M. Sc. in Politics and Public Policy

• M.Sc. Handbook 2012-2013 (PDF 128KB)

Overview

The objective of the course is to develop students’ knowledge of political processes and institutions in democracies and non-democracies around the world. The M.Sc. in Politics and Public Policy offers students a broad training in the main sub-fields of Political Science combined with a rigorous research training. The course examines both domestic and international politics and the interplay between the two and benefits.

The M.Sc. provides training in substantive topics relating to governance in the European Union, in addition to developing the research and technical skills needed to undertake independent political science research. It is ideal for those considering a career that deals with European and global issues.

The course offers students the opportunity to study in an international department with excellence in teaching and research.

The course is of twelve months duration, on a full time basis. Teaching starts in September and the M.Sc. concludes with the submission of a dissertation the following August.

The course offers a range of modules that will deepen students’ knowledge of both the policies that are agreed by governments and the political processes that underpin them. All modules are taught around a weekly seminar and assessed on the basis of assignments and exams.

After completing the taught component of the M.Sc. in Politics and Public Policy, students select their own research topic on which they write a 10,000 word dissertation. Students are supported in their research by the Dissertation Seminar, in which students present their work in progress and receive feedback. Each student is also paired with a member of staff who becomes their dissertation advisor.

Learning Outcomes

The M.Sc. in Politics and Public Policy develops students’ abilities to:

1. Analyse political processes and institutions in democracies and non-democracies around the world and explain the consequences of these processes and institutions for key aspects of governance.
2. Design and conduct their own research in Political Science using relevant social scientific theories and methods.
3. Communicate political research effectively to other researchers and wider audiences in a variety of forms.

Key Reasons to Study the M.Sc. in Politics and Public Policy

In addition to the Trinity College Dublin’s international standing, students undertake this course for a number of reasons including:

1. Students learn in small seminars. Most of the Department’s M.Sc. seminars have fewer than 20 students. We have welcomed students from across Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia. The Department intends to keep this small size and diversity in the coming years.
2. The course prepares students for a range of careers dealing with national and international issues. This includes students who wish to pursue careers in the public and private sectors, European Union institutions, non-governmental organisations and the media. The course is also suitable for students who wish to progress to doctoral research.
3. The Department is an internationally recognized centre of excellence for research in Political Science. Our students learn in close contact with lecturers and professors who are at the forefront of research in their subject areas. All national and international comparisons of research impact place Trinity’s Department of Political Science far above other Irish universities and on a par with the best Political Science departments in Europe and the rest of the world.

Enquiries

Enquiries may be directed to the Director of M.Sc. in Politics and Public Policy, Dr Tim Hicks. We strongly advise that you read the page on frequently asked questions before contacting the course director.