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During this programme, you will:  

• Benefit from a flexible programme allowing you to tailor the degree to your own interests, skills and future career plans. 

• Acquire knowledge about a variety of political phenomena. 

• Gain competence in the use of social scientific research methods. 

• Prepare for careers in public policy, journalism, civil society, or further study. 

Key Information:   

• Complete full-time in one year 

• Delivered on campus 

• Modules taught during autumn and spring semesters 

• Take 2 core modules and 5 elective modules across the year 

• Complete a dissertation of 10,000-15,000 words on a topic of choice under the guidance of a supervisor. 

You will learn through a blend of: 

• Lectures, seminars, workshops, and hands-on activities 

• Reflective practice and guided research 

• Regular feedback from faculty and peers 

Year 1 

Autumn Semester 

Core module:  

• familiarises students with approaches to the conduct of research in social sciences. 

Electives – choose two:  

Spring Semester 

Core module:  

• enables students to progress their dissertation work via a series of workshops. 

Electives – choose three:*  

* Not all electives will run every year. 

Summer Semester  

• of 10,000-15,000 words on a topic of your choice under the guidance of a supervisor. A minimum pass (C3) is a requirement for the successful completion of this programme. 

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library. 

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s or consult PPA’s Postgraduate Handbook. 

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree ( Level 8) with at least a second-class honour, grade 2 (2:2) in a relevant discipline. 

Other Entry Considerations: 

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, as long as you can show that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for the programme. 

At UL, we value all kinds of learning and support different ways to qualify through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.  

International students:  

• For details on country-specific qualifications visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students. 

Checklist of Documents: 

• *Academic transcripts and certificates
  • UL graduates only need to provide their student ID.
• Copy of your birth certificate or passport
• English translation of your qualifications and transcripts
• Copy of your CV 

English Language: 

• English Language Competency certificate
• For details on accepted language qualifications visit English Language Requirements 

Guidelines on Completing your Application  

• To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
  • Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist. 
  • Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc. 
• *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date. You don’t need to have finished final exams before applying. 

EU - €TBC

Non- EU - €18,600

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan. 

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie).  

Funding 

Find further information on funding and scholarships.

This course can lead to the following sectors and careers:  

• Business
• Public administration
• Civil society organisations
• Journalism
• Public policy research
• Academic research 

Still Curious?  

The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.     

Online Information Sessions