MLitt Politics and International Relations
Duration: 15 months full time (from September to December of the following year); 30 months part time (from September to March in year 3)
General information
We offer a structured MLitt programme that includes (1) training in research methods, (2) coursework in a sub-field of politics and international relations, (3) regular contact with a Research Masters Panel composed of academic staff with expertise related to the student's interests, and (4) the writing of an MLitt thesis based on original research.
All students must designate a primary subject of specialization within politics and international relations and complete a seminar covering that subject's core scholarly literature. These subjects are:
- comparative politics
- development studies
- European integration and governance
- international relations
- political theory
Students will also take courses in research design, and qualitative and/or quantitative methods. In addition, students have the option of auditing additional postgraduate modules (in SPIRe, the College of Human Sciences, and in neighbouring institutions) in order to deepen their substantive knowledge and/or methodological skills.
Admission requirements
In order to be considered for admission, applicants must have completed and earned high grades in a taught M.A. programme in the area of politics and international relations and articulate a research interest that fits with the expertise of SPIRe's academic staff. Prospective applicants should visit our website at www.ucd.ie/spire for a comprehensive listing of the School's research strengths and possible supervision areas.
Career prospects
The programme is designed for all those whose career plans require a capacity for independent research. This includes work in public administration, international organizations, consultancy, think tanks, nongovernmental organizations and the media. The programme is also ideally structured to allow students acquire a good basis for future research in pursuit of a Ph.D. degree. In fact, direct progress into year two of our Ph.D. is possible conditional upon a transfer assessment.