Politics

Overview
The MA Politics is a broad-based programme, offering students a good grounding in the discipline of political science. This MA 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 and dissertation, from Irish politics and European politics to political theory and comparative politics, which build on the strengths of the school's research. The masters 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 MA 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, comparative politics, Irish and Northern Irish politics, gender and environmental politics, security studies, border studies, terrorism and political violence.

Year 1
Core Modules
• Approaches To Research Design (20 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits)
• Comparative Territorial Politics (20 credits)

Optional Modules
• Social Injustice (20 credits)
• The Politics and Political Economy of Energy and Low Carbon Energy Transitions (20 credits)
• Global Ireland (20 credits)
• The Politics of the Republic of Ireland (20 credits)
• The Politics and Institutions of Northern Ireland (20 credits)
• Democratic Innovations (20 credits)
• Gender and Politics (20 credits)
• The UK and Europe (20 credits)
• Theories in Comparative Politics (20 credits)
• Freedom and modernity (20 credits)
• Global Political Economy (20 credits)
• Institutions and Politics of the European Union (20 credits)

Course Structure
Students take six taught modules, including two compulsory modules in the first semester, which introduce them to the core of the discipline and teach the skills necessary to conduct research. They must also complete the Dissertation module. Each taught module is worth 20 credits. The Dissertation is worth 60 credits.
Course Details
The programme has three different components: Core modules, Elective modules, and an MA dissertation.

The MA offers students with the possibility to study a wide range of topics or specialise in Irish politics, political theory, European politics, or comparative politics:
• Irish Politics modules: PAI7022 The Politics of the Republic of Ireland, PAI7021 The Politics and Institutions of Northern Ireland
• Political Theory modules: PAI7059 Freedom and Modernity & PHL7057 Social Injustice
• European Politics modules: PAI7099 The UK and Europe & PAI7052 Institutions and Policies of the EU
• Comparative Politics modules: PAI7032 Gender and Politics, PAI7038 Theories in Comparative Politics, PAI7050 Ethnic Conflict and Consensus, & PAI7100 Engaging Citizens in Democratic Institutions.

Graduate
Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a Social Sciences, Humanities or Arts subject, or a 2.1 Honours degree or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any subject with relevant professional experience.

The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). For more information, please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 16th August 2024 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. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Assessment and Feedback are continuous throughout the course of study.
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

Learning journals

Presentations

Examination

Portfolio projects

Continuous assessment

A mix of essays including policy briefs.

1 year full-time, 3 years part-time.

Teaching Times
Teaching takes place at a variety of times from 9-8pm Monday – Friday.

Entry Year: 2024/25

Career Prospects
Introduction
All of the Masters 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 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. The MA also provides an excellent basis for those who wish to proceed to Doctoral-level study.