The MSc Government and Politics at University College Cork is an interdisciplinary taught master’s programme designed for graduates seeking to build expertise for careers in public policy environments. This programme delves into the complexities of modern governance, examining issues from democratic theory and regulatory reform to international relations and contemporary policy debates. You will explore political reform within the Irish context, the changing dynamics of European governance, and the challenges facing democracy and human rights globally. This course is ideal for students with a background in social science, arts, commerce, or law who are eager to understand and influence the forces shaping our daily lives.
Studied full-time on campus over one year, you will engage with core modules such as European Democracy, Citizenship, Memory and Identity, the EU Political System and Policies, and Political Science Research Methods. You will have the unique opportunity to choose between a traditional dissertation or a work-based dissertation, which includes a four-month placement in a national policy environment. This practical experience, alongside developing skills in policy analysis, research, and critical thinking, prepares you for roles in government, international organisations, and policy think tanks. You will graduate with enhanced analytical capabilities and valuable vocational experience.