Top

University of Limerick

Politics

Overview
The MA in Politics is a one-year, full-time programme that enables students to choose the areas they wish to specialise in within the field of politics. This is a truly flexible programme that enables students to tailor the degree to their own interests, skills and future career plans. The only core modules that the MA in Politics students will be required to complete will be the two research methods modules that are common to all our postgraduate taught degrees. In addition, they can choose any two electives in the first semester and any three in the second.

Programme Content
Students are required to take two core modules and five elective modules in a combination of lectures and seminar discussion. An additional and substantial research element includes: Assessed course research papers; and a dissertation of 10,000-15,000 words written on a topic of choice under the guidance of an appropriate supervisor. A minimum pass (C3) in the dissertation is a requirement for the successful examination of this programme.

Entry requirements

Primary degree in a relevant discipline with First or Second Class Honours or an approved equivalent qualification (Primary Degree: Level 8 - QQI). Candidates must be proficient in English.

What to include with your application
Qualification transcripts and certificates
English language qualification if English is not your first language
Certified English translations of your transcripts/certificates where the originals are in a language other than English.
A copy of your birth certificate (long document)

English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than two years prior to application):

Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:
Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved.
Irish Leaving Certificate English Ordinary Level Grade D or above
TOEFL 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based)
IELTS Minimum score of 6.5* with no less than 6 in any one component.
English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) Grade C1
GCE O level English Language/GCSE English Language Grade C or above
University of Cambridge ESOL Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English Grade A
GCE Examination Boards Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate School Certificate Pass 1-6

Duration

1 year full time

Careers or further progression

Graduate Profile
The programme equips students with substantive knowledge about a variety of political phenomena, competence in the use of scientific research methods as well as analytical and transferable skills. This is the widest ranging of our programmes and, as a result, it prepares students for a variety of professions. It is also an excellent springboard for further research, potentially towards a doctoral degree or public policy research. Most importantly, the MA in Politics emphasises skills that the majority of employers seek, such as analytical and critical thinking, writing and presentation skills as well as a good work ethic. In the past, our graduates have pursued careers in a variety of fields, such as business, public administration, journalism and civil society organisations.

Further enquiries

Course Director
Dr Adina Preda
Tel: +353 (0) 61 202630
Email: adina.preda@ul.ie

Subjects taught

Autumn Semester
Graduate Research Methods;
Two elective modules

Spring Semester
Research Methods (progressing dissertation);
Three elective modules

Electives
Graduate Seminar in Development; Graduate Seminar in Institutions and Policies of the European Union; Graduate Seminar in International Relations; Multilevel Governance: concepts and practice; Conflict Analysis; Graduate Seminar in International Co-operation and Conflict; Graduate Seminar in Peacebuilding; Graduate Seminar in European Governance; Global Transformation and Exclusion; External Relations of the European Union; Ireland and Globalisation; Russian and Post Soviet Politics; Political Economy of Ireland; Terrorism and Violent Political Extremism; Foreign Aid and Development; International Security; Development Practice and Programme Management; Global Justice; Feminist Perspectives on Conflict and Development Issues; Representative Democracy in Europe; Mainstreaming Social Inclusion

Summer Semester
Dissertation

Comment

The MA in Politics is a one-year, full-time programme that enables students to choose the areas they wish to specialise in within the field of politics. This is a truly flexible programme that enables students to tailor the degree to their own interests, skills and future career plans. The only core modules that the MA in Politics students will be required to complete will be the two research methods modules that are common to all our postgraduate taught degrees. In addition, they can choose any two electives in the first semester and any three in the third.

Application date

Taught Programmes - Application Process
All applicants apply through the online application system by choosing a programme from one of the five faculties. If Non-EU applicants wish to contact the International Education Division first before completing an online application, they can do by filling out the International Education Division Enquiry Form. For more information visit the International Office website.

International Office:
Tel: +353 61 202414
Fax: +353 61 213062
email: international@ul.ie.

Visit the International Office website

What to include (upload) with your application
Certified results for all examinations mentioned on your application form and/or confirmation of the award of your qualification(s).
Evidence of English language proficiency.
Certified translations of your award and transcripts if they are not in English
A copy of your birth certificate or passport

Please note that certain programmes request additional documentation such as personal statements and/or references. Please check the programme entry requirements to ensure you have included the required information.

What happens after I apply?
Once you submit your application online, you will receive an email acknowledgement. It is important that you upload all your documents at the time of application as you will not be able to upload these at a later stage. If you do not have your documents at the time of application, you will need to mail them to the Postgraduate Admissions Office once they become available.
Your application will then be passed to the Course Director who will decide whether or not to offer you a place. Some programmes require interviews and you will be notified of the date, time and venue.

Decision Letter
You will receive one of the following letters from the Postgraduate Admissions Office:
An unconditional offer. You satisfy all of the academic conditions required and we are offering you a place.
A conditional offer. You do not yet satisfy the academic conditions required before entry but you propose to do so. The conditions are listed in the offer letter and may include English language tests as well as degree results.
Letter of regret. We are unable to offer you a place.

Please note that a decision is authoritative and official only if it has been sent in writing from the Postgraduate Admissions Office.

Accepting a place at the University of Limerick
To accept your offer you must pay your acceptance deposit and send in the course acceptance form, stamped by the bank, to the Postgraduate Admissions Office. On receipt of this acceptance form/deposit, the Postgraduate Admissions Office will change the status of your application to Firmly Accepted. You will receive an orientation pack in August. The orientation pack will provide you with full details of orientation and enrolment.

Deferring your offer
You cannot defer a place on a taught postgraduate programme without the permission of the Course Director. If you are offered a deferral, you will receive a letter from the Postgraduate Admissions Office confirming that a deferral has been granted. You should then contact the Postgraduate Admissions Office before March of the following year to confirm that you will be accepting your place. If you are not offered a deferral, then you must re-apply for the programme the following academic year.

Contacts
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Graduate School
Foundation Building
University of Limerick
Tel: +353 61 234377
Fax: +353 61 233287
Email: postgradadmissions@ul.ie