European Politics & Governance

The MA in European Politics and Governance is a one-year full-time programme designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of how European societies are governed through the complex interaction between public and private actors at different levels of government. The ability of national governments to determine domestic policy outcomes is increasingly limited by interdependencies with local and European levels of government. Furthermore, the distinction between governmental and nongovernmental organisations is increasingly blurred when the formulation and implementation of policies relies heavily on the cooperation of private actors. Taking a multi-level and governance perspective, the programme offers a distinctive approach to the study of politics and policy-making in Europe.

Autumn Semester
- Graduate Seminar in Institutions and Policies of the European Union;
- Graduate Research Methods;
- One elective module

Spring Semester
- Graduate Seminar in European Governance;
- Research Methods (progressing dissertation);
- Two elective modules

Summer Semester
Dissertation

Representative Democracy in Europe
Collaborative Governance and Leadership
Comparative Climate Policy and Politics
Graduate Seminar in International Co-operation and Conflict
Graduate Seminar in International Relations
Global Justice
Graduate Seminar in Contemporary Political Theory
Graduate Seminar in Peacebuilding
Graduate Seminar in Development
Feminist Perspectives in Conflict and Development Issues.

Field Trip
Optional multi-day study trip to Brussels, including seminar discussions with practitioners and visits to the European institutions and other international organisations (not included in tuition fees; offer subject to a minimum number of participants)

A primary degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. economics, history, geography, political science, sociology, European studies, law), with a minimum result of a second honours, or an approved qualification (Primary degree: Level 8 - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland).

What to Include with your Application

Qualification transcripts and certificates

A copy of your birth certificate or passport

If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice

If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:

English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts
AND

English language competency certificate

1 Year Full-Time

Graduate Profile
The programme aims to equip students with the substantive knowledge and analytical and transferable skills necessary to pursue a successful career in civil society and other non-governmental organisations, think tanks, interest groups, media organisations, local, national, and European administrations. The programme also provides the foundations for further doctoral research in the areas of Irish Politics, Comparative Public Administration, and European Union Politics.