M. Sc. in Political Science

Overview--

The M.Sc. in Political Science offers students a broad training in the main sub-fields of Political Science combined with a rigorous research training. The course includes modules on public opinion, government institutions and policymaking. The M.Sc. examines both domestic and international politics and the interplay between the two. The course covers the Department’s research strengths in the areas of European governance and EU politics, as well as politics in other regions and international organizations.

The M.Sc. in Political Science 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.

In addition to the international standing of Trinity College, there are three main reasons why students choose to study for an M.Sc. in Political Science at Trinity:

1. Students learn in small seminars. Most of the Department’s M.Sc. seminars have twenty or fewer 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. Reflections from M.Sc. alumni can be found on the alumni profile page and thesis topics are listed on the M. Sc. graduates page.
   
   
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. See our website for details.

Enquiries

Enquiries may be directed to the Director of M.Sc. in Political Science, Dr Robert Thomson. You are advised to please read the frequently asked questions before contacting the course director.