MA Gender, Politics and International Relations

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University College Dublin

Program Overview

This MA explores how gender shapes political systems and global affairs, helping you build deep analytical skills in understanding power, identity, and policy in both domestic and international contexts. It’s ideal for students aiming for careers in research, policy, advocacy, international organisations or academia, grounded in rigorous theory and practical analysis.

Curriculum Structure

Core Study:
You begin with Gender & the Political System, a central module that explores how gender structures politics at all levels, and Research Design, which equips you with the methods needed for rigorous analysis in gender and politics. You also study Gender, Peace and Security to understand how conflict, human rights and gender dynamics intersect in global politics.

Optional & Elective Modules:
You’ll customise your learning with options such as Gender and Development, Masculinities, Gender and Equality, GS40110 Gender, Sexuality, and the Body, and broader political subjects like Theories of International Relations, Politics of European Governance and Politics of Human Rights, letting you deepen specialist interests.

Applied / Capstone:
In the final stage you choose between a SPIRe Internship (a practical placement) or a Thesis, giving you either real-world experience or a substantial research project that showcases your scholarly and analytical skills.

Focus areas:
Gender in politics; global governance; peace and security; gender and development; research methods in politics.

Learning outcomes:
Analyse how gender shapes political behaviour and institutions; apply rigorous research methods; interpret global policy issues through a gendered lens; communicate complex ideas clearly in academic and professional contexts.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This MA is a Level 9 Masters qualification on Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), recognised internationally for postgraduate study.

Reputation (employability rankings):
UCD is ranked among the world’s leading universities and its School of Politics & International Relations is highly regarded for academic quality and global reach, with graduates progressing into roles in policy, research, advocacy and international organisations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

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.

Progression & Future Opportunities

University College Dublin's MA in Gender, Politics and International Relations (W458 full-time 1 year or W459 part-time 2 years) examines how gender shapes domestic/global politics, power structures, policymaking, and identity through core modules on gender theory, research methods, and human rights, plus electives like decoloniality, Middle East politics, peace/conflict studies, and inequality policy, with options for internship (480+ hours) or dissertation. Graduates enter advocacy roles such as gender policy advisor, human rights officer, international development specialist, NGO program coordinator, research consultant, and equality analyst in UN/WTO agencies, government bodies, NGOs, and policy think tanks.

Career Support Elements

University Services: Professional skills training in research, presentations, writing, and teamwork prepares for policy/advocacy work.
Employment Stats: UCD SPIRe alumni secure roles at the UN, the World Trade Organisation, and development banks, leveraging gender expertise.
University-Industry Partnerships: Internship placements and modules on real-world issues connect to advocacy networks.
Long-term Accreditation Value: Specialised knowledge supports senior gender/equality leadership positions.
Graduation Outcomes: International organisations, NGOs, government policy units, and research institutes.

Further Academic Progression
Graduates pursue PhD research in gender/IR or specialized policy MAs, building on methodological and internship experience