20700 £
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Business and Management with a Year in Industry\t
University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
October 2025
Gross Tuition
20700 £
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
