BSc Hons or BA Hons Politics & International Relations

At University College Dublin (UCD), studying Politics & International Relations is about understanding how global and domestic politics actually function — and learning how to analyse, debate, and influence them. From your first year, you are introduced to political theory, international relations, and research methods through a mix of lectures and small-group tutorials that emphasise discussion, case analysis, and applied thinking. As you progress through the degree, the programme becomes more flexible, allowing you to tailor your studies through specialist option modules while continuing to build strong analytical, research, and communication skills that are directly relevant to real-world careers.

Experiential learning at UCD ensures you move beyond theory into practical application — through structured academic activities, professional exposure, and skills-based learning opportunities across the programme:

• Tutorial-led learning and group work: Alongside lectures, tutorials form a core part of the programme. These involve group discussions, case-study analysis, presentations, and collaborative projects that develop teamwork, argumentation, and problem-solving skills.

• Optional third-year internship: Students can apply for an optional internship in their third year, gaining supervised work experience in areas such as government departments, NGOs, policy organisations, media, and international bodies, directly linking academic learning to professional practice.

• Research-driven curriculum: You are taught by academic staff from UCD’s School of Politics & International Relations who are actively engaged in research, ensuring your learning reflects current political debates, policy challenges, and global developments.

• Choice of specialised modules: In later years, you can select modules in areas such as international political economy, security studies, foreign policy, political violence, media and politics, and quantitative analysis for social sciences, allowing you to shape the degree around your interests.

• Strong analytical and data skills (BSc route): The BSc pathway places greater emphasis on social-science methods and analytical skills, helping you develop a more data-driven understanding of political and international issues.

• Broader humanities perspective (BA route): The BA pathway offers a wider humanities and societal focus, encouraging critical reflection on political ideas, institutions, and global issues.

• Student societies and debates: UCD’s Politics & International Relations Society provides opportunities to engage in debates, panel discussions, workshops, and leadership roles, helping you build confidence and professional networks outside the classroom.

• Careers and professional development support: UCD’s dedicated careers services support students with internships, CV development, career planning, and employer engagement throughout the degree.

What this means for your future:

• You graduate with strong research, analysis, and communication skills valued in public service, diplomacy, policy analysis, journalism, NGOs, international organisations, and postgraduate study.

• You gain real-world exposure through internships, group projects, and applied learning — not just classroom theory.

• You benefit from studying on one of Europe’s largest university campuses, offering extensive academic resources, libraries, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities.

Graduates of the Politics & International Relations programme at University College Dublin develop the analytical, research, and communication skills needed to work at the heart of global decision-making. Alumni progress into careers such as policy analyst, diplomat, public affairs or communications executive, political consultant, and professionals in international organisations and NGOs. With UCD’s strong global reputation and international alumni network, graduates are well positioned for roles across Ireland, Europe, and beyond:

• Career & Employability Support: UCD’s Career Development Centre provides continuous support through personalised career coaching, CV and interview preparation, employer-led workshops, internship guidance, recruitment fairs, and access to a dedicated jobs and placements platform.

• Employment Outcomes & Salary Potential: A high proportion of UCD graduates secure employment or pursue further study shortly after graduation. Social science graduates commonly enter professional roles with starting salaries in the €35,000–€45,000 range, with strong long-term progression in policy, consulting, and international sectors.

• Industry & Institutional Connections: Based in Dublin, students benefit from proximity to Irish government departments, EU-linked institutions, embassies, NGOs, think tanks, media organisations, and multinational employers, offering valuable exposure to real-world political and international environments.

• Accreditation & Global Recognition: UCD consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide and within the top 1% globally, with its School of Politics & International Relations internationally recognised for teaching and research excellence, giving the degree lasting academic and professional value.

• Graduate Impact & Progression: Graduates move into influential roles across government, European institutions, international development organisations, research bodies, and global media, demonstrating the programme’s strong career outcomes.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BSc or BA (Hons) in Politics & International Relations, students can progress to master’s programmes in International Relations, Public Policy, European Studies, Development Studies, Law, Security Studies, or Strategic Communications. Many graduates continue their studies at UCD or pursue postgraduate and doctoral degrees at leading universities worldwide, opening pathways into academia, diplomacy, and senior policy roles.