MA in International Relations
Dublin, Ireland
MA
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
EUR 17,200
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: The MA in International Relations at Dublin City University gives you tools to analyze global affairs, international politics and foreign policy. Ireland's oldest MA in the field, it blends theory, regional studies and interdisciplinary electives. You’ll do small early-semester classes, choose electives and complete a supervised dissertation up to 15,000 words. Study full-time in 12 months or part-time over two years.
Career Outcomes: Graduates move into government, diplomacy, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, journalism, policy research and corporate. Typical roles include public policy analyst, diplomat, foreign service officer, programme officer, editor and press officer – skills in research, analysis, communication and policy formulation.
The MA in International Relations is designed to provide you with the tools to understand our rapidly changing world and the long list of challenges and opportunities we’re facing.
DCU’s MA in International Relations, the oldest of its kind in Ireland, is known for its dedicated staff with a wide range of expertise and its diverse student body. We welcome students from around the world, with various career backgrounds and different undergraduate degrees. Our approach is inclusive, considering international relations as a combination of different theories, disciplines, and global perspectives.
In the first semester, you'll have small classes to introduce core subjects, giving you the intellectual skills you'll need for the entire programme and helping you connect with fellow students.
In the second semester, you can choose from a range of elective courses specifically tailored for the MA in International Relations. You can also select modules from related programmes like international security studies, public policy, and law.
The optional modules cover topics such as international politics, human rights, the economy, communication, trade, regional studies and environmental protection. In addition, you'll work on a dissertation of up to 15,000 words on the topic of your choice, receiving support from the beginning of the programme, including one-on-one supervision.
Students have two options for completing the MA programme: full-time in 12 months or part-time over two years.
Students have two choices for completing this MA programme. You can finish it in one year if you go full-time, or you can opt for the part-time route, which takes two years.
If you go full-time, you'll take three core modules and a research methodology class in the first semester, with the academic year beginning in September. In the second semester, you'll select three modules on a variety of topics. Additionally, you’ll work on a 15,000-word dissertation due in September.
For part-time students, you'll spread out all the modules (three core, a research methodology class, and three electives) over two years, taking one or two modules per semester. The mandatory modules and popular electives are typically taught during one afternoon or evening per week, between 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Depending on your choice of elective modules, part-time students usually won't have any scheduled activities outside of this time frame.
Just like full-time students, you'll also complete a 15,000-word dissertation, due in September of your second year.
This programme includes seminars and presentations by guest speakers, such as politicians, officials, academics, and diplomats. These events will encourage you to explore important issues in international politics, security, and development, and provide opportunities to connect with key professionals in the field.
- Ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide (QS World University Rankings)
- Ranked among the world's top 350 universities (Times Higher Education World University Rankings). Business and Economics (201-250), Arts and Humanities (201-250), Research Environment (301)
- Ireland’s highest-ranked young university, placed 59th globally (Times Higher Education Young University Rankings).
- Ranked 1st in Ireland for Graduate Employment Rate (and 23rd Globally) by QS World University Rankings
- 96% of DCU graduates are in employment or further studies within 6 months of graduation
- Voted no. 1 worldwide for Career Development by Global Student Satisfaction Awards
Explore scholarship opportunities for International Students.
The MA in International Relations appeals to a broad range of individuals, including recent college graduates and those who are already established in their careers. This programme is suitable for students with diverse academic backgrounds, spanning disciplines like politics, law, history, languages, business, and the sciences.
The knowledge and skills you gain from this programme are highly valued by various sectors, including government agencies, research organisations, national and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as inter-governmental organisations (IGOs).
Upon graduation, many students pursue careers in government departments such as the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of An Taoiseach and the Department of Justice.
Others find opportunities with international organisations like the European Union and the United Nations. Some may choose to work for NGOs such as Trócaire, Amnesty International, Concern and Oxfam, or in major multinational corporations, financial services firms, or as journalists for media organisations.
Career Prospects
- Public Policy Analyst
- Financial/Economic Analyst
- Social Policy Programme Officer
- Foreign Service Officer
- Immigration and Revenue Officer
- Legislative Analyst
- Political Aide
- Politician
- Lobbyist
- Diplomat
- Economic Development Officer
- Editor
- Press Officer
- Print Journalist
- Publisher
- Public Relations Specialist
- Television and Radio Journalist
DCU will be visiting Southeast Asia this autumn. Prospective students are invited to meet us in person, learn more about our postgraduate programmes, studying and living in Ireland, and career opportunities after graduation.