Overview
The MA in European Politics and Governance is a one-year full-time programme designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of how European societies are governed through the complex interaction between public and private actors at different levels of government. The ability of national governments to determine domestic policy outcomes is increasingly limited by interdependencies with local and European levels of government. Furthermore, the distinction between governmental and non-governmental organisations is increasingly blurred when the formulation and implementation of policies relies heavily on the cooperation of private actors. Taking a multi-level and governance perspective, the programme offers a distinctive approach to the study of politics and policy-making in Europe.
European Politics & Governance
Entry requirements
Applicants must have a primary degree in a social science or related discipline, with first or second-class honours (Level 8 - QQI) or an approved equivalent qualification. Candidates should be proficient in the use of English.
What to Include with Your Application
- Qualification transcripts and certificates
- English language qualification(s) if English is not your first language
- Certified English translation of your transcripts/certificates where the original transcripts are in a language other than English.
- A copy of your birth certificate or passport
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 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council School Certificate Pass 1-6
Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact the International Education Division for advice.
Duration
1 Year Full-Time
Careers or further progression
Graduate Profile
The programme aims to equip students with the substantive knowledge and analytical and transferable skills necessary to pursue a successful career in civil society and other non-governmental organisations, think tanks, interest groups, media organisations, local, national, and European administrations. The programme also provides the foundations for further doctoral research in the areas of Irish Politics, Comparative Public Administration, and European Union Politics.
Further enquiries
Course Director
Dr Frank Haege
Tel +353 (0) 61 234897
Email: frank.haege@ul.ie
Subjects taught
Autumn Semester
- Graduate Seminar in Institutions and Policies of the European Union;
- Graduate Research Methods;
- One elective module
Spring Semester
- Graduate Seminar in European Governance;
- Research Methods (progressing dissertation);
- Two elective modules
Electives
Graduate Seminar in International Relations; Graduate Seminar in Development; Graduate Seminar in Contemporary Political Theory; Multilevel Governance: concepts and practice; Conflict Analysis; Graduate Seminar in Comparative Politics; Graduate Seminar in Peace-building; Graduate Seminar in International Co-operation and Conflict; Global Transformation and Exclusion; External Relations of the European Union; Russian and Post Soviet Politics; Foreign Aid and Development; Development Practice and Programme Management; Global Justice; Representative Democracy in Europe; International Political Economy.
Optional multi-day study trip to Brussels during the spring semester, including seminar discussions with practitioners and visits to the European institutions and other international organisations. (not included in tuition fees; offer subject to a minimum number of participants)
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.
Remember to mention gradireland when contacting institutions!
Comment
The MA in European Politics and Governance provides students with an advanced understanding of how European societies are governed through the complex interaction between public and private actors at different levels of government. Taking a multi-level and governance perspective, it offers a distinctive approach to the study of politics and policy-making in the European Union and its member states.