Politics

Overview

The PgDip Politics is a broad-based programme, offering students a good grounding in the discipline of political science. This Pg Dip gives students the opportunity to engage with core theories, concepts, issues and debates in politics. Students may tailor their programme to their own interests, by their choice of optional modules, from Irish politics and European politics to political theory and comparative politics, which build on the strengths of the school's research. The PgDip offers a unique perspective on multi-level politics in Europe, at the regional, national and European levels and on the policy issues of the time, including energy transitions and climate change, ethnic conflict, gender, and democratic legitimacy.



The aim of the PgDip in Politics is to deepen students' understanding of important contemporary issues in political studies through the enhancement of students' analytical skills, research and writing talent, and capacity for utilising theoretical approaches. These are all important transferrable skills, highly valued in the job market. The programme is of particular interest to those wishing to know more about Irish politics (North and South), European politics, territorial politics, political conflict, and political theory.



Belfast is a globally significant location and Politics is about conflict, debate and the contest of ideas, making Belfast, where such things are part of everyday reality, an ideal place to study the subject. Northern Ireland is viewed as a model of conflict resolution and peace building across the world.



Students can directly benefit from the School and University’s wider expertise in political theory, Irish and Northern Irish politics, gender and environmental politics, security studies, border studies, terrorism and political violence.

Core Modules

Democratic Challenges and Innovations (20 credits)

APPROACHES TO RESEARCH DESIGN (20 credits)



Optional Modules

The Politics and Institutions of Northern Ireland (20 credits)

The Politics of the Republic of Ireland (20 credits)

Global Political Economy (20 credits)

The Politics and Political Economy of Energy and Low Carbon Energy Transitions (20 credits)

The UK and Europe (20 credits)

Comparative Territorial Politics (20 credits)

Social Injustice (20 credits)

Interest Groups, Lobbying and Advocacy (20 credits)

Leadership and Decision Making (20 credits)

Uncovering Political Patterns using Data (20 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a Social Sciences, Humanities or Arts subject or a 2.2 Honours degree or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any subject with relevant professional experience.



Applicants who do not meet these entry requirements may, at the discretion of the relevant programme convenor, be considered for admission on the basis of relevant work experience and/or an assessed piece of work.



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 14th August 2026 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.

9 months (Full-time)

2 years (Part-time)

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Introduction

All of the postgraduate programmes offered in the School provide our graduates with the skills to pursue a wide range of careers in the private, public and voluntary sectors. MA and PGDip Politics graduates are now working in careers with local, devolved and national government, policy analysis and advocacy for NGOs and charities. Many are also in the private sector working as lawyers, in the media and in management consultancy or public affairs.