Politics

The aim of the MA in Politics is to deepen students' understanding of important contemporary issues in political studies through the enhancement of students' analytical skills, research and writing talent, and capacity for utilising theoretical approaches. The programme is of particular interest to those wishing to know more about Irish politics (North and South), European politics, political conflict, and political theory.

Students on the MA in Politics benefit from intensive teaching by a wide and varied range of political scientists and theorists with strong publishing profiles and international reputations in their areas of expertise. Students unsure of which precise direction they wish their career to take will benefit from the fact that the MA in Politics allows for a generalist course of study alongside excellent careers support both within the School and the University at large. The MA in Politics provides students with the opportunity to engage in a wide range of active research networks and groups on diverse themes, including Irish and EU politics, political theory/philosophy, political economy, and postcolonial politics. On successful completion of their taught module coursework, PGDip students can complete the dissertation for an award of MA.

Students take six taught modules (MA and PGDip) and the Dissertation module (MA) over the course of the academic year. Each taught module is worth 20 credits. The Dissertation is worth 60 credits.

Semester 1

• Approaches to Research Design  (compulsory)

This module has two key purposes. First it introduces students to some important themes in the philosophy of the social sciences. Second, it develops students' skills in research design through an examination of selected qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. In doing so it addresses key issues in the design and preparation of the dissertation.

• Government and Institutions of Northern Ireland 

This module explores the roles of the devolved institutions, particularly the NI Assembly. The NI Assembly is set in a comparative parliamentary context, with relevant comparisons being drawn over the course of the module. NI, which alone in the UK experienced a prior period of devolution (from partition until the early 1970s), was subject to direct rule for much of the period between 1972 and 1999. Since 1972, a constant in British policy-making was the goal of restoring devolution on a power-sharing basis. Underpinning that policy was the theory of consociationalism, and the devolved institutions are explored in terms of that theoretical context. Their outworkings are also a focus, especially as regards the operation of the NI Assembly. Exploring the effectiveness of the NI Assembly leads to a consideration of potential reforms of its procedures and practices.

OR

• Politics of Northern Ireland 

This module examines the principal debates and issues in Northern Irish politics, and includes both an analytical survey of the history of the entity, and a treatment of key political themes. The aim of the module is to place Northern Irish politics in appropriate historical and ideological context. Political conflict in Northern Ireland has generated an extensive scholarly literature. This module requires students to engage with such work, and through such engagement to develop their own interpretations of Northern Irish politics from the foundation of Northern Ireland as a political unit to the present.

Plus one from:

• Ethics of Recognition
• Government & Institutions of Northern Ireland*
• Politics of Northern Ireland*
• Theories & Issues of International Relations
• Violence, Terrorism & Security:

The central goal of this module is to provide grounding for the MA Violence, Terrorism and Security. Specifically, this module will firstly familiarize students with different concepts and approaches to violence, terrorism and security. It will secondly provide opportunities for discussing varieties of violence and terrorism, which can be empirically observed, before analysing a set of responses to the changes in threat perception. The module features a Simulation exercise.

*If not chosen from above Dissertation research begins

Semester 2

• Institutions and Politics of the EU (compulsory) 

The module explores the structure and institutions of the European Union (EU) as well as selected theoretical approaches to the study of European integration. It examines the nature and roles of the EU’s main institutions, and provides a critical assessment of selected EU policies and political challenges facing the EU. In doing so the module explores the decision- and policy-making dynamics within the EU as well as some of the most pressing themes in European governance.

Plus two from:

• Carbon Literacy for a Low Carbon Society and Economy
• Conflict Intervention
• Ethnic Conflict and Consensus: The power of institutions

This module examines concepts of ethnicity, national identity and multiculturalism as they relate to contemporary conflict. Students will be provided with a detailed and critical analysis of the political and constitutional options in societies beset by ethnic conflict, with particular emphasis being given to mechanisms directed at and institutions involved in management of and accommodation after the conflict. By examining theories of ethnic conflict the module introduces students to issues underlying conflicts across the globe including nation building and rights of minorities, territorialisation of ethnicity, partition and secession management, and kin-state involvement as well as socio-political integration as mechanisms to avert and/or resolve ethnic conflicts.

• Gender, Politics and Democracy
• International Political Economy
• Philosophy of Conflict and War

This module explores the moral and ethical questions posed by political conflict, in particular those posed by war. It commences with a critical examination of two rival theoretical understandings of ‘the political’, which frame our understanding of politics and the problem of political conflict in different ways. The module then examines the questions of political obligation, civil disobedience, and the justification of (typically) non-violent resistance against state authorities. Thereafter, the moral-ethical problems associated with war are addressed, with an emphasis on the just war tradition as developed in the work of contemporary political philosophers. Among the issues examined are the nature of war, the just war understanding of jus ad bellum and jus in bello, the challenge of pacifism to just war thinking, the morality of military intervention, the normative justifications and criticisms of contemporary state/non-state terrorism, and the problem of peace and jus post bellum.

• The Politics of the Republic of Ireland

This module explores and analyses the political development of independent Ireland in historical context. It combines an historical and thematic approach to provide students with a sophisticated understanding of the politics of independent Ireland. It introduces students to key debates on the Irish revolution, Irish historical revisionism, and the foundations of the new state. Particular themes include partition and its impact, the achievement of stability and order, negotiations of identity, problems of modernisation, party politics and their dynamics, Ireland’s shifting place in European and world politics, and the changing nature of Irish politics and society.

