Higher Diploma in Arts (Politics) Part-time

2 Year On Campus Masters Program

University College Cork UCC

Program Overview

The Higher Diploma in Arts (Politics) at University College Cork (UCC) is a one-year program designed for graduates who want to deepen their knowledge of political science or pivot into this field from another discipline. It’s ideal if you’re aiming to strengthen your expertise in governance, public policy, and political institutions, while also preparing for careers in government, NGOs, or further academic study.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-Time, One Year / Part-Time, Year 1)

Students complete a structured set of modules that introduce and expand their understanding of politics. Core courses include Introduction to Politics and Government (GV1102) and Introduction to Political Science (GV1202), which provide a foundation in political systems and theories. Building on this, modules such as Political Ideologies (GV2201), Comparative Politics (GV2202), and International Relations (GV2203) allow students to critically analyze political thought, institutions, and global dynamics.

Year 2 (Part-Time Option)

For students who choose the two-year pathway, the second year focuses on advanced specialization and independent research. Modules such as Political Theory (GV3101) and Irish Politics (GV3102) provide deeper engagement with political ideas and institutions. Students also complete a dissertation or extended essay, applying research skills to a topic of their choice under faculty supervision. This stage ensures that part-time learners graduate with the same rigorous academic and practical training as full-time students, while balancing study with other commitments.

Focus Areas

Political theory, comparative politics, international relations, public policy, Irish politics, political ideologies

Learning Outcomes

Critical analysis of political systems, advanced research and writing skills, ability to evaluate global and national challenges, preparation for careers in public service, NGOs, and academia

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Higher Diploma in Arts (Politics) is delivered by UCC’s Department of Government and Politics, a leading centre for political studies in Ireland. It is accredited at NFQ Level 8, ensuring international recognition and alignment with professional and academic standards.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

UCC is consistently ranked among the top universities in Ireland and globally for Politics and Governance.
Graduates have secured roles in government ministries, NGOs, journalism, public affairs, and international organizations.
UCC’s Department of Government and Politics is recognized for its pioneering approach to internships and applied political education.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in UCC’s Higher Diploma in Arts (Politics) gain practical skills by engaging directly with political debates, research methods, and applied projects. The program is designed to give you not only theoretical knowledge but also hands-on experience through seminars, group work, and access to UCC’s extensive facilities. This ensures you graduate with the ability to analyze, present, and apply political ideas in real-world contexts.

Experiential Learning

At UCC, experiential learning in the Higher Diploma in Arts (Politics) is about immersing students in applied political practice. You’ll be encouraged to participate in interactive seminars, collaborative projects, and independent research, while making full use of UCC’s resources and institutes. Here’s how this comes to life for students in this program:

Seminar-Based Modules: Courses such as Introduction to Politics and Government (GV1102) and Political Ideologies (GV2201) are taught through interactive seminars, encouraging debate, group projects, and collaborative presentations.
Research Methods Training: Students gain practical skills in political science methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, supported by digital tools and academic databases.
Group Projects & Presentations: Modules often require teamwork, where students analyze case studies, present findings, and engage in structured debates, building communication and collaboration skills.
Access to UCC Library & Digital Resources: The UCC Library provides extensive collections in politics and governance, alongside access to international databases and archives that support advanced research.
Department of Government & Politics Facilities: Students benefit from guest lectures, workshops, and events hosted by the department, including opportunities to engage with the Centre for Local and Regional Governance.
Institute Engagement: UCC’s interdisciplinary environment allows students to connect with institutes such as the Institute for Social Science in the 21st Century (ISS21), which supports research in politics and society.
Career Development Support: UCC’s Career Services provide tailored support, including CV workshops, employer networking events, and one-to-one coaching, helping students translate their academic experience into career success.

This combination of rigorous study and applied practice ensures that graduates of the Higher Diploma in Arts (Politics) leave UCC with not only a strong academic foundation but also the professional skills, digital literacy, and collaborative experience needed to thrive in diverse careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of UCC’s Higher Diploma in Arts (Politics) are well-prepared to transition into careers that demand strong analytical, communication, and research skills. Typical job roles include parliamentary researcher, NGO program officer, public affairs consultant, and civil service analyst. The program is designed as both a career-enhancing qualification and a stepping stone to further study, making it a versatile choice for graduates from diverse backgrounds.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Your future after the Higher Diploma in Arts (Politics) is supported by UCC’s strong academic reputation and its commitment to employability. Graduates benefit from tailored career services, interdisciplinary partnerships, and internationally recognized accreditation:

University Career Services: UCC’s Career Services provide one-to-one coaching, CV workshops, and employer networking events. Students also benefit from the Department of Government & Politics’ connections with national and international institutions.
Employment Stats & Salary Figures: UCC highlights that Arts graduates, including those in Politics, consistently secure employment or further study within months of graduation. Master’s and diploma graduates from UCC are among the highest earners in Ireland, reflecting the program’s vocational value.
University–Industry Partnerships: The Department of Government & Politics has strong links with parliaments, NGOs, and policy think tanks, offering graduates pathways into professional environments.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: As an NFQ Level 8 qualification, the Higher Diploma in Arts (Politics) is internationally recognized, providing a solid foundation for both professional advancement and postgraduate study.
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have gone on to work in government ministries, NGOs such as Amnesty International and Oxfam, journalism, public affairs, and international organizations, as well as pursuing further academic qualifications.

Further Academic Progression

Students who complete the Higher Diploma in Arts (Politics) at UCC often continue into postgraduate study. The program provides a direct pathway to the MA Politics or MSc Government & Politics at UCC, where graduates can specialize further in areas such as comparative politics, public policy, or international relations. This progression ensures that students who wish to pursue academia or high-level policy research have a clear route forward, supported by UCC’s internationally recognized faculty and research institutes.