Overview
Commencing in 2019/20 the BSc (Hons) (Government and Political Science) will replace the BSc (Hons) (Government) degree. This will be implemented on a phased basis starting with First Years in 2019/20. Students who entered before 2019/20 will continue on the BSc (Hons) Government degree.
First Year - Government and Political Science
Elective Modules
Students may be asked to indicate preferences for selection of elective modules for Second, Third and Fourth Years prior to the end of their First, Second and Third Years respectively.
Second Year - Government and Political Science
No student may register for the Second Year programme of study until the First University Examination in Government has been passed. Second Year consists of core modules to the value of 50 credits, and elective modules to the value of 10 credits. To be admitted to the Second University Examination in Government and Political Science, a student must have satisfactorily attended modules to the value of 60 credits.
Third Year - Government and Political Science
No student may register for the Third Year programme of study until the Second University Examination in Government and Political Science has been passed. Year 3 consists of core modules to the value of 30 credits (15 credits for Albany Pathway), elective modules to the value of 20 credits (15 credits for Albany Pathway) and a Work Placement module to the value of 10 credits. To be admitted to the Third University Examination in Government and Political Science, a student must have satisfactorily attended taught modules, to the value of 50 credits.
The programme requirements for Albany Pathway students are set out below.
Note: The Third University Examination in Government and Political Science will be undertaken in March/April to allow students undertake Work Placement (GV3102 Work Placement).
Students may not select a language module where there is a timetable clash with core modules, or which has already been taken at the same level in a previous year.
Albany Pathway
Albany Pathway students take modules to the value of 30 credits in Semester 1 (15 credits of core modules and 15 credits from elective modules) and 20 credits in Semester 2 in their assigned college/university in New York plus the Work Placement module to the value of 10 credits in the New York State Assembly in Albany, New York.
Note: For Albany Pathway students the Third University Examination in Government and Political Science will be undertaken in December (or through continuous assessment in Semester 1) to allow students undertake Work Placement (GV3401 Government Placement New York State Assembly) in the New York State Assembly in Albany, New York and GV3402 US State Government & Legislative Studies (20 credits) in their assigned college/university in New York.
GV3102 Work Placement
After the Third University Examination, students must also undertake a 12-week period of work placement (GV3102 Work Placement
- 10 credits). The Placement module shall be assessed on a pass/fail basis, and must be passed in order to graduate with Honours. Attaining the requisite competencies standard shall be considered a pass; failure to meet the requisite competencies standard shall be considered a fail. (Full details of the placement are contained in "Placement Policy and Procedures for the BSc (Hons) in Government and Political Science" which is available, on request, from the Department of Government and Politics).
Study Year Abroad
Students may, on the approval of the BSc Government and Political Science Board of Studies, spend third year pursuing an approved programme of study in a university outside of Ireland. Programmes taken will be validated by the host institution. Students will be asked to complete a workload either (a) broadly equivalent to 60 ECTS credits at the host institution or (b) broadly equivalent to 50 ECTS at the host institution together with GV3102 Work Placement. The workload should be at a broadly equivalent level to the UCC BSc Government and Political Science III.
Fourth Year - Government and Political Science
No student may register for the Fourth Year programme of study until the Third University Examination in Government and Political Science has been passed. In Fourth Year, students take modules to the value of 60 credits in total. At least 40 credits of GV modules must be taken which includes 20 credits of core modules plus a minimum of 20 credits of GV electives. To be admitted to the BSc (Hons) Government and Political Science Degree Examination, a student must have satisfactorily attended modules to the value of 60 credits.
Programme Requirements
For information about modules, module choice, options and credit weightings, please go to Programme Requirements.
