BA in Arts: Joint Honours (Politics)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Dublin City University DCU

Program Overview

The BA in Arts (Joint Honours) with Politics at Dublin City University (DCU) is a three-year honours degree that allows students to study politics alongside another arts subject while gaining a strong understanding of political systems, governance, and public policy. It is ideal for students who want flexibility in their studies while developing critical thinking, research, and communication skills that are highly valued across public and private sector careers.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Foundations of Politics and Social Analysis

In the first year, students are introduced to the core ideas and concepts of politics. Modules such as Introduction to Politics, Political Ideas, and Contemporary Irish Politics help students understand how political systems operate at national and international levels. Emphasis is placed on academic writing, critical reading, and structured argument development.

Year 2 – Comparative Politics and Public Policy

Year 2 builds depth by examining political institutions and policy-making processes. Students study modules such as Comparative Politics, Public Policy Analysis, and International Relations, exploring how governments function, how policies are formed, and how global political dynamics influence domestic decision-making. Research methods are introduced to support evidence-based analysis.

Year 3 – Specialisation and Applied Political Study

In the final year, students specialise in advanced political topics aligned with their interests. Modules such as European Union Politics, Political Communication, Security Studies, or Global Governance allow in-depth exploration of contemporary political challenges. Students complete advanced coursework or independent research, preparing them for employment or postgraduate study.

Focus Areas

Political theory, comparative politics, public policy, Irish and European politics, international relations, political communication.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop strong analytical and research skills, the ability to critically evaluate political systems and public policies, and the confidence to communicate political ideas clearly in academic and professional contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Delivered through DCU’s School of Law and Government, the programme provides a rigorous honours-level education that supports careers in public service, policy research, journalism, NGOs, political consultancy, communications, and further study.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Dublin City University is known for its strong focus on employability and real-world learning. DCU graduates are highly regarded for their practical skills, critical thinking, and readiness for modern workplaces.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Dublin City University, the BA in Arts – Joint Honours (Politics) is designed to help you understand politics as it is practiced and experienced in the real world. From your first year, you explore how political systems operate at national, European, and global levels while developing essential skills in analysis, research, and communication. The programme combines political theory with the study of contemporary issues such as governance, public policy, international relations, and power in society. Studying politics as part of a joint honours structure also allows you to connect political thinking with another subject, giving you a broader and more flexible academic profile.

Teaching at DCU is highly interactive and career-focused. You learn through lectures supported by tutorials, workshops, and discussion-based classes that encourage debate and critical engagement. As you progress through the degree, the emphasis increasingly shifts toward applying political ideas to real events and policy challenges, ensuring you graduate with both strong academic understanding and practical, transferable skills.

Experiential learning in the BA Joint Honours (Politics) programme helps you turn theory into practice through structured, hands-on academic experiences:

Tutorials and collaborative learning: Alongside lectures, small-group tutorials involve debates, case-study discussions, group tasks, and presentations, helping you build teamwork, persuasion, and public-speaking skills.
Applied assessments: Assessment methods include policy briefs, research essays, presentations, and reflective assignments based on real political developments, rather than relying only on traditional exams.
Research and analytical skills development: You are trained to evaluate political sources, analyse data and arguments, and construct evidence-based conclusions — skills valued in policy, media, and public service roles.
Choice of political pathways: As you advance, you can focus on areas such as Irish politics, European governance, international relations, political theory, and public policy, aligning your studies with your interests and career goals.
Final-year independent research: In your final year, you have the opportunity to undertake an extended research project or dissertation, allowing you to explore a political topic in depth under academic supervision.
Student societies and civic engagement: DCU’s active student societies and political discussion spaces allow you to practise leadership, organisation, and debate outside the classroom.
Careers and employability focus: DCU places strong emphasis on graduate employability, supporting students with career planning, skills development, and exposure to professional pathways linked to politics and public affairs.

What this degree prepares you for:

Careers in public service, government departments, policy analysis, advocacy, NGOs, media, and political communication
Further study in politics, international relations, public policy, law, or related social sciences
Professional roles requiring critical thinking, research capability, communication skills, and social awareness

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BA in Arts: Joint Honours (Politics) at DCU gain strong critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills that employers across sectors value. With this degree, you could progress into roles such as policy analyst, political consultant, public affairs specialist, communications officer, or researcher in government, media, or international organisations. DCU’s practical focus and strong links with the professional world give you real advantage in the Irish and international job markets:

Career & Employability Support: DCU’s Career Development Centre offers personalised career coaching, CV and interview preparation, access to internships and graduate job postings, employer networking events, and guidance on building professional experience while you study.
Employment Outcomes & Salary Potential: DCU graduates are highly sought after across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Politics graduates typically enter roles with competitive starting salaries and strong long-term growth, using skills in analysis, communication, and policy understanding.
Industry Engagement & Networking: Located in Dublin, DCU connects students with government bodies, policy institutes, media organisations, NGOs and consultancies, offering regular speaker events, project work, placements, and opportunities to build professional networks.
Accreditation & Long-Term Value: DCU is recognised as one of Ireland’s leading universities for engaging, career-focused education. A BA Joint Honours in Politics from DCU is well regarded by employers and postgraduate programmes both in Ireland and internationally.
Graduate Impact: Alumni from Politics and Arts programmes go on to roles in public service, political research, communications, advocacy, community leadership, and international affairs, showing the real-world relevance of the skills you’ll develop.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your BA in Arts: Joint Honours (Politics), you can continue your academic journey with master’s degrees in Public Policy, Political Communication, International Relations, European Studies, Development Studies, Law, or related fields. Many graduates also pursue research-focused postgraduate study or doctoral programmes, opening pathways into academia, policy research, and senior strategic roles.