Duration: One year full-time or 2 years part-time
General Information
The post-Lisbon Treaty broadening and deepening of the European Union’s policy responsibilities, as well as the inclusion of new member states in recent years, have made the EU an increasingly diverse and complex system of regional governance. These developments have created exciting new opportunities for professionals who are capable of working in a cross-national context, who understand the new political, legal, economic and social structures in Europe, and who can engage in innovative processes of policy-making. Drawing on UCD’s expertise in these areas, the MEconSc in European Public Affairs and Law is ideal for those seeking to launch or advance a career in national administrations relating to the EU, in the various EU institutions themselves, or elsewhere in the private, public and voluntary spheres. It also provides a strong foundation for further academic research.
The MEconSc in European Public Affairs and Law is designed to equip graduates with strong expertise in contemporary European affairs, based on a genuinely inter-disciplinary approach to the study of Europe and the European Union. Close co-operation between the UCD School of Politics and International Relations and the UCD School of Law integrates core modules in the internal and external affairs of the European Union, whilst a complementary core module in European economics and a range of elective options ensure that students will graduate having a facility to engage in debates drawing on multiple perspectives. Students must also submit a thesis in the area of European politics, international relations or public affairs.
Students have an opportunity to attend various seminars organised by the UCD School of Politics and International Relations and the UCD Dublin European Institute.
Structure
The MEconSc in European Public Affairs and Law is a 90-credit programme.
Students take 30 credits of coursework – three taught modules - per semester. In total, they derive 20 credits from Politics, 20 credits from Law, 10 credits from Economics, and 10 credits from an elective module in these disciplines or Business. To complete the degree students must also take a 5-credit Dissertation Design module and complete a thesis (25 credits).
Admission Requirements
Each application is considered on its individual merits. The applicants should have earned an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject such as political science, international relations, social science, sociology, history, geography, economics, global studies, public policy, development studies, EU studies, law/international law etc. with at least Upper Second Class Honours, or its equivalent (an overall GPA of 3.0 (B) or higher in the American system). Relevant professional experience will also be taken into account.
Note that meet the requirements do not guarantee admission. Applicants in their final year of undergraduate study may be admitted conditional on satisfactory completion of their undergraduate degree.
Career Prospects
Whether working in the private, public or voluntary sectors, the ability to explain Europe’s past, to analyse its present and to advise on its future is of crucial importance. The MEconSc qualifies students ideally to work in variety of spheres, including the institutions of the EU and other international bodies; national government structures; think tanks and other policy-oriented organizations.
