MA Politics (Part-Time)

2 Year On Campus Masters Program

University College Dublin

Program Overview

The MA Politics at University College Dublin (UCD) is a flexible, one-year program that lets you explore the big questions of power, inequality, globalization, and governance. It’s perfect for students who want to combine political theory with comparative politics and applied research, preparing for careers in government, NGOs, or academia.

Program Overview

This program offers a rigorous yet adaptable curriculum, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests. You’ll examine how politics shapes global challenges such as climate change, financial crises, and security, while developing advanced research and analytical skills.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-Time, Stage 1)

Students begin with core modules that establish a strong foundation in political theory and comparative politics. Courses such as Gender, Sexuality, and the Body and The Politics of Belonging encourage critical reflection on identity and power, while Politics and Change in the Middle East and North Africa applies theory to regional transformations. Students also choose between completing a SPIRe Internship (POL42300) or a Thesis (POL42310), ensuring a balance between academic research and professional practice.

Year 2 (Part-Time Option)

For those pursuing the program over two years, the second stage allows deeper specialization. Students continue with electives across comparative politics, development studies, and public policy, while completing either the internship or thesis requirement. The dissertation or internship provides an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world contexts, supported by UCD’s faculty and career services.

Focus Areas

Political theory, comparative politics, public policy, development studies, globalization, inequality, security

Learning Outcomes

Critical analysis of political systems, advanced research skills, ability to assess global challenges, preparation for careers in policy and academia

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is delivered by the UCD School of Politics & International Relations (SPIRe), Ireland’s oldest and largest school of its kind, with over 150 years of expertise. It is internationally recognized and accredited at NFQ Level 9.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Top 150 worldwide in QS Rankings 2025 for Politics
SPIRe graduates employed in international organizations, government agencies, NGOs, and academia
UCD ranked 1st in Ireland for Politics and International Relations

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in UCD’s MA Politics gain practical skills by combining classroom learning with real-world engagement. The program is designed to ensure you don’t just study politics in theory—you actively apply it through internships, research projects, and access to Ireland’s largest School of Politics & International Relations. This means you’ll graduate with both academic expertise and hands-on experience that employers and academic institutions value.

Experiential Learning

At UCD, experiential learning in the MA Politics is about immersing students in applied political practice. You’ll have opportunities to work on group projects, conduct independent research, and even take part in internships that connect you directly with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations. The program is supported by UCD’s extensive facilities, institutes, and digital tools, ensuring you develop both intellectual depth and professional skills. Here’s how this comes to life for MA Politics students:

SPIRe Internship (POL42300): Students can choose to complete a structured internship as part of the program, gaining direct experience in organizations such as government departments, NGOs, or policy think tanks.
Research Dissertation (POL42310): Alternatively, students can complete a thesis under faculty supervision, applying advanced research methods to contemporary political challenges.
Seminar-Based Modules: Courses such as Gender, Sexuality, and the Body and The Politics of Belonging are taught through interactive seminars, encouraging debate, group projects, and collaborative presentations.
Digital Research Tools: Students are trained to use academic databases (JSTOR, Web of Science, Scopus) and citation management software (EndNote, Zotero), ensuring they can conduct advanced political research efficiently.
Access to UCD Library & Collections: The UCD Library houses one of Ireland’s largest collections in politics and international relations, alongside digital archives and e-resources that support advanced research.
SPIRe Facilities: As part of the UCD School of Politics & International Relations, students benefit from guest lectures, workshops, and events with leading scholars and policymakers.
Institute Engagement: Opportunities to connect with the UCD Clinton Institute for American Studies and the Geary Institute for Public Policy provide interdisciplinary exposure and policy-focused research opportunities.
Career Development Support: UCD Careers Network offers tailored services, including CV workshops, employer networking events, and one-to-one coaching, helping students translate their academic experience into career success.

This blend of rigorous study and practical engagement ensures that graduates of the MA Politics leave UCD with not only a strong academic foundation but also the applied skills, digital literacy, and professional exposure needed to thrive in diverse international careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of UCD’s MA Politics are highly employable, moving into roles such as policy analyst, NGO program officer, civil service advisor, and academic researcher. The program equips students with advanced analytical skills, research expertise, and practical experience through internships or dissertations, making them competitive in both public and private sectors. With UCD’s strong global reputation in Politics, graduates are well-positioned for impactful careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Your future after the MA Politics is shaped by UCD’s strong academic reputation and its commitment to employability. Graduates benefit from tailored career services, international networks, and interdisciplinary partnerships that open doors worldwide:

University Career Services: UCD Careers Network provides one-to-one coaching, CV workshops, and employer networking events. Students also benefit from SPIRe’s internship module (POL42300), which connects them directly with government agencies, NGOs, and policy think tanks.
Employment Stats & Salary Figures: UCD reports that over 93% of graduates are employed or in further study within 6 months of graduation. Master’s graduates from UCD consistently achieve some of the highest salary levels in Ireland, reflecting the program’s value.
University–Industry Partnerships: The program benefits from UCD’s links with the Geary Institute for Public Policy and the Clinton Institute for American Studies, offering opportunities to engage with interdisciplinary research and policy-focused projects.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: As an NFQ Level 9 qualification, the MA Politics is internationally recognized, providing a strong foundation for doctoral study or professional advancement.
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have gone on to work in the Irish Civil Service, European Commission, NGOs such as Amnesty International and Oxfam, and leading universities worldwide, as well as pursuing academic careers in politics and international relations.

Further Academic Progression

Students who complete the MA Politics at UCD often continue into doctoral research. The program provides a direct pathway to the PhD in Politics and International Relations at UCD, where graduates can specialize further in areas such as comparative politics, public policy, or global governance. This progression ensures that students who wish to pursue academia or high-level policy research have a clear route forward, supported by UCD’s internationally recognized faculty and research institutes.