International Relations

Contemporary international relations affect our lives in realms such as international politics, human rights, the economy, communications, trade and environmental protection. The MA in International Relations explores the concepts, forces, and processes underpinning international relations, as well as looking at the role of powerful states, international organisations, legal frameworks, foreign policy, and the international political economy.

Why Do This Programme?

• Gain an in-depth understanding of major theories, issues, and debates in contemporary international/global politics.
• Develop a clear and thorough knowledge of the political, social, economic, historical, and cultural contexts of the international system and its institutions.
• Understand specific aspects of international relations in the contemporary world, including security and conflict, development, globalisation, international law, area studies and foreign policy
• Broaden your horizons with interdisciplinary options such as language studies and communication studies.
• Build relationships and contacts with colleagues from a variety of backgrounds, a range of specialists and policy makers that will give you a head start as you build your career.

This MA can be completed in one year on a full-time basis, or in two years on a part-time basis.

As a full-time student, you’ll take three core modules in Semester 1, along with a research methodology class. In Semester 2, you’ll take three modules from a range of thematic- and region-focused options. You may also take a language as one of your options. A 20,000 word dissertation is due in September.

The programme features seminars and presentations by guest speakers—including politicians, officials, academics and diplomats—that prompt you to explore key issues in international politics, security, and development, as well as to build connections to key practitioners.

Programme Aims and Objectives

• Link theory, policy and practice.
• Offer high quality academic training in international relations.
• Give participants a critical understanding of different theories of and frameworks for international studies.
• Enhance the practical skills of participants in the areas of research, communication, policy analysis, and programme and project management.

General Entry Requirements

Applicants will normally have an honours primary degree or equivalent, but appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may be accepted as equivalent to an honours degree, in accordance with the relevant regulations of the University.

Applicants will be ranked by prior academic achievement, their work experience where relevant, and their stated reasons for wishing to take the programme. Applicants are asked to include a 200 word statement outlining

1) Why they wish to study International Relations,

2) What in their record and experience makes them suitable for the M.A. programme

3) The impact which they expect the M.A. would have on their futures.

Some applicants may be called for interview. Such interviews will be held during the month of June.

Applicants who are awaiting their degree results should indicate both the level of award expected, and their undergraduate record to date. Some applicants may be called for interview. The closing date for receipt of applications is below, though we recommend that international students apply early and we will make some decisions on international applications at an earlier date where this is necessary to allow applicants secure funding or visas.

International Applications

International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. 

Dublin City University is proud to award merit-based scholarships to high achieving students who enter the Faculty of Engineering and Computing and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences for the 2016/17 academic year. These scholarships are available to Indian applicants only and are based on academic merit to those who have a Full Offer. 

The Faculties also award scholarships of €1,000 to high achievers entering Masters and Bachelor programmes who are ranked by academic achievement.