Political Theory

As a crucial part of understanding our human condition, political theory has always been held to be a valuable activity. More recently, however, changes in contemporary societies have made such systematic thinking about politics indispensable to understanding and participating in the life of our own state and a newly global world.



- Political theory addresses the more immediate practical concerns of politics and policy that are of concern to governments, the media, civil society groups and individual citizens.



- Combines a rigorous approach to analysing these problems with an imaginative search for solutions.

Module Trimester Credits

Stage 1 Core Modules

POL40140 Theories of Global Justice Autumn 10

POL42330 Research Design Autumn 10

POL36110 Comparative Political Theory Spring 10

POL41030 Theory of Human Rights Spring 10

POL42310 Thesis Summer 30



Stage 1 Options - A)2 of:

Select 2 option modules.

EDUC41520 Children's Rights & Participation Autumn 10

EQUL40310 Masculinities, Gender and Equality Autumn 10

GEOG41050 Globalization, Empire and Race: Economic Geography Autumn 10

PHIL41280 Feminist & Gender Theory Autumn 10

PHIL41510 Ethics in Public Life Autumn 10

POL40100 Politics of Development Autumn 10

POL40130 Poverty, Development and Global Justice Autumn 10

POL40970 Politics of European Governance Autumn 10

POL41020 Politics of Human Rights Autumn 10

POL41510 Politics and Change in the Middle East and North Africa Autumn 10

POL41980 Peace & Conflict Studies Autumn 10

POL42040 Gender & the Political System Autumn 10

SOC40730 Social and Political Thought: Basic texts and discussions Autumn 10

SPOL41110 Ideas, Ideology in Public Pol. Autumn 10

DEV40020 Gender and Development Spring 10

PHIL40420 The Good Society Spring 10

POL36170 Respecting Diversity Spring 10

POL40160 Comparative Public Policy Spring 10

POL40370 International Political Economy Spring 10

POL40540 Comparative European Politics Spring 10

POL41640 Qualitative Research Methods for Political Science Spring 10

POL41720 Gender, Peace, and Security Spring 10

POL42430 IR Theory: Conflict and Identity Spring 10

POL42560 AI and Large Language Models Spring 10

A primary degree with at least Second Class Honours Grade 1 (2H1) 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. 2H1 is equivalent to 60 per cent, B minus or 3.08 GPA - in American system: B or 3.00 GPA.



- Your application will be considered on its individual merits and relevant professional experience will also be taken into account.



- English language requirements: applicants whose first language is not English should have met TOEFL, IELTs, or computer-based TOEFL requirements (600, 6.5, or 250 respectively), or the Cambridge English Test (Certificate in Advanced English at a minimum of Grade B, or Certificate of Proficiency in English at Grade C). Applicants who obtained a previous degree from an English-speaking university may be exempted from this requirement. View link for more info

https://www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/undergraduate/entryrequirements/



- Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/



These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/

Apply online



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes



Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: No

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

W277 MA Political Theory

Master of Arts Full-Time

Commencing September 2026



W278 MA Political Theory

Master of Arts Part-Time

Commencing September 2026

Careers & Employability

Graduates work with a wide variety of international private-sector employers, government agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations in roles such as: academics, policy analysts, diplomats, lawyers, journalists. Recent graduates of UCD School of Politics & International Relations now work in: UK Foreign Office, US State Department, Irish Civil Service, University College London, and University of Melbourne.