MSc Government and Politics (Part-time)

2 Year On Campus Masters Program

University College Cork UCC

Program Overview

The MSc Government & Politics at University College Cork (UCC) is a one-year, full-time (or two-year, part-time) program that blends academic study with real-world policy experience. It suits graduates from social science, arts, commerce, law, or related disciplines who want to specialize in governance, public policy, and political institutions. Students explore democratic theory, European governance, gender politics, and international relations while also gaining hands-on skills through internships or research-based dissertations.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-Time, Part I)

Students begin with a mix of core and elective modules that provide a strong foundation in political science and governance. Core courses include European Democracy, Citizenship, Memory and Identity (ES6014), EU Political System and Policies (GV6011), Political Science Research Methods (GV6118), Comparative Political Institutions (GV6121), Politics and Gender (GV6127), Re-imagining Democratic Politics in a Changing World (GV6128), and Core Themes in Political Philosophy (PH6055). Alongside these, students select 20 credits of electives from the Department of Government and Politics, School of History, or Department of Philosophy, tailoring their studies to personal interests.

Year 2 (Part-Time Option, Part II)

Students who choose the two-year pathway complete core modules in Year 1 and then move to electives and the dissertation in Year 2. The dissertation can take two forms: a traditional research dissertation (GV6106) or a work-based dissertation (GV6123), which includes a four-month placement in a national policy environment. Placements have been offered in organizations such as the Irish Parliament, Scottish Parliament, Office of the President, and the Central Bank, giving students invaluable professional exposure.

Focus Areas

Governance, public policy, democratic theory, European politics, gender and politics, comparative institutions, political philosophy

Learning Outcomes

Advanced research and analytical skills, policy analysis, critical and independent thinking, communication and presentation skills, applied vocational experience through internships or dissertation work

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MSc Government & Politics is accredited at NFQ Level 9 and delivered by UCC’s Department of Government and Politics, a pioneer in offering structured internships for political science students. The program emphasizes vocational training and professional readiness, ensuring graduates are equipped for policy environments.

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, parliaments, NGOs, think tanks, and international organizations.
Alumni careers include positions as public affairs consultants, parliamentary researchers, legal officers, journalists, analysts in banking/IT, and sustainable development specialists at global policy forums.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in UCC’s MSc Government & Politics gain practical, career-ready skills by combining academic study with real-world policy engagement. The program is designed to ensure you don’t just learn about governance in theory—you actively apply it through internships, research-based dissertations, and access to UCC’s specialist institutes and facilities. This hands-on approach prepares graduates for impactful roles in government, NGOs, and international organizations.

Experiential Learning

At UCC, experiential learning is at the heart of the MSc Government & Politics. You’ll be immersed in applied projects, policy-focused research, and professional placements that mirror the environments you’ll work in after graduation. Alongside classroom learning, you’ll benefit from UCC’s extensive facilities, digital tools, and institutional partnerships. Here’s how this comes to life for MSc Government & Politics students:

Work-Based Dissertation (GV6123): Students can undertake a four-month placement in a national policy environment, producing a dissertation based on their professional experience. Past placements include the Irish Parliament, Scottish Parliament, Office of the President, Central Bank, and NGOs, giving students direct exposure to policymaking.
Traditional Dissertation (GV6106): Alternatively, students can complete a research-based dissertation under faculty supervision, applying advanced methods to contemporary political challenges.
Research Methods Training (GV6118): Students gain hands-on experience with political science research methodologies, including statistical analysis and qualitative approaches, supported by digital tools and software.
Seminar-Based Modules: Courses such as European Democracy, Citizenship, Memory and Identity (ES6014) and Politics and Gender (GV6127) are taught through interactive seminars, encouraging debate, group projects, and collaborative presentations.
Access to UCC Library & Digital Resources: The UCC Library provides extensive collections in politics, governance, and philosophy, alongside access to international databases and archives that support advanced research.
Department of Government & Politics Facilities: Students benefit from guest lectures, workshops, and conferences hosted by the department, including engagement with the Centre for Local and Regional Governance and the Archive Hub in Active European Citizenship.
Career Development Support: UCC’s Graduate Studies Office and 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 MSc Government & Politics leave UCC with not only a strong academic foundation but also the professional skills, digital literacy, and policy experience needed to thrive in diverse international careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of UCC’s MSc Government & Politics are equipped with both academic expertise and real-world policy experience, making them highly employable across public, private, and international sectors. Typical career paths include roles as parliamentary researchers, public affairs consultants, NGO program officers, and analysts in government or financial institutions. The program’s unique blend of research training and structured internships ensures students leave with the skills and networks to thrive in diverse professional environments.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Your future after the MSc Government & Politics is shaped by UCC’s strong reputation and its commitment to employability. Graduates benefit from tailored career services, structured internships, and interdisciplinary partnerships that open doors worldwide:

University Career Services: UCC’s Graduate Studies Office and Career Services provide one-to-one coaching, CV workshops, and employer networking events. The program’s work-based dissertation (GV6123) connects students directly with organizations such as the Irish Parliament, Scottish Parliament, Office of the President, and the Central Bank.
Employment Stats & Salary Figures: UCC highlights that graduates of the MSc Government & Politics consistently secure employment in policy environments within months of graduation. Master’s graduates from UCC are among the highest earners in Ireland, reflecting the program’s vocational focus.
University–Industry Partnerships: The Department of Government & Politics has strong links with national and international institutions, including parliaments, NGOs, and policy think tanks. These partnerships provide students with placements and research opportunities that directly enhance employability.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: As an NFQ Level 9 qualification, the MSc Government & Politics is internationally recognized, providing a strong foundation for doctoral study or professional advancement.
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have gone on to work in government ministries, parliaments, NGOs such as Amnesty International and Oxfam, think tanks, journalism, banking/IT analysis, and sustainable development roles at global policy forums.

Further Academic Progression

Students who complete the MSc Government & Politics at UCC often continue into doctoral research. The program provides a direct pathway to the PhD in Government and Politics at UCC, where graduates can specialize further in areas such as public policy, comparative politics, 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.