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, political conflict, and political theory.
Politics
Entry requirements
Entrance requirements
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.
International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 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.
•Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
•Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
Duration
1 year full-time or 3 years part-time.
Teaching Times
mostly afternoon and evening
Learning and Teaching
A mix of essays, learning journals, presentations, examination and portfolio projects, including policy briefs.
Careers or further progression
Career Prospects
All of the postgraduate diplomas 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.
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
Further enquiries
Dr Viviane Gravey, Lecturer
School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics - Lecturer
email: v.gravey@qub.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)28 9097 1316
Subjects taught
Course Details
Students take six taught modules, 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.
Overview
The programme has three different components: Core modules, Elective modules, and an MA dissertation.
Semester 1
To acquire foundational knowledge and understanding in Politics, students will take core modules introducing research methods for the study of politics, as well as core issues in the comparative study of the UK and Europe.
CORE MODULES
HAP7001 - Approaches to Research Design
PAI7099 – The UK and Europe
ELECTIVE MODULES
Students must also choose ONE optional module in Semester 1 from:
PAI7021 - Politics of Northern Ireland
PAI7036 - The Politics and Political Economy of Energy and Low Carbon Energy Transitions
PHL7056 – Global Ethics
PAI9099 - Dissertation research commences.
Semester 2
Students must take at least two of the following modules listed below:
PAI7052 - Institutions and Policies of the EU
PAI7022 - The Politics of the Republic of Ireland
PAI7032 - Gender, Politics and Democracy
PAI7100 – Engaging citizens in democratic institutions
PHL7038 – Philosophy of Conflict and War
Students may choose ONE module from the following list:
PAI7030 – International Political Economy
PAI7050 - Ethnic Conflict and Consensus
PAI9099 - Dissertation research continues.
Assessment method
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.
Application date
How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal go.qub.ac.uk/pgapply and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
Enrolment and start dates
Entry year: 2019
Remember to mention gradireland when contacting institutions!
Comment
Politics highlights
In this programme students will have the opportunity to study key issues in contemporary politics and normative theory, British Politics, Irish Politics, European Politics, International Relations, Policy, and Comparative Ethnic Conflict.
Career Development
•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. The modules offered are tailored to the University's location and its expertise in Irish, Northern Irish and EU politics. Students benefit from intensive teaching by a wide and varied range of political scientists and theorists with strong publishing profiles and international reputations in their areas of expertise. Students unsure of which precise direction they wish their career to take will benefit from the fact that the MA in Politics allows for a generalist course of study alongside excellent careers support both within the School and the University at large. The MA in Politics provides students with the opportunity to engage in a wide range of active research networks and groups on diverse themes, including gender studies, political theory/philosophy, political economy, environmental policies and postcolonial politics. On successful completion of their taught module coursework, PGDip students can complete the dissertation for an award of MA Graduates are now working in careers with local 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.
Internationally Renowned Experts
•Students benefit from intensive teaching by a wide and varied range of political scientists and theorists with strong publishing profiles and international reputations in their areas of expertise.
Student Experience
• 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. The modules offered are tailored to the University's location and its expertise in Irish, Northern Irish and EU politics. They provide a unique opportunity for students to engage and reflect on political crises – from the stalemate in Stormont to the delivery of Brexit – as they unfold. The programme offers students the flexibility and opportunity to engage in a wide range of active research networks and groups on diverse themes, including gender studies, political theory, environmental policy, political philosophy, political economy, and postcolonial politics.