Advanced Seminar in Politics

Applications for Advanced Seminar in Politics 2024-25

*** Applcitions for 2024-25 are now closed. The following is for information purpose only. Applilcations for 2025-26 will open in Spring 2025. ***

The Advanced Seminar in Politics 1 (POL30860) and 2 (POL30870) is a year-long course where staff members of the School of Politics and International Relations introduce students to cutting edge research in the field. During the second half of the course, students write a minor thesis, under the supervision of a staff member in the school. The module has limited capacity and entry is competitive. Registration for this course is done manually.

To be eligible to take this course, you must be a final year student in 2024-25, who has completed Core Level 2 Politics modules. Students with a GPA of 3.60 and above (across all modules or across SPIRe modules only) will be eligible for consideration.

The deadline for submission is Friday 28th June 2024. You must include grades in your application that will be released on 21st June 2024. 

(opens in a new window)Google Application Form (Log onto UCD Connect Required)

N.B. The following is for your reference only. These are the module descriptions and the learning outcomes from the previous year.

Module Structure:

POL30860 Advanced Seminar in Politics 1, Autumn

Weekly seminars will take place on Tuesdays 10am-12pm (TBC).

This module is a 5 credit module that gives advanced undergraduate students the background, training and supervision needed to engage in a substantial piece of research. A number of members of staff of the School of Politics and International Relations will provide foundational background and methodology lectures in their various fields of expertise. Students will then produce a research proposal outlining a topic for which supervision is available and including an extensive literature review. The assignment will be developed under individual supervision. Participation in this module involves a large amount of independent work, and the self-discipline and initiative required to do substantial research.

POL30870 Advanced Seminar in Politics 2, Spring

There will be no weekly lectures or seminars. Students will meet with their supervisor individually to discuss progress.

This module gives advanced undergraduate students the background, training and supervision needed to engage in a substantial piece of research. Under individual supervision, students will submit a 7,000 word thesis. Participation in this module involves mostly independent work, and the self-discipline and initiative required to do substantial research. Some workshops may assist in the development of the thesis, but the focus will be on independent work.

Module must be taken in conjunction with POL30860.