Programme Requirements
Module List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| |
| GV1202 | Politics of the European Union | 5 |
| GV1204 | Democracy, Ideology and Utopia | 5 |
| GV1207 | Politics and Government of Ireland | 5 |
| GV1215 | Local Government and Politics of Ireland | 5 |
| GV1217 | Introduction to Political Science | 5 |
| GV1218 | International Politics | 5 |
| LW1316 | Public Law | 5 |
| MG1010 | Public and Private Management | 5 |
| SS1302 | Social Policy Analysis | 5 |
| 15 |
| Introduction to Accounting (5) | |
| Chinese Language (Mandarin) I (10) | |
| Macroeconomic Context and Business (5) | |
| Introduction to Development Economics (5) | |
| Local Development and Public Health (5) | |
| Introduction to French : Complete Beginners (5) 1 | |
| French for Near Beginners (5) 2 | |
| Threshold French (5) | |
| French for Reading Purposes I (5) | |
| Ceart na Gaeilge idir Scríobh agus Labhairt (10) | |
| German Language (Beginner Level A1) Part 1
and German Language (Beginner Level A1) Part 2 3 | |
| German Language (CEFR-Level A2.1) (5) | |
| German Language (CEFR-Level A2.2) (5) | |
| Spanish Language (Beginner Level) (10) | |
| Spanish Language (Improver [01] Level) (10) | |
| Introduction to Information Systems (5) | |
| Information Systems for the Networked Enterprise (5) | |
| Non-Beginners' Written and Spoken Italian (10) 4 | |
| Introduction to Written and Spoken Italian (10) 5 | |
| Principles of Management and Organization (5) | |
| |
| EC1202 | Economic Reasoning for Business | 5 |
| GV2008 | Political Corruption: Concepts | 5 |
| GV2218 | European Government and Politics | 5 |
| GV2229 | Citizen Participation | 5 |
| GV2230 | Public Management Concepts | 5 |
| GV2231 | Public Management in Practice | 5 |
| GV2235 | Policy Making in the European Union | 5 |
| GV2240 | International Security | 5 |
| GV2241 | Elections and Voting | 5 |
| LW2002 | Public Law II | 5 |
| 10 |
| Chinese Language (Mandarin) I (10) | |
| An Introduction to Business in China (10) | |
| Introduction to Theories and Practices of Health Promotion (5) | |
| Public Health Issues (5) | |
| Food Economics (5) | |
| Constitutional and Institutional Law of the European Union (5) | |
| Economic Law of the European Union (5) | |
| Introduction to Marketing (5) | |
| Communities, Activism and Development (5) | |
| Science, Technology and Public Controversy (5) | |
| Introduction to French : Complete Beginners
and French for Near Beginners 1,2 | |
| Threshold French
and French for Reading Purposes I | |
| Towards Vantage French
and French for Reading Purposes II | |
| Ceart na Gaeilge idir Scríobh agus Labhairt (10) | |
| Úsáid agus Cruinneas na Gaeilge I (10) | |
| German Language (CEFR-Level A2.1) (5) | |
| German Language (CEFR-Level A2.2) (5) | |
| Integrated German Language Course (10) 7 | |
| Spanish Language (Beginner Level) (10) | |
| Spanish Language (Improver [01] Level) (10) | |
| Non-Beginners' Written and Spoken Italian (10) 4 | |
| Introduction to Written and Spoken Italian (10) 5 | |
| Intermediate Italian Language (10) | |
| |
| GV3210 | Conflict and Conflict Resolution | 5 |
| GV3212 | Global Political Economy - Trade | 5 |
| GV3215 | Politics of the United States of America | 5 |
| GV3217 | Global Political Economy - Finance | 5 |
| GV3226 | Political Science Methods and Methodology | 5 |
| GV3408 | The Irish Planning System | 5 |
| GV3102 | Work Placement 6 | 10 |
| 20 |
| Growth and Development in a Global Economy (5) | |
| Gender and Development (5) | |
| Sustainable Development: Environment, Economy and Society (5) | |
| Climate Assemblies (5) | |
| Contemporary Ecological and Anti-Capitalist Politics (5) | |
| Chinese Politics (5) | |
| Enterprise and Innovation (5) | |
| Market Research (5) | |
| Policy Issues in Social Markets (5) | |
| The Sociology of Community (5) | |
| |
| Chinese Language (Mandarin) Level 2.5 (5) | |
| German Language (CEFR-Level A2.1) (5) | |
| German Language (CEFR-Level A2.2) (5) | |
| GV3212 | Global Political Economy - Trade | 5 |
| GV3215 | Politics of the United States of America | 5 |
| GV3226 | Political Science Methods and Methodology | 5 |
| GV3401 | Government Placement New York State Assembly | 10 |
| GV3402 | US State Government & Legislative Studies | 20 |
| 15 |
| Sustainable Development: Environment, Economy and Society (5) | |
| Climate Assemblies (5) | |
| Contemporary Ecological and Anti-Capitalist Politics (5) | |
| Enterprise and Innovation (5) | |
| Market Research (5) | |
| The Sociology of Community (5) | |
| |
| GV4202 | Government Research Dissertation | 10 |
| GV4414 | Contemporary Debates in Ireland | 5 |
| GV4415 | Contemporary Debates in the EU | 5 |
| 40 |
| Economics and the Labour Market (5) | |
| Environmental Economics: The Problem of Climate Change (5) | |
| Health Services (5) | |
| Advanced Programme Planning and Policy Processes (5) | |
| Co-operative Banking (5) | |
| Global Governance (5) | |
| Political Ideologies and Social Change (5) | |
| Public Finance - Theory and Practice (5) | |
| European Security (5) | |
| Women, Gender and Politics (5) | |
| Issues in Irish Politics (5) | |
| People and Organisation (5) | |
| Business Ethics and Governance (5) | |
| Sociology of Politics, Power, and Ideology (5) | |
| Sociology of the Environment (5) | |
| Principles of Public International Law (5) | |
| Japanese Language Level 1 (10) | |
| Chinese Language (Mandarin) I (10) | |
| Chinese Language (Mandarin) Level 2.5 (10) | |
| Introduction to French : Complete Beginners
and French for Near Beginners 1,2 | |
| Threshold French
and French for Reading Purposes I | |
| Towards Vantage French
and French for Reading Purposes II | |
| Ceart na Gaeilge idir Scríobh agus Labhairt (10) | |
| Úsáid agus Cruinneas na Gaeilge I (10) | |
| Úsáid agus Cruinneas na Gaeilge (10) | |
| German Language (CEFR-Level A2.1) (5) | |
| German Language (CEFR-Level A2.2) (5) | |
| Integrated German Language Course (10) 7 | |
| Advanced Integrated German Language Course (10) 8 | |
| Spanish Language (Beginner Level) (10) | |
| Spanish Language (Improver [01] Level) (10) | |
| Non-Beginners' Written and Spoken Italian (10) 4 | |
| Introduction to Written and Spoken Italian (10) 5 | |
| Intermediate Italian Language (10) | |
| Advanced Italian Language (10) | |
Note: The following conditions apply to Language modules:
- Students may not select a language module where there is a timetable clash with core modules, or which has already been taken at the same level in a previous year.
- GA and Language modules - the level at which a student is permitted to take a particular GA or language module will be determined by an assessment carried out at the start of the first Semester, by Roinn na Nua-Ghaeilge in the case of GA coded modules, and the relevant Department in the case of other language modules.
Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards Book and for each module in the Book of Modules.
Programme Learning Outcomes
Programme Learning Outcomes for the BSc (Hons) Government and Political Science (NFQ Level 8, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
1
1-1
Identify political issues at local, national, European and global levels;
1-2
2
Formulate problems based on the identification of weaknesses;
1-3
3
Propose potential solutions to the problems raised;
1-4
4
Assess the interdependence between the public and private sectors;
1-5
5
Analyse the impact of politics on the world of business;
1-6
6
Apply private sector management techniques to the public sector;
1-7
7
Evaluate the benefit of the work placement experience;
1-8
8
Contribute to debates on the issues shaping democratic development at local, national, European and global levels.
*** Only for Incoming First Years and Repeat First Years 2024/2025 ***
*** Click here for Marks and Standards for all other years ***
Marks and Standards
These Marks and Standards should be read in conjunction with the Programme Requirements and the Book of Modules.
Fitness to Practise
All students on programmes subject to Fitness to Practise in UCC will be required to comply with the Fitness to Practise Policy and meet the relevant Fitness to Practise standards, in order to progress to the next year of his/her/their programme. Click here for a list of programmes subject to the Fitness to Practise Policy.
Marks and Credits
Students are required to take modules to the value of 60 credits.
Total Marks for year: 1200.
First Year - Pass and Progression Criteria
To pass first year and progress to second year, students must achieve:
- An aggregate mark of 40% across all modules,
- A pass mark in modules to the value of at least 50 credits, and
- A module mark of at least 30% in any remaining modules.
Pass by Compensation: Students who satisfy each of the above criteria are allowed to compensate in modules to the value of 10 credits and pass the year overall.
Award of Honours in the Degree Award
An honours classification is awarded for the final degree using the final year examination results and marks carried forward from the penultimate year. The aggregate of 33.33% of the penultimate year marks plus 66.67% of the final year marks will be used to calculate the final degree award.
Honours will be awarded as follows:
- First Class Honours: ≥ 70%
- Second Class Honours, Grade I: ≥ 60% and <70%
- Second Class Honours, Grade II: ≥ 50% and <60%
- Pass: ≥ 40% and <50%
Award of Honours when a student undertakes Study Abroad
When students study abroad as part of his/her/their degree programme, the calculation of the final degree award is based on modules in the Book of Modules only.
Examination Boards
- Provisional marks for Semester 1 examinations are released in January/February of each year. These marks are subject to approval at the University Examination Board.
- Marks for all modules taken in Semester 1 and 2, including those wholly assessed by Continuous Assessment, will be presented to the University Examination Board at the end of Semester 2.
Supplemental Examinations and Assessment
- Students who fail to achieve the progression standard for the year at the Summer Examination Board must complete Supplemental Examinations and/or Continuous Assessment for those specific module(s), where there is provision to do so.
- Please refer to the Book of Modules for requirements governing the Supplemental Examination and Assessment for individual modules. Note: For some modules there is no Supplemental Examination and Assessment.
- The marks achieved in the Supplemental Examinations and/or Continuous Assessment of a repeat module are considered at the Autumn Examination Board.
- The actual mark achieved by the candidate in the Supplemental or Repeat Year Examination will be recorded on the student record (Academic Transcript).
- The maximum mark that will be taken into account for aggregation and progression purposes is a pass level, unless the student has been granted a cap waiver or deferral by the University Mitigation Committee, or a University Examination Board, or has been approved to defer the previous attempt by the University Mitigation Committee.
- At the Autumn Examination Board, marks from all passed modules approved at the Summer Examination Board are carried forward and are combined with the marks achieved in Supplemental Examinations and/or Assessments. The pass and progression criteria are applied to the aggregate mark achieved.
Note: The mark achieved at the last examination/assessment attempt is the mark that is included in the calculation of the aggregate mark for pass and progression purposes.
Study Abroad
- When students study abroad as part of his/her/their degree programme, they will be assessed by his/her/their host university.
- To pass the study abroad period and progress to the subsequent year, a student must achieve a pass standard as applied by the host institution.
- A Pass/Fail judgement will be presented to the UCC Examination Boards:
- At the Summer Examination Board for students spending Semester 1 abroad.
- At the Autumn/Winter Examination Board for students spending the full academic year abroad or Semester 2 only.
- For students failing to achieve a pass mark, Supplemental Assessment will be prescribed by the School in UCC, and these results will be presented at a Winter Examination Board.
Exemptions
All passed modules carry an exemption, which is limited to a period of five academic years (or two in the case of Computer Science modules) subsequent to the award of the exemption.
Repeat Year Examinations
Students repeating the year may do so choosing one of the following mechanisms:
1. Students retain module exemptions, if any, and must repeat all failed/absent modules, including those modules where the failing mark previously achieved was greater than the level of compensation (≥ 30%) but who failed to achieve the progression standard for the year (see above). The pass and progression criteria are then applied to the combination of full marks achieved in modules passed at the first attempt, plus capped marks achieved in modules in the Repeat Year Examinations.
Note: For students selecting different modules not previously taken, there are no restrictions on the marks awarded for those modules at the first attempt in a repeat year. The selection of different modules by the student means that the student foregoes any previous marks achieved in the original modules (including previously passed modules).
2. Students may forego all module exemptions achieved and repeat the year choosing modules to the value of the full 60 credits. In determining pass and progression, there is no restriction on the marks awarded for modules taken at the first attempt of the Repeat Year. Modules taken at the subsequent Supplemental Examination and Assessment are capped at the pass mark.
Subject to capacity, all students - whether they have failed or passed - are allowed to choose this second option, in an attempt to improve his/her/their grade.
Students repeating the final year are eligible for the award of Honours in the first Repeat Year only. Final year students wishing to repeat the year with a view to improving his/her/their degree result may do so only if they have not been conferred.
Three Year Rule
Students must pass/progress within three academic years of the date of first registration for a year, otherwise they cannot continue in the programme.
Terms and Definitions
Programme Description
Module Descriptions/Assessment
- Module descriptions, including the pass standard for a module, special requirements to pass a module, and assessment elements and their weightings, are contained in the Book of Modules.
Marks and Credits
- A maximum of 100 marks may be awarded for every five credits of a programme.
- Some modules are assessed on a Pass/Fail basis only, i.e. marks are not awarded.
Pass and Progression
- Progression is defined as the permission granted to a student to register in the subsequent academic year for the next set of modules within his/her/their programme of study.
- Compensation is defined as the process by which a student, who fails to satisfy some of the regulations for credit in a specific module, is nevertheless recommended for credit to be awarded on the grounds that the failure is offset by his/her/their performance in the other modules on his/her/their programme of study.