Dissertation research continues

Semester 3

Dissertation (15,000 words maximum)

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

MA: normally a 2.1 Honours degree or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a Social Sciences, Humanities or Arts subject, or a 2.1 Honours degree or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any subject with relevant professional experience.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes. Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this programme, our partner INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability to entry to this programme.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

There are a number of Research Awards available for international applicants who wish to undertake full-time research at Queen's. Details can be found below however please be aware that closing dates apply.

Please check eligibility criteria for each award and note specific residency and citizenship criteria may apply. If you are successful for funding, awards may cover your tuition fees and make a contribution towards your maintenance.

University Studentships

University Studentships are available for application by all postgraduate research students from the UK, EU, ROI, Overseas. The award will cover the payment of tuition fees and a maintenance allowance of £13,590 per annum (for 20011-12). Click on the title link above for further information.
Please be aware that Univeristy studentship allocation will not be announced until the end of January 2012

Research Funding Available for UK and EU Applicants
There are a number of Research Awards available for applicants from the UK or EU countries* who wish to undertake full-time research at Queen's. *Please check eligibility criteria for each award by clicking on the links below. If you are successful for funding, awards may cover your tuition fees and make a contribution towards your maintenance. For DEL and AHRC studentships please note that specific residency and citizenship criteria apply.

Depending on eligibility EU applicantsfor DEL and AHRC may be eligible for a Fees Only award (which covers tuition fees only) or a Full award which covers tuition fees and maintenance. A Fees Only DEL or AHRC Award may be available for those applicants who do not satisfy the criteria

Research Funding

The DEL and University Studentships rates have still to be confirmed for 2012-13 entry. For 2011/12 the maintnenace payment was £13,590 per annum (pa).

DEL Research Studentships

DEL Research Studentships are available for full-time PhD Study.

UK residents*: may be eligible for a Full award which covers tuition fees and maintenance.
EU residents*: may be eligible for a Fees only award which only covers tuition fees (there is no maintenance)
*NB there are also citizenship / nationality criteria applicable.

DEL CAST Studentships

DEL CAST awards are for specific research projects in collaboration with an industrial sponsor in the following Schools - School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences , School of Pharmacy , School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , School of Planning, Architectures and Civil Engineering , School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science , School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and the School of Mathematics and Physics .

These studentships cover fees, maintenance allowance and may also include a contribution from an industrial collaborating body.

UK residents*: may be eligible for a Full award which covers tuition fees and maintenance.

EU residents*: may be eligible for a Fees only award which only covers tuition fees (there is no maintenance)*NB there are also citizenship / nationality criteria applicable.

University Studentships

University Studentships are available for application by all postgraduate research students whether home, EU or International.

This Studentship will cover the payment of full tuition fees and a maintenance allowance of £13,590 pa (2011-12 rate). Please click on the title link above for further guidelines.

Limited University Studentships for 2012-13 are now available. Please contact the appropriate School for further information.

2012-13 AHRC Competition now open

Students who want to apply for postgraduate research (PhD) or taught study (Masters) in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences may apply via Queen's for AHRC funding. For details of the application process, including f urther details re areas, eligibility criteria etc please click on the link AHRC Studentships

Depending on eligibility EU applicants for AHRC may be eligible for a Fees Only award (which covers tuition fees only) or a Full award which covers tuition fees and maintenance. A Fees Only AHRC award may be available for those applicants who do not satisfy the criteria concerning three years residency in the UK.

Arts and Humanities Research Council Awards (AHRC) Other Scholarships Available - Sir Robert Hart, Musgrave, Larmor University, O'Reilly Studentships, Entente Cordiale Scolarships, DARD Awards and Travel Scholarships.
Other places to look for funding - directories and guides listing sources of funding includes: EGSA, Leverhulme, J Rowntree Foundation etc.

School Funding Opportunities at Queen's
Some Schools in Queen's may have studentships / bursaries available outside the centrally allocated awards. Applicants should ensure that they check the School websites for details of available School funding.

North-South Postgraduate Scholarships 2011-12
The scholarships are being offered by Universities Ireland, which promotes collaboration between universities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and the Joint Business Council of the Confederation of British Industry (NI) and the Irish Business and Employers Confederation, which promotes North-South business cooperation. For 2011-12 entry there will be four - six scholarships available.

These scholarships worth 15,000 (approx. Stg £12,500) each are available to students undertaking a recognised Master's or the first year of a PhD programme (taught or research) in the other Irish jurisdiction. Dublin Institute of Technology is also a partner in this scheme.

Two - four of the scholarships will be in areas of study of particular relevance to business and industry, and will be co-sponsored by Universities Ireland and two - four individual companies in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. Two scholarships will be in another area (particularly humanities and social sciences) and will be funded by Universities Ireland alone. These scholarships must be taken up for the academic year 2012-2013.

These scholarships are open to all students (regardless of their nationality or birthplace) currently registered at an Irish or Northern Irish University or Dublin Institute of Technology (or those who have graduated from such an institution within the past five years).

The scheme is also open to Irish or Northern Irish-born students currently registered at (or who have graduated, within the past five years from) a British University (ie a University in England, Scotland or Wales) who wish to relocate to the Irish jurisdiction they were not born in to undertake a Master's, or the first year of a PhD programme

The closing date for applications is Friday 25th May 2012 (5pm).