BA / BSc in Social Sciences - Politics and International Relations

At the University of Limerick (UL), the BA / BSc in Social Sciences with a focus on Politics and International Relations offers a strongly practical and interdisciplinary learning experience. From the beginning, the programme is designed to help you understand how political systems operate within society and how international forces shape public decisions. In your first year, you explore core social science subjects before specialising in Politics and International Relations, building a solid foundation in political analysis, global affairs, and public governance. Throughout the degree, learning is closely linked to real political issues, ensuring you graduate with both academic insight and applied skills that employers and postgraduate programmes value.

Experiential learning at UL means you actively apply theory, develop research skills, and gain professional awareness through structured activities across the degree:

• Interdisciplinary foundation with data skills: In first year, you study across multiple social science disciplines and take a core data-focused module, helping you develop skills in analysing, interpreting, and presenting political and social data.

• Progressive specialisation in Politics & International Relations: As you move into later years, you focus on subjects such as Irish politics, European politics, political theory, public administration, international relations, and global governance, allowing deeper academic and practical engagement.

• Research-based learning: You have opportunities to undertake supervised individual research projects, strengthening your ability to investigate political questions, evaluate sources, and produce structured academic work.

• Applied assessments and project work: Modules include policy analysis, research essays, group projects, presentations, and case studies based on contemporary political issues, mirroring real-world professional tasks.

• Small-group seminars and collaboration: Seminar-based teaching encourages debate, discussion, and teamwork, helping you build communication, persuasion, and critical thinking skills.

• Work placement and study abroad options: The programme supports cooperative education placements and study abroad opportunities, enabling you to gain workplace experience or international exposure during your degree.

• Strong academic and campus resources: You benefit from UL’s social sciences research environment, academic support services, and extensive library resources that support both coursework and independent research.

What this prepares you for:

• Careers in public service, international organisations, NGOs, policy analysis, media, research, and advocacy

• Postgraduate study in politics, international relations, public policy, law, or social sciences

• Professional roles requiring analytical thinking, research capability, communication skills, and global awareness

Graduates of the Politics & International Relations pathway at the University of Limerick develop a strong understanding of global affairs, governance, and public policy, preparing them for careers that make real-world impact. Typical roles include policy analyst, public affairs or communications officer, political consultant, and professionals working in international organisations or NGOs. UL’s applied learning approach ensures graduates are not only knowledgeable but also workplace-ready:

• Career & Employability Support: UL’s Careers Network provides structured career guidance, one-to-one coaching, CV and interview preparation, employer engagement events, and support for internships and graduate roles throughout your degree.

• Employment Outcomes & Salary Potential: UL graduates demonstrate strong employability, with many entering professional roles or postgraduate study shortly after graduation. Social science graduates typically progress into stable careers with competitive starting salaries and clear long-term growth in public service, policy, and international sectors.

• Industry & International Exposure: UL places strong emphasis on work-integrated learning and international exchange, including Erasmus opportunities, allowing students to gain practical experience and global perspectives that significantly enhance employability.

• Accreditation & Long-Term Value: The University of Limerick is a highly respected Irish institution known for applied learning and graduate readiness. A degree in Politics & International Relations from UL holds long-term academic and professional value worldwide.

• Graduate Outcomes & Impact: Alumni work across government departments, civil service, NGOs, international agencies, research organisations, and media, highlighting the versatility and relevance of the programme.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BA or BSc in Social Sciences (Politics & International Relations), students can progress to master’s degrees in International Relations, Public Policy, European Studies, Peace and Development Studies, Political Communication, or Law. Many graduates also pursue research-focused postgraduate study or doctoral programmes, leading to careers in academia, policy research, and senior advisory roles.