Overview
The MSc (Government and Politics) is a full-time programme running for 12 months or a part-time programme running for 24 months from the date of first registration for the programme. The taught element of the programme runs from early September to the end of March.
In Part I students take modules to the value of 60 credits and in Part II either write a research dissertation of 15-20,000 words or complete a work-based dissertation in government and politics to the value of 30 credits.
From early April to the end of August, students will either complete a work-based dissertation in government and politics (GV6123) or write a research dissertation (GV6106) to the value of 30 credits. Students who do not undertake the research project must complete the dissertation. The work-based dissertation or research dissertation must be submitted at the beginning of September.
Note: Students studying for the degree full-time take all modules in one year.
Postgraduate Diploma in Government and Politics Exit Award (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
Students passing only the taught modules in Part I (60 credits) or choosing not to complete the research dissertation and/or work placement may opt to exit the programme and be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Government and Politics.
Programme Requirements
For information about modules, module choice, options and credit weightings, please go to Programme Requirements.
Programme Requirements
Full-Time
Module List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| |
| 1 | |
| ES6014 | European Democracy, Citizenship, Memory and Identity | 5 |
| GV6011 | EU Political System and Policies | 5 |
| GV6118 | Political Science Research Methods | 10 |
| GV6121 | Comparative Political Institutions | 5 |
| GV6127 | Women, Gender and Political Representation | 5 |
| GV6128 | Re-imagining Democratic Politics in a Changing World | 5 |
| PH6055 | Core Themes in Political Philosophy | 5 |
| 1 | 20 |
| |
| Human Rights (10) | |
| Philosophy and Health (10) | |
| Professional Ethics: Advanced (10) | |
| Measuring Society: Growth, Poverty, Inequality, and Human Capital (10) | |
| |
| US Foreign Policy and Contemporary History (10) | |
| War and Peace: the European State System from 1648 to 1990 (10) | |
| The Politics of Terrorism (10) | |
| |
| Contemporary Global Politics (5) | |
| Global Economic Policies and Institutions (5) | |
| European Security (10) | |
| |
| GV6123 | Work Based Dissertation in Government and Politics | 30 |
| or GV6106 | Dissertation in Government and Politics |
| Total Credits | 90 |
Part-Time
Module List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| |
| |
| GV6011 | EU Political System and Policies | 5 |
| GV6128 | Re-imagining Democratic Politics in a Changing World | 5 |
| GV6127 | Women, Gender and Political Representation | 5 |
| ES6014 | European Democracy, Citizenship, Memory and Identity | 5 |
| GV6118 | Political Science Research Methods | 10 |
| GV6121 | Comparative Political Institutions | 5 |
| PH6055 | Core Themes in Political Philosophy | 5 |
| |
| |
| Human Rights (10) | |
| Philosophy and Health (10) | |
| Professional Ethics: Advanced (10) | |
| Measuring Society: Growth, Poverty, Inequality, and Human Capital (10) | |
| |
| US Foreign Policy and Contemporary History (10) | |
| War and Peace: the European State System from 1648 to 1990 (10) | |
| The Politics of Terrorism (10) | |
| |
| Contemporary Global Politics (5) | |
| Global Economic Policies and Institutions (5) | |
| European Security (10) | |
| |
| GV6106 | Dissertation in Government and Politics | 30 |
| or GV6123 | Work Based Dissertation in Government and Politics |
| Total Credits | 90 |
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 MSc in Government and Politics (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme,
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of the multi-dimensional nature of government and politics.
- Apply concepts, theories and research methods from the academic discipline of politics in order to critically analyse real-world political dynamics, issues and problems.
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the academic discipline of politics and its various sub-disciplines.
- Identify, use, evaluate and interpret the range of sources and data available for political analysis.
- Independently design and undertake research projects relevant to politics and political analysis.
- Communicate effectively on subject-specific topics in the written and oral form, including with the wider academic community and with society at large.
- Either demonstrate experience of having worked in a political environment; or demonstrate the ability to undertake sustained independent political research.
