Politics MA

at University of Limerick

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.

Autumn Semester    

Autumn core:
 

• PO5005 Graduate Research Methods

Autumn electives (choose two):
 

• PO5004 Graduate Seminar in Development
• PO5015 Graduate Seminar in Contemporary Political Theory
• PO5016 Graduate Seminar in International Relations
• PO5017 Graduate Seminar in Institutions and Policies of the EU
• PA6011 Public Administration Theory & Practice

Spring Semester     

Spring core:
 

• PS5131 Graduate Research Methods

Spring electives (choose three):
 

• PO5006 Graduate Seminar in Peacebuilding
• PO5007 Graduate Seminar in International Co-operation and Conflict
• PO5010 Graduate Seminar in European Governance
• PO5232 Representative Democracy in Europe
• PO5222 Global Justice
• PS5121 Feminist Perspectives in Conflict and Development Issues
• PO5008 International Political Economy
• PO5252 Comparative Climate Policy and Politics
• PA6032 Collaborative Governance and Leadership 

Summer
 

•  Dissertation

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

Tuition Fees

These are based on Residency, Citizenship, Course requirements.

Review the three groups of criteria to determine your fee status as follows
 

1. Residency
    
   • You must have been living in an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland for at least 3 of the 5 years before starting your course
      
2. Citizenship
    
   • You must be a citizen of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland or have official refugee status
      
3. Course Requirements (all must be met)
    
   • You must be a first time full-time undergraduate (Exceptions are provided for students who hold a Level 6 or Level 7 qualification and are progressing to a Level 8 course in the same general area of study).
   • You must be undertaking a full-time undergraduate course of at least 2 year’s duration
   • You cannot be undertaking a repeat year of study at the same level unless evidence of exceptional circumstances eg serious illness is provided (in which case this condition may be waived)

This unique and genuinely flexible postgraduate degree prepares students for a variety of professions. Since this degree offers a generic qualification in politics, it does not restrict the range of careers available to students after graduation. At the same time, given the wide-ranging choice of modules, students can pursue several interests and acquire expertise in a number of fields in political science. It is also an excellent springboard for further research, potentially towards a doctoral degree or public policy research. In the past, our graduates have pursued careers in business, public administration, journalism and civil society organisations.