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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 third.

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

MAPOLITFAD 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

Electives
• Graduate Seminar in Institutions and Policies of the European Union
• Graduate Seminar in International Relations
• Graduate Seminar in Development
• Graduate Seminar in Contemporary Political Theory
• Conflict Analysis

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

Electives:
• Graduate Seminar in European Governance
• Graduate Seminar in Comparative Politics
• Graduate Seminar in Peacebuilding
• Graduate Seminar in International Cooperation and Conflict
• Global Justice
• Representative Democracy in Europe: Parties, Governments, and Policy

Summer Semester
Dissertation

Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules

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

Application Deadlines

Taught Programmes
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basies but specific programmes have individual closing dates which can be found on our on-line prospectus

Research Programmes
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis for research programmes. The applications for Research programmes are review each month by the Postgraduate Research Committee.