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This MA in International Relations offers a deep, global perspective on how world politics, diplomacy, and security shape today’s interconnected world. You’ll explore major contemporary issues with historical insight — perfect for students aiming for careers in diplomacy, international organisations, policy analysis, or global affairs.
Curriculum Structure
Semester 1:
You begin with foundational theory and global structures through International Relations Theories and Approaches and Issues in World Politics, while gaining insight into major actors and policies with US Foreign Policy and Contemporary History and Foreign Policy & Diplomacy: Case Studies in Crises and Decision-making.
Semester 2:
The programme then broadens to specialised topics such as European Security and The Politics of Terrorism (elective options), while also offering Work Placement and Portfolio modules that build professional skills and real-world engagement.
Capstone / Dissertation:
You finish the MA with a substantial History Dissertation where you research a topic of your choice — for example, foreign policy dynamics, global conflicts, or international institutions — demonstrating your analytical depth and academic rigor.
Focus areas:
International relations theory, diplomacy, global security, foreign policy analysis, critical global issues.
Learning outcomes:
Develop strong analytical and research skills; interpret global political trends; assess policy decisions; communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
This is a Level 9 Masters qualification on Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), recognised internationally for postgraduate social sciences study.
Reputation (employability rankings):
University College Cork is a well-established research-intensive university in Ireland with a strong global reputation, and graduates of this MA go on to work in government, international organisations, NGOs, and further academic research.
Students gain practical skills through simulations, direct policy engagement, research methods training, and real-world projects, often using the university's specialized research centers and political archives. The approach is less about labs and more about applying analytical frameworks to current global issues. A typical program might include the following experiential components:
Simulation Exercises: Many programs run Model United Nations (MUN), crisis negotiation simulations, or political scenario exercises where students role-play as diplomats or policymakers, applying theories of international diplomacy and conflict resolution.
Research and Policy Analysis: A core practical skill is developed through a substantial dissertation or capstone project. This often involves primary research, policy analysis, or a detailed case study on a current international issue, sometimes conducted in partnership with an external organization.
Guest Lectures and Workshops: Regular sessions with practitioners—such as diplomats, NGO workers, journalists, and policy analysts—provide direct insights into career paths and the application of academic knowledge in real-world settings.
Career-Focused Placements: Some programs offer optional or credited internships, placements, or field research opportunities with partner organizations like government agencies, international organizations (e.g., UN bodies), think tanks, or NGOs.
Specialized Facilities and Resources: Students typically have access to:
University libraries with extensive holdings in political science, government documents, and international law.
Dedicated research institutes or centers focused on areas like European studies, security, development, or human rights, which often host events and provide networking opportunities.
Digital tools for data analysis, such as NVivo for qualitative research or SPSS/STATA/R for quantitative analysis of global datasets.
University College Cork's MA in International Relations (full-time/part-time) combines international history, conflict/peace studies, and diplomacy analysis through modules like US Foreign Policy, IR Theories, and electives in terrorism/European security, culminating in a 20,000-word dissertation for careers in global policy and analysis. Typical roles include diplomatic service officer, policy officer, political risk analyst, international aid/development worker, public affairs consultant, intelligence analyst, and civil service fast streamer in government, NGOs, EU/UN, and multinationals.
Career Support Elements
University Services: Continuous assessment via essays/portfolios/policy papers, oral presentations, and Connected Curriculum linking research/leadership enhance analytical/communication skills.
Employment Stats: High placement in diplomacy, public service, and international organizations; 92% overall UCC postgraduate employability supports strong outcomes.
University-Industry Partnerships: Modules on crises/decision-making and electives like work placement foster practical global policy application.
Long-term Accreditation Value: NFQ Level 9 qualification builds intercultural awareness, ethical analysis, and research prowess for senior advisory roles.
Graduation Outcomes: Positions in IGOs (UN/World Bank), NGOs (Oxfam/MSF), think tanks, journalism, and corporate risk management.
Further Academic Progression
Graduates pursue PhD research in IR/security studies or specialized MAs (e.g., Strategic Studies), leveraging dissertation experience and research-active faculty
To be considered for registration an applicant will normally have a primary degree of at least Second Class Honours Grade I level in a suitable subject or the equivalent.English language requirement: IELTS Academic overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each skill (test centre, online, and one skill retake accepted), or TOEFL iBT overall score of 90 with minimum scores of Listening 20, Reading 19, Speaking 21, and Writing 20 (Home Edition not accepted; MyBest scores accepted).India: A Bachelor of Arts, Science, Commerce, or professional bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 65%, considered equivalent to a Second Class Honours Grade I (2:1).USA: A bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale, considered equivalent to a Second Class Honours Grade I (2:1).China: A bachelor’s degree with 80–84% from non-211/985 universities, or 75–79% from 211/985 and Double First Class universities, is considered equivalent to a Second Class Honours Grade I (2:1) for postgraduate programmes.DiplomatForeign Policy AnalystInternational Development OfficerPolitical Risk AnalystIntelligence AnalystNGO Program ManagerInternational Trade SpecialistHuman Rights OfficerConflict Resolution SpecialistPolicy Advisor
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