International Relations

Overview

DCU’s MA in International Relations, the oldest of its kind in Ireland, is known for its dedicated staff with a wide range of expertise and its diverse student body. We welcome students from around the world, with various career backgrounds and different undergraduate degrees. Our approach is inclusive, considering international relations as a combination of different theories, disciplines, and global perspectives.



In the first semester, you'll have small classes to introduce core subjects, giving you the intellectual skills you'll need for the entire programme and helping you connect with fellow students.



In the second semester, you can choose from a range of elective courses specifically tailored for the MA in International Relations. You can also select modules from related programmes like international security studies, public policy, and law.



The optional modules cover topics such as international politics, human rights, the economy, communication, trade, regional studies and environmental protection. In addition, you'll work on a dissertation of up to 15,000 words on the topic of your choice, receiving support from the beginning of the programme, including one-on-one supervision.



Students have two options for completing the MA programme: full-time in 12 months or part-time over two years.



Programme Structure

Students have two choices for completing this MA programme. You can finish it in one year if you go full-time, or you can opt for the part-time route, which takes two years.



If you go full-time, you'll take three core modules and a research methodology class in the first semester, with the academic year beginning in September. In the second semester, you'll select three modules on a variety of topics. Additionally, you’ll work on a 15,000-word dissertation due in September.



For part-time students, you'll spread out all the modules (three core, a research methodology class, and three electives) over two years, taking one or two modules per semester. The mandatory modules and popular electives are typically taught during one afternoon or evening per week, between 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Depending on your choice of elective modules, part-time students usually won't have any scheduled activities outside of this time frame.



Just like full-time students, you'll also complete a 15,000-word dissertation, due in September of your second year.



This programme includes seminars and presentations by guest speakers, such as politicians, officials, academics, and diplomats. These events will encourage you to explore important issues in international politics, security, and development, and provide opportunities to connect with key professionals in the field.

For admission to the MA in International Relations, successful applicants will have:



• A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent



• If the applicant has not yet completed their degree, then conditional offer may be made on basis of most recent grades and pending the achievement of no less than a H2.2 degree,



• Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.



• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here.



• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.

1 year full-time

2 years part-time

Careers

The MA in International Relations attracts both recent undergraduates and those already established in their careers. The programme is suitable for students from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds, from politics, law and history to languages, business and sciences.



The knowledge and skills you gain from this programme are highly valued by various sectors, including government agencies, research organisations, national and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as inter-governmental organisations (IGOs).



Upon graduation, many students pursue careers in government departments such as the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of An Taoiseach and the Department of Justice.



Others find opportunities with international organisations like the European Union and the United Nations. Some may choose to work for NGOs such as Trócaire, Amnesty International, Concern and Oxfam, or in major multinational corporations, financial services firms, or as journalists for media organisations.



Career Prospects



Careers Icon

Careers

The MA in International Relations appeals to a broad range of individuals, including recent college graduates and those who are already established in their careers. This programme is suitable for students with diverse academic backgrounds, spanning disciplines like politics, law, history, languages, business, and the sciences.



The knowledge and skills you gain from this programme are highly valued by various sectors, including government agencies, research organisations, national and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as inter-governmental organisations (IGOs).



Upon graduation, many students pursue careers in government departments such as the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of An Taoiseach and the Department of Justice.



Others find opportunities with international organisations like the European Union and the United Nations. Some may choose to work for NGOs such as Trócaire, Amnesty International, Concern and Oxfam, or in major multinational corporations, financial services firms, or as journalists for media organisations.



Career Prospects

Public Policy Analyst

Financial/Economic Analyst

Social Policy Programme Officer

Foreign Service Officer

Immigration and Revenue Officer

Legislative Analyst

Political Aide

Politician

Lobbyist

Diplomat

Economic Development Officer

Editor

Press Officer

Print Journalist

Publisher

Public Relations Specialist

Television and Radio Journalist