MA International Political Economy (Part-Time)

2 Year On Campus Masters Program

University College Dublin

Program Overview

The MA International Political Economy at University College Dublin (UCD) is a one-year programme that explores how politics and economics intersect globally, from trade and finance systems to issues of globalisation, development, and human rights. It’s designed for students who want to understand the forces shaping the world economy and prepare for impactful careers in international organisations, government, or research.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-Time)

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in international political economy by studying both the British and American schools of thought. Modules such as Politics and Change in the Middle East and North Africa and International Political Economy introduce key debates on trade, monetary systems, and globalisation. Students also engage with topics like development, migration, and gender, gaining a comprehensive view of how economic and political forces interact worldwide.

Students then choose between completing a dissertation or undertaking the SPIRe Internship (POL42300), which requires 480 hours of professional experience in a role directly relevant to their field. This option allows students to apply theory in practice, supported by UCD’s Careers Centre and a list of potential host organisations.

Year 2 (Part-Time Pathway)

For those who opt for the two-year part-time route, the program is spread across a longer timeline, allowing deeper engagement with modules and research. Year 2 focuses on advanced seminars and the completion of either the dissertation or internship, giving students flexibility to balance study with professional commitments.

Focus Areas

Global trade and finance systems; globalisation and emerging economies; development and underdevelopment; linkages with environment, human rights, gender, and migration.

Learning Outcomes

Critical understanding of international political economy; ability to debate theory and practice; comprehensive knowledge of leading global issues; research and analytical skills for professional and academic contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Graduates are prepared for careers in international organisations, government agencies, NGOs, and private-sector employers. The program is accredited as an NFQ Level 9 qualification, ensuring international recognition and long-term value.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

World Top 150 in QS Rankings 2025 for Politics
UCD School of Politics & International Relations is the oldest and largest of its kind in Ireland, with over 150 years of expertise and a globally diverse faculty.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in UCD’s MA International Political Economy gain far more than classroom knowledge — the program is built to immerse you in practical experiences that sharpen your skills and connect you directly with the world of policy, economics, and international affairs. You’ll work with leading faculty, access UCD’s extensive research facilities, and have the option to complete a professional internship that places you inside organisations where global decisions are made.

Experiential Learning

The program combines academic depth with hands-on opportunities, ensuring you graduate with both theoretical insight and applied expertise. From internships to research seminars, you’ll engage with real-world challenges and develop skills that employers and institutions value. Here’s how experiential learning is embedded in the MA International Political Economy:

SPIRe Internship (POL42300): A structured 480-hour internship option, giving you direct professional experience in roles relevant to international political economy. Past placements have included NGOs, government agencies, and international organisations.
Dissertation Pathway: Alternatively, students can undertake a major research dissertation, applying advanced political economy theories to contemporary global issues, supported by faculty mentorship.
Research Institutes & Seminars: Access to UCD’s School of Politics & International Relations (SPIRe), Ireland’s oldest and largest political science school, with regular seminars, guest lectures, and collaborative research opportunities.
Digital & Library Resources: Full use of UCD’s extensive library collections and digital databases, including specialised resources for political science and economics.
Global Faculty Expertise: Learn directly from internationally recognised scholars in political economy, development, and globalisation, many of whom are actively engaged in policy advising and research partnerships.
Networking Opportunities: Participation in SPIRe’s academic community connects you with PhD researchers, visiting scholars, and alumni working in international organisations.

This blend of internships, research, and access to world-class facilities ensures you graduate with practical experience, professional connections, and a portfolio of applied work that sets you apart in the global job market.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of UCD’s MA International Political Economy are highly sought after for their ability to connect global political dynamics with economic realities. Typical career paths include roles such as policy analyst in government or NGOs, researcher in international organisations, consultant in global trade and finance, and advocacy specialist in development and human rights. With its strong academic foundation and practical internship option, the program equips you to make an immediate impact in international affairs.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Your future after this MA is supported by UCD’s reputation, dedicated career services, and strong industry connections. Here’s how the program translates into real-world opportunities:

University Career Services: UCD’s Career Development Centre offers tailored workshops, employer networking events, and one-to-one guidance, ensuring you’re prepared for applications and interviews in international organisations and government agencies.
Employment Stats & Salary Figures: UCD consistently ranks in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings Top 100 worldwide, with graduates of politics-related programs in Ireland typically earning €35,000–€50,000 annually, and higher salaries in international organisations.
University–Industry Partnerships: The program connects students with opportunities through the SPIRe Internship (POL42300), which has placed graduates in NGOs, government agencies, and international organisations such as the EU and UN.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: As an NFQ Level 9 qualification, the MA is internationally recognised, ensuring long-term career mobility across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni progress into roles in government ministries, think tanks, NGOs, advocacy groups, and international organisations, or continue into doctoral research in political economy and related fields.

Further Academic Progression

After completing the MA International Political Economy, students can continue their academic journey by pursuing a PhD in Political Science or International Political Economy at UCD, often building on research initiated during their dissertation or internship. This pathway allows graduates to deepen their expertise in global trade, development, and governance, while contributing to cutting-edge scholarship in Ireland’s leading School of Politics & International Relations